Ankle instability in pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with lateral malleolus avulsion fracture: Analysis of clinical and functional outcomes of ligament injury repair surgery.

BACKGROUND: Some children and adolescents can develop persistent pain and instability following inversion injuries of the ankle. In these cases, imaging exams could reveal small bone fragments distal to the lateral malleolus. For these patients, regular conservative treatment may not be successful, requiring additional management, which can include surgical treatment. This study aimed to present the short-to-midterm functional and clinical outcomes of a series of 12 pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent ligament repair surgery due to chronic instability associated with the presence of osseous components in the lateral ligaments. METHODS: A review of 12 patients treated with surgical ligament reconstruction of the ankle was evaluated. Clinical and functional evaluations were based on comparing the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, and residual symptoms before and after the surgical intervention. RESULTS: Before the reconstructive approach, the mean VAS was 2.41 and the mean AOFAS score was 74.16. After the procedure, the standard VAS declined to zero, and the AOFAS score was 100 in all patients. The mean follow-up was 6.33 months. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach in children and adolescents with symptomatic ankle instability due to the presence of osseous fragments after an initial inversion trauma provided adequate clinical and functional results at short-to-midterm follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Functional outcomes and rates of return to sport activities in a non-athlete population after the open Brostrom-Gould repair: a seven-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: After an ankle sprain, up to 20% of patients may develop chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) requiring surgical treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the functional outcomes and rates of return to sport activities in a cohort of non-athlete patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) who underwent the opened Brostrom-Gould technique (BGT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients (seventy-nine feet) from three different centers undergoing BGT were reviewed. For clinical and functional analysis, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was applied and rates of return to sport activities were assessed. Correlation of Δ-AOFAS and rates of return to sport activities with all variables analyzed was performed. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS score improved from 64.6 to 97.2 (p < 0.001). Sixty-one (77.2%) returned to preinjury activities and 18 (22.8%) changed to a lower-level modality. Symptoms of instability were related to Δ-AOFAS (p = 0.020). Change in the sport activity was related to pain and symptoms of instability (p = 0.41 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recreational athlete patients who underwent the BGT demonstrated excellent functional outcomes after a mean follow-up of 7 years. Residual pain and symptoms of instability after surgery were the main complaints associated with limitations in physical activities.

Is there a tolerance for extension of the first metatarsal after the Lapidus procedure? A clinical, functional, and hindfoot radiographic analysis.

PURPOSE: Based on the tripod concept of load distribution, our study aimed to evaluate whether a slight extension of first metatarsal (M1) that may occur after the Lapidus procedure (LP) could alter the radiographic measurements of the hindfoot and influence clinical and functional outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (27 feet) were reviewed. Hindfoot radiographic analysis was based on seven measurements. Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated with self-reported questionnaires. Transfer metatarsalgia was also assessed. Correlation analysis was performed according to variations of the studied variables. RESULTS: The average extension of the M1 was 4.26 degrees (p < 0.001). None of the hindfoot radiographic measurements changed significantly (p = 0.13, p = 0.50, p = 0.19, p = 0.70, p = 0.11, p = 0.36, p = 0.83). Patients improved on most questionnaires (p < 0.001). None presented transfer metatarsalgia. No correlation between M1 extension and clinical and functional outcomes was found. CONCLUSION: Possibly there is a tolerance of M1 extension in which it does not alter the radiographic measurements of the hindfoot, overload the lesser metatarsals, or compromise clinical and functional outcomes.

Subungual Glomus Tumor of the Hallux A Report of 4 Cases.

This study reports the clinical outcomes and evolution of 4 patients with subungual glomus tumor (GT) of the hallux treated with tumor excision. Preoperatively, all patients had pain of intensity 9 or 10. Three were sensitive to cold and had stabbing pain, and one reported pulsatile pain. No patient presented nail alterations. There were no bone alterations on radiographic images and diagnostic suspicion of GT was supported by magnetic resonance images. Surgical treatment was indicated due to severe pain and functional limitation. The GT excision was performed by removing the nail through an L-shaped incision in the nail bed. After surgery, they all showed clinical improvement with return to previous activities and had no difficulty in wearing regular shoes. Three patients were pain-free and one had occasional stabbing pain of intensity 2. Half of them had nail changes. There has been no recurrence so far. Thus, we found that resection of subungual GT of the hallux was effective for the clinical improvement of patients.Level of Evidence: IV, case reports.

A comparative analysis of clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of patients with and without fusion between the first and second metatarsals after the lapidus procedure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes in patients who underwent the original Lapidus procedure (OLP) with fusion and undesired non-fusion between the first (M1) and second (M2) metatarsals. METHODS: A retrospective and comparative analysis of 29 patients (38 feet) who underwent the OLP was performed. They were divided in two groups: (1) 23 feet in which fusion occurred and (2) 15 with undesired non-fusion. Clinical and functional data were assessed with the VAS for pain, AOFAS, LEFS and SF-12. SF-12 comprises physical and mental health scales (PCS-12 and MCS-12). Radiographic parameters assessed were bony and soft tissue forefoot widths (BSFW), intermetatarsal-angle (IMA) and HV-angle (HVA). RESULTS: Separately, the groups presented significant improvements in all questionnaires (p < 0.001), except on MCS-12 (fusion p = 0.08 and non-fusion p = 0.27). When comparing both groups, patients with fusion had higher AOFAS scores (p < 0.05). Both groups presented the same improvements on BSFW, IMA and HVA (p = 0.09, p = 0.16, p = 0.52 and p = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Excellent results were observed, even when without fusion between M1 and M2. Patients who evolved with fusion between the M1 and M2 showed greater improvements in the AOFAS score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Impact of forefoot width variation on clinical and functional outcomes following the Lapidus procedure.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of variations in bony and soft tissue foot widths on clinical and functional outcomes after hallux valgus correction with the Lapidus procedure. METHODS: Forty-three feet in 35 patients with a mean follow-up of 18.5 months undergoing the LP were reviewed. Clinical and functional data were assessed with the VAS for pain, AOFAS Scale, LEFS and SF-12 health survey, which is divided into physical and mental health composite scales (PCS-12 and MCS-12). Radiographic analysis of forefoot width was based on bony and soft tissue limits. Intermetatarsal-angle and HV-angle were also assessed. RESULTS: Bony width changed significantly from 95.5 mm to 84.2 mm (11.8%) and soft tissue width from 107.12 mm to 100.84 mm (5.86%) (p < 0.001). IMA and HVA improved significantly. Significant clinical and functional improvements were observed, except in MCS-12. In simple linear regression, correlation was found between variations of bony width with Δ-AOFAS and Δ-PCS-12, meaning that as the forefoot narrows, their values increase (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively). It was also related to Δ-IMA, meaning that the forefoot narrows as these parameters improve (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Soft tissue width was related to Δ-PCS-12 and Δ-AIM. In multiple linear regression, the strongest correlation was between bony width variation and Δ-IMA (p = 0.029, r2 = 0.22). CONCLUSION: Forefoot narrowing was correlated with improved clinical and functional outcomes, as measured by AOFAS and PCS-12. In addition, correction of the radiographic parameters, mainly IMA, reflected on a significant decrease in the forefoot width.

Intraoperative Technical Tips to Improve Fusion Between the First and Second Metatarsals in the Original Lapidus Procedure.

The modified Lapidus procedure (MLP), which consists of fusion between the first metatarsal (M1) and medial cuneiform, has been widely performed with satisfactory clinical outcomes, but it has a variable nonunion rate ranging between 4% and 10% and loss of correction in up to 5.8% of the cases. Excessive motion around the site of tarsometatarsal arthrodesis, specially at the intercuneiform joint, is probably the reason. The original Lapidus procedure (OLP), which includes fusion of the M1 to second metatarsal (M2), may be beneficial in preventing nonunion and recurrence. The objective of this study was to describe intraoperative technical tips in the OLP to improve M1 to M2 fusion, which may prevent complications. Since the Lapidus procedure continues to gain popularity, it is the authors opinion that the OLP requires special attention because it is a more technically demanding surgery compared to the MLP.Level of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion.

Treatment of Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury Associated with Ankle Fractures with Suture Button.

Objective To evaluate the results obtained from the surgical treatment of malleolar ankle fractures associated with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS) injury submitted to conventional surgical procedure for fracture fixation and DTFS fixation by suture button (SB). Methods Forty-nine patients were retrospectively evaluated, with a mean age of 45 years old and a mean follow-up of 34.1 months. Clinical and functional evaluation was based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and on the American Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) for ankle and hindfoot, return to routine activities, and return to sport. Results The postoperative mean AOFAS and VAS were, respectively, 97.06 (confidence interval [CI 95%: 95.31-98.81] and 0.16 [CI 95% 0,04 - 0,29]. All patients returned to previous daily activities, and only 12 showed some residual symptom. There was no postoperative instability in any patient. Forty-six patients returned to sports activities and, of these, only 1 did not return to the level prior to the injury. Only two patients presented SB-related alterations. There was no report of dissatisfaction. Conclusion In malleolar fractures of the ankle with DTFS injury, the fixation of syndesmosis with SB demonstrated excellent postoperative results. Level of Evidence IV, retrospective case series.

Treatment of Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury Associated with Ankle Fractures with Suture Button / Tratamento da lesão da sindesmose tibiofibular distal associada às fraturas do tornozelo com suture button

Abstract Objective To evaluate the results obtained from the surgical treatment of malleolar ankle fractures associated with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS) injury submitted to conventional surgical procedure for fracture fixation and DTFS fixation by suture button (SB). Methods Forty-nine patients were retrospectively evaluated, with a mean age of 45 years old and a mean follow-up of 34.1 months. Clinical and functional evaluation was based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and on the American Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) for ankle and hindfoot, return to routine activities, and return to sport. Results The postoperative mean AOFAS and VAS were, respectively, 97.06 (confidence interval [CI 95%: 95.31-98.81] and 0.16 [CI 95% 0,04 - 0,29]. All patients returned to previous daily activities, and only 12 showed some residual symptom. There was no postoperative instability in any patient. Forty-six patients returned to sports activities and, of these, only 1 did not return to the level prior to the injury. Only two patients presented SB-related alterations. There was no report of dissatisfaction. Conclusion In malleolar fractures of the ankle with DTFS injury, the fixation of syndesmosis with SB demonstrated excellent postoperative results. Level of Evidence IV, retrospective case series.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados obtidos do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas maleolares do tornozelo associadas a lesão da sindesmose tibiofibular distal (STFD) submetidas a procedimento cirúrgico convencional de fixação da fratura e fixação da STFD pelo suture button (SB). Métodos Avaliou-se retrospectivamente 49 pacientes com uma média de idade de 45 anos e seguimento médio de 34,1 meses. A avaliação clínica e funcional foi baseada na escala visual analógica (EVA) e na escala American Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS, na sigla em inglês) para tornozelo e retropé, retorno às atividades da rotina e retorno ao esporte. Resultados As médias pós-operatórias das escalas AOFAS e EVA foram, respectivamente, 97,06 (índice de confiança [IC 95%: 95,31 - 98,81] e 0,16 [IC 95% 0,04 - 0,29]. Todos os pacientes retornaram às atividades prévias do cotidiano, sendo que apenas 12 apresentaram algum sintoma residual. Não se verificou instabilidade pós-operatória em nenhum paciente. Ao todo, 46 pacientes retornaram às atividades desportivas e, destes, apenas 1 não retornou ao nível prévio à lesão. Apenas dois pacientes apresentaram alterações relacionadas ao SB. Não houve relato de insatisfação. Conclusão Em fraturas maleolares do tornozelo com lesão da STFD, a fixação da sindesmose com o SB demonstrou excelentes resultados pós-operatórios. Nível de Evidência IV, série de casos retrospectiva.

Clinical outcomes of isolated acute instability of the syndesmosis treated with arthroscopy and percutaneous suture-button fixation.

INTRODUCTION: To present the short- to midterm clinical outcomes of a series of patients with isolated acute syndesmosis instability treated with arthroscopy and percutaneous suture-button fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of 17 patients treated through the arthroscopic approach. The mean age of the patients was 27.8 years and the mean follow-up was 31.5 months. Clinical and functional evaluations were based on the VAS, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and time of return to preinjury level of activities. Imaging analysis was performed with stress radiographs, MRI and CT scan with stress. RESULTS: The average VAS was 0.5 and the mean AOFAS score was 95.5. Out of the 17 patients, 15 were able to return to their preinjury level of activities. The mean time of return to activities was 5.06 months. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic approach and percutaneous suture-button fixation provided satisfactory clinical and functional results for selected patients with ASI at short- to midterm follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Management of the Tarsometatarsal Joint in the Rotational Correction of Hallux Valgus by the Modified Lapidus Procedure: Intraoperative Technical Tips to Prevent Complications.

The modified Lapidus procedure is considered a useful tool for correction of multiplanar deformities in the hallux valgus, including first metatarsal pronation. It offers a greater power of correction compared to most other osteotomies. However, postoperative complications can occur in up to 12% of cases. The aim of this study was to describe intraoperative technical tips in the management of the tarsometatarsal joint during multiplanar correction of severe hallux valgus deformity using the modified Lapidus procedure. It is not the authors' intention to describe a new technique, but to draw attention to intraoperative details in order to prevent complications as nonunion, extension of the first metatarsal and undercorrection of the deformity. Rotational correction of the first metatarsal with adequate bone coaptation of the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform are the cornerstone for a satisfactory result.Levels of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

A comparative, prospective, and randomized study of two conservative treatment protocols for first-episode lateral ankle ligament injuries.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate functional results, the amount of time that patients missed from regular working activities, and the incidence of residual mechanical ankle instability following conservative treatment of a first episode of severe lateral ankle ligament sprain (with articular instability). METHODS: This prospective and randomized study included 186 patients with severe lateral ankle ligament injuries, who were randomly assigned into 2 conservative treatment groups. In group A, participants were treated with a walking boot with weight-bearing allowed, pain management, ice, and elevation with restricted joint mobilization for 3 weeks. In group B, patients were treated with a functional brace for 3 weeks. After this period, patients from both groups were placed in a short, functional brace for an additional 3 weeks, during which they also started a rehabilitation program. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in pain intensity score between the 2 groups; however, functional evaluations based on the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score system showed a statistically significant improvement in the group treated with the functional brace. In addition, the average recovery period necessary for patients of group B to resume their duties was shorter than that for patients in group A. No significant difference was detected in residual mechanical ankle instability between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe lateral ankle ligament lesions treated with a functional brace were shown to exhibit somewhat better results than those treated with a walking boot, and both methods presented a very low incidence of residual chronic instability. We found adequate conservative treatment was sufficient to reestablish ankle stability and that functional treatment had a marginally better clinical short-term outcome with a shorter average recovery period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, prospective randomized study.

Mechanical instability after acute ankle ligament injury: randomized prospective comparison of two forms of conservative treatment / Instabilidade mecanica pos-lesão ligamentar aguda do tornozelo. Comparacao prospectiva e randomizada de duas formas de tratamento conservador

OBJECTIVE: This trial has the objective to investigate the incidence of mechanical ankle instability after the conservative treatment of first episode, severe ankle ligamentar lesions. This common lesion affects young, professional and physical active patients, causing important personal and economic consequences. There are difficulties related to adequate diagnosis and treatment for these lesions. METHOD: 186 patients with severe ankle ligament lesions were included in this trial. They were randomized in two treatment options. In group A patients were treated using ankle long orthoosis, weight bearing allowed as confortable, pain care, ice, elevation with restricted joint mobilization for three weeks. After that they were maintained in short, functional orthosis (air cast), starting the reabilitation program. In group B patients were immobilized using a functional orthosis (air cast), following the same other sequences that patients in group A. RESULTS: We did not find significant differences in relation to the residual mechanical ankle instability between both groups. We did not find differences in the intensity of pain, but the functional evaluation using AOFAS score system showed better results in the functional treatment group. CONCLUSION: The functional treatment (Group B) had better AOFAS score and few days off their professional activities, comparing with patients treated with rigid orthosis (Group A), without increased chance in developing ankle mechanical instability. .

OBJETIVO: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a avaliação da incidência da instabilidade articular mecânica resultante do tratamento conservador de lesões ligamentares agudas graves do tornozelo em pacientes sem antecedentes de traumas nessa articulação. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo 186 pacientes portadores de lesão ligamentar aguda grave do tornozelo. A amostra foi randomizada em dois grupos de tratamento. Os pacientes incluídos no grupo A foram tratados com imobilização suropodálica imediata, carga permitida conforme tolerado, analgesia, gelo, elevação e mobilização leve da articulação do tornozelo por três semanas. Em seguida os pacientes foram imobilizados com ortese curta funcional (tipo air cast esportivo) e encaminhados para programa de reabilitação fisioterápica. No grupo B os pacientes foram imobilizados no primeiro atendimento com ortese curta funcional, carga permitida conforme tolerado, analgesia, gelo, elevação e mobilização leve da articulação por três semanas e em seguida encaminhados para programa de tratamento fisioterápico, como no outro grupo. RESULTADOS: Não encontramos diferença significativa com relação à evolução para instabilidade mecânica entre os grupos. Da mesma forma não houve diferença na incidência de dor, mas a avaliação por meio do método de pontuação da Associação Americana dos Cirurgiões de Pé e Tornozelo (AOFAS) mostrou melhores resultados nos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento funcional. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento funcional, grupo B, teve melhores resultados na escala de pontuação AOFAS, comparativamente ao grupo tratado com ortese rígida (Grupo A), sem haver maior chance de evolução para instabilidade ...

Mechanical instability after acute ankle ligament injury: randomized prospective comparison of two forms of conservative treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This trial has the objective to investigate the incidence of mechanical ankle instability after the conservative treatment of first episode, severe ankle ligamentar lesions. This common lesion affects young, professional and physical active patients, causing important personal and economic consequences. There are difficulties related to adequate diagnosis and treatment for these lesions. METHOD: 186 patients with severe ankle ligament lesions were included in this trial. They were randomized in two treatment options. In group A patients were treated using ankle long orthoosis, weight bearing allowed as confortable, pain care, ice, elevation with restricted joint mobilization for three weeks. After that they were maintained in short, functional orthosis (air cast), starting the reabilitation program. In group B patients were immobilized using a functional orthosis (air cast), following the same other sequences that patients in group A. RESULTS: We did not find significant differences in relation to the residual mechanical ankle instability between both groups. We did not find differences in the intensity of pain, but the functional evaluation using AOFAS score system showed better results in the functional treatment group. CONCLUSION: The functional treatment (Group B) had better AOFAS score and few days off their professional activities, comparing with patients treated with rigid orthosis (Group A), without increased chance in developing ankle mechanical instability.

OBJETIVO: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a avaliação da incidência da instabilidade articular mecânica resultante do tratamento conservador de lesões ligamentares agudas graves do tornozelo em pacientes sem antecedentes de traumas nessa articulação. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo 186 pacientes portadores de lesão ligamentar aguda grave do tornozelo. A amostra foi randomizada em dois grupos de tratamento. Os pacientes incluídos no grupo A foram tratados com imobilização suropodálica imediata, carga permitida conforme tolerado, analgesia, gelo, elevação e mobilização leve da articulação do tornozelo por três semanas. Em seguida os pacientes foram imobilizados com ortese curta funcional (tipo air cast esportivo) e encaminhados para programa de reabilitação fisioterápica. No grupo B os pacientes foram imobilizados no primeiro atendimento com ortese curta funcional, carga permitida conforme tolerado, analgesia, gelo, elevação e mobilização leve da articulação por três semanas e em seguida encaminhados para programa de tratamento fisioterápico, como no outro grupo. RESULTADOS: Não encontramos diferença significativa com relação à evolução para instabilidade mecânica entre os grupos. Da mesma forma não houve diferença na incidência de dor, mas a avaliação por meio do método de pontuação da Associação Americana dos Cirurgiões de Pé e Tornozelo (AOFAS) mostrou melhores resultados nos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento funcional. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento funcional, grupo B, teve melhores resultados na escala de pontuação AOFAS, comparativamente ao grupo tratado com ortese rígida (Grupo A), sem haver maior chance de evolução para instabilidade articular mecânica.