Lapidus Arthrodesis for Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare different fixation methods to achieve Tarsometatarsal joint I (TMT-1) arthrodesis in patients with hallux valgus regarding radiographic correction, complication profile, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis included primary literature results of evidence level 1 to 3 studies in German and English. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established and applied, along with parameters suitable for comparison of data. RESULTS: 16 studies with a total of 1176 participants met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Twelve evaluation criteria were compared among 3 fixation techniques; comprised of a screw-only, dorsomedial plating- and plantar plating cohort. There was no statistical difference in deformity correction (both intermetatarsal- and hallux valgus angle), or AOFAS score between the cohorts. The complication rate was 13% in the plantar-, 19.5% in the dorsomedial-, and 24.5% in the screw cohort. Nonunion was seen in 0.7% of participants in the plantar, 1.4% in the dorsomedial, and 5.3% in the screw group. The time until complete weightbearing correlated positively with the development of nonunion, with a coefficient of 0.376 (P = .009). Hardware removal was performed in 11.8% of patients in the dorsomedial cohort, 7.7% in the screw cohort, and 3.6% in the plantar cohort. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies, plantar plating facilitated early weightbearing and patient mobilization compared to the other fixation methods, while carrying the lowest nonunion, hardware removal, and general complication risk. However, owing to the relatively small number of patients in the plantar plating group, more work is necessary to elucidate the benefits of plantar plating for a first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis. Development of complications appears to be largely dependent on the fixation model, rather than patient mobilization alone.Level of Evidence: 3.

Effects of medical interventions on health-related quality of life in chronic disease - systematic review and meta-analysis of the 19 most common diagnoses.

Introduction: The demographic shift leads to a tremendous increase in age-related diseases, which are often chronic. Therefore, a focus of chronic disease management should be set on the maintenance or even improvement of the patients' quality of life (QoL). One indicator to objectively measure QoL is the EQ-5D questionnaire, which was validated in a disease- and world region-specific manner. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the QoL across the most frequent chronic diseases that utilized the EQ-5D and performed a disease-specific meta-analysis for treatment-dependent QoL improvement. Materials and methods: The most common chronic disease in Germany were identified by their ICD-10 codes, followed by a systematic literature review of these ICD-10 codes and the EQ-5D index values. Finally, out of 10,016 independently -screened studies by two persons, 538 studies were included in the systematic review and 216 studies in the meta-analysis, respectively. Results: We found significant medium to large effect sizes of treatment effects, i.e., effect size >0.5, in musculoskeletal conditions with the exception of fractures, for chronic depression and for stroke. The effect size did not differ significantly from zero for breast and lung cancer and were significantly negative for fractures. Conclusion: Our analysis showed a large variation between baseline and post-treatment scores on the EQ-5D health index, depending on the health condition. We found large gains in health-related quality of life mainly for interventions for musculoskeletal disease. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020150936, PROSPERO identifier CRD42020150936.

A systematic review of studies on the diagnostics and classification system used in surgically treated, acute, isolated, unstable syndesmotic injury: a plea for uniform definition of syndesmotic injuries.

Objective: To this day, diagnostic standards and uniform definition for acute, isolated syndesmotic injuries are missing. The aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic review of the classification systems and diagnostics currently applied and to propose a best evidence diagnostic approach. Methods: Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase were searched from inception to June 5, 2022, for studies reporting the outcome of surgically treated acute, isolated syndesmotic injuries. First, all classifications used in the eligible studies were identified and illustrated according to the individual syndesmotic structures injured. Second, the indication for surgery and stabilization, based on the diagnostics applied and the time point assessed (pre- or intra-operatively), was analyzed, including the applied cutoff criteria. Results: Ten out of 4190 studies, comprising 317 acute ligamentous syndesmotic injuries, met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies facilitated one of the three different classification systems (Calder, West Point, or Sikka classification). Eight studies based their indication for surgery on a combination of clinical and radiographic examinations and two on radiographs only. The most applied clinical tests were the external rotation stress test and squeeze test. The most common radiologic diagnostics were plain radiographs and MRI. Intraoperatively, instability was verified most commonly using arthroscopy. Conclusion: Current classifications and diagnostics for syndesmotic injuries are heterogeneous, often cannot be attributed to the ligaments injured. An evidence-based diagnostic algorithm based on noninvasive diagnostics and an anatomy-based classification for acute syndesmotic instability is presented.

Fracture pattern analysis of fractures to the diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal.

BACKGROUND: Fractures to the fifth's metatarsal (MT-V) diaphysis are common. These are inconsistently referred to as diaphyseal-, shaft-, or Dancer's fractures. A comprehensive analysis of the MT-V fracture morphology is missing. The aim was to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze fracture patterns of MT-V diaphyseal fractures. HYPOTHESIS: Fractures to the shaft of the fifth metatarsal feature specific fracture morphologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, radiologic database study. Included were all acute, isolated MT-V shaft fractures (including the proximal [Lawrence and Botte (L&B) III] and distal meta-diaphysis). Demographics and fracture characteristics were assessed. Each proximal fracture line was drawn, scaled, and a qualitative and quantitative fracture line analysis was conducted. The quantitative fracture line analysis aimed at identifying dens clusters with arbitrary shape using the DBSCAN algorithm. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. RESULTS: Out of 704 eligible MT-V fractures, 156 met the inclusion criteria. Patient's mean age was 46±19 years and 94% suffered a low energy trauma. Qualitative and quantitative fracture line analysis revealed three distinct fracture patterns. The proximal (30%) and distal (5%) meta-diaphyseal clusters showed a predominant transverse fracture pattern. The vast majority of diaphyseal fractures (56%) were spiral/oblique fractures, progressing from the proximal lateral meta-diaphyseal region in an oblique course at 61±9° to the medial distal diaphyseal cortex. Seven percent of diaphyseal fractures showed a transverse fracture pattern. DISCUSSION: Based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of all MT-V shaft fractures, three distinct fracture clusters were identified with homogeneous fracture patterns. MT-V shaft fractures should therefore be classified as proximal meta-diaphyseal (L&B Type III), diaphyseal (oblique or transverse) and distal meta-diaphyseal. LEVEL OF PROOF: IV; retrospective database study.

Recurrence rates for surgically treated insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a challenge for every orthopedic surgeon. Although surgical intervention is difficult to avoid after frustrating conservative therapy, little is known about recurrence of this disorder. Therefore the aim of the study was to assess the recurrence rate after primary IAT surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors previous published cohort on primary IAT surgery was reanalyzed. Patients with a follow-up Foot and Function Index (FFI) at one year and final follow-up were included. IAT recurrence was defined as a FFI worsening between one year and final follow-up of > 6.5 points. General demographics, surgical details, complications, and the patient reported outcome (PROM) were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 58 included patients (51 ± 14 years), 8 patients (14%) suffered IAT recurrence after an average of 50 ± 25 months. None of the assessed factors was predictive for an IAT recurrence. CONCLUSION: IAT recurrence after primary surgery occurs in up to 14% of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort study.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Posterior Malleolus Fragment in Ankle Fractures Improves the Patient-Rated Outcome: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment strategy for fractures to the posterior malleolus (PM) is still intensively debated. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the patient-rated outcome following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for fractures of the PM to either closed reduction using AP screws (CRIF) or no treatment in bi- or trimalleolar ankle fractures. METHODS: Systematic literature research (MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus, Central and EMBASE) according to the PICOS and PRISMA guidelines. Eligible were studies comparing the outcome following ORIF to any other treatment strategy for fractures to the posterior malleolus in isolated bi- or trimalleolar ankle fractures. RESULTS: Twelve studies were eligible for a qualitative analysis and 6 for a quantitative analysis. Overall, a considerable heterogeneity among the studies was observed. The most commonly used outcome score was the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS). The final follow-up ranged from 12 to 160 months. Four studies compared ORIF to CRIF of the PM. The quantitative analysis revealed significantly better AOFAS scores for ORIF (90.9 vs 83.4 points; P < .001; I2 = 0%). Three studies compared ORIF to untreated PM fragment. The quantitative analysis again revealed superior AOFAS scores for ORIF (92.0 vs 82.5 points; P < .001; I2 = 99%). A similar trend was observed for the Ankle Fracture Scoring System and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Questionnaire scores as well as the quality of reduction. CONCLUSION: Despite a considerable heterogeneity, the data available point to a superior outcome following ORIF for fractures to the PM when compared to CRIF or no treatment.

[Fractures of the talar neck and body : An overview]. / Frakturen des Talushalses und -Corpus : Eine Übersicht.

Fractures to the talar neck and talar body (central talar fractures) are rare injuries but often result in devastating outcomes. It is therefore important to diagnose these injuries early and provide the best possible treatment. The analysis, classification, and surgical planning of central talar fractures should be based on computed tomography (CT) imaging. In the case of dislocated fractures, surgeons must strive for an anatomic reduction and fixation. The approach routes are based on the fracture morphology and must enable adequate reduction of the fracture. This can often only be achieved by two or more approach routes. The outcome correlates with fracture complexity and the quality of the reduction. Complications such as avascular necrosis and posttraumatic osteoarthritis are common and have a negative effect on the results of the treatment.

Acute, isolated fractures of the metatarsal bones: an epidemiologic study.

INTRODUCTION: Although metatarsal fractures are common, the significance of previous epidemiologic studies is limited to specific fracture entities, subpopulations, or heterogeneous fracture aetiologies. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiology of isolated metatarsal fractures in an adult population at a level-1 trauma centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiological and clinical databases were searched for a five-year period. Eligible were all patients with acute isolated metatarsal fractures over the age of 18 years with radiographs in two planes available. Stress fractures, injuries affecting Lisfranc joint stability, and concomitant injuries to other regions than the metatarsals were excluded. Data collection included general demographics, mechanism of injury, season of the trauma and fracture details. RESULTS: Out of 3259 patients, 642 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included for the analysis. The patients' mean age was 44.5 ± 18.9 years, 50.6% were female. 83.3% suffered an isolated, 16.7% multiple metatarsal fractures. Single metatarsal fractures occurred predominantly at the fifth metatarsal bone (81.3%), their frequency decreased with increasing age, with a seasonal peak during the summer. Patients suffering multiple metatarsal fractures were significantly older (51.6 ± 21.2 vs. 43.0 ± 18.1 years; p < 0.001) and the injury resulted significantly more often from a high-energy trauma (6.7% vs. 23.4%; p < 0.001). Multiple metatarsal fractures occurred evenly throughout all metatarsals but revealed a focus on female population with no seasonal differences. CONCLUSION: Single metatarsal fractures predominantly occurred at the fifth metatarsal bone and showed a seasonal, gender and age dependency. Multiple metatarsal fractures were homogeneously distributed between the different metatarsals with distinct age-dependent gender differences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Rerupture and wound complications following Achilles tendon repair: A systematic review.

Despite the relatively high frequency of Achilles ruptures, there is no general consensus on the optimal treatment method. A general trend toward more patients being treated nonoperatively has emerged recently with the advent of functional rehabilitation. However, much of the recent data on this subject has been highly variable. This systematic review focused on Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) treatment outcomes, with a focus on rerupture and complication rates. This systematic review specifically focused on articles regarding ATR treatment that also included rerupture and complication rates. Treatments were divided into three categories: open minimally invasive, open standard, and nonoperative. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare complication and rerupture rates among pairs of treatment options, as well as between early weight bearing versus immobilization. There was significantly higher complications for minimally invasive compared to nonoperative treatment (risk ratio [RR] = 4.4154; p < 0.05), lower complication rates for minimally invasive compared to open treatment (RR = 0.3231; p < 0.05), and higher complications for open standard compared to nonoperative treatment (RR = 5.6350; p < 0.001). There were significantly lower rerupture rates in minimally invasive compared to nonoperative treatment (RR = 0.4085; p < 0.001), a significantly lower rerupture rate in nonoperative treatment compared to open treatment (RR = 0.2282; p < 0.001), and no significant difference in rerupture rates when comparing minimally invasive to open standard treatment. We found that operative treatment is associated with fewer reruptures and more complications than a nonoperative approach. Minimally invasive surgery appears to be associated with a lower rate of complications than open operative treatment.

Value of Intraoperative 3D Imaging on the Quality of Reduction of the Distal Tibiofibular Joint When Using a Suture-Button System.

BACKGROUND: The quality of reduction of the distal tibiofibular joint (DTFJ) has a major impact on the outcome. Novel suture-button systems as well as intraoperative 3D imaging can be applied to increase the quality of DTFJ reduction intraoperatively. The individual effect of either remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of intraoperative 3D imaging on the quality of reduction of the DTFJ when using a suture-button system. METHODS: Retrospective, radiographic study including adult patients who underwent surgical stabilization of the syndesmosis with a suture-button system for acute, unilateral, unstable syndesmotic injuries with postoperative bilateral CT imaging. The use of an intraoperative 3D scan was the individual surgeon's choice. Assessed was whether the intraoperative 3D imaging had an influence on the postoperative quality of DTFJ reduction and revision rates. These findings were put in perspective to the correction potential of the suture-button system. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients were included; 76 of these received an intraoperative 3D imaging. Neither the rate of formal malreduction (17% vs 17%) nor the postoperative revision rate (4% vs 3%) differed significantly between patients with or without intraoperative 3D imaging. Intraoperative 3D imaging revealed a false-negative rate of 14%. The intrinsic correction potential of the suture-button system reduced the number of formally malreduced DTFJs in both groups by 51%. CONCLUSION: The additional value of intraoperative 3D imaging to assess the quality of DTFJ reduction in our series did not improve syndesmotic reduction when using a flexible suture-button system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative cohort study.

Does Minimally Invasive Surgery Provide Better Clinical or Radiographic Outcomes Than Open Surgery in the Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is the most common foot deformity and affects 23% to 35% of the general population. More than 150 different techniques have been described for surgical correction. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the use of minimally invasive surgery to correct hallux valgus deformities. A variety of studies have been published with differing outcomes regarding minimally invasive surgery. However, most studies lack sufficient power and are small, making it difficult to draw adequate conclusions. A meta-analysis can therefore be helpful to evaluate and compare minimally invasive and open surgery. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled studies to answer the following question: Compared with open surgery, does minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus result in (1) improved American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and VAS scores for pain, (2) improved radiologic outcomes, (3) fewer complications, or (4) a shorter duration of surgery? METHODS: The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. A search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases on May 3, 2022. Studies were eligible if they were randomized controlled or prospective controlled studies that compared minimally invasive surgery and open surgery to treat patients with hallux valgus. We defined minimally invasive surgery as surgery performed through the smallest incision required to perform the procedure accurately, with an incision length of approximately 2 cm at maximum. Open surgery, on the other hand, involves a larger incision and direct visualization of deeper structures. Seven studies (395 feet), consisting of six randomized controlled studies and one prospective comparative study, were included in the qualitative and quantitative data synthesis. There were no differences between the minimally invasive and open surgery groups regarding age, gender, or severity of hallux valgus deformity. Each included study was assessed for the risk of bias using the second version of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials or by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for comparative studies. Most of the included studies had intermediate quality regarding the risk of bias. We excluded one study from our analysis because of its high risk of bias to avoid serious distortions in the meta-analysis. We performed a sensitivity analysis to confirm that our meta-analysis was robust by including only studies with a low risk of bias. The analyzed endpoints included the AOFAS score (range 0 to 100), where higher scores represent less pain and better function; the minimum clinically important difference on this scale was 29 points. In addition, the VAS score was analyzed, which is based on a pain rating scale (range 0 to 10), with higher scores representing greater pain. Radiologic outcomes included the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle. Complications were qualitatively assessed and evaluated for differences. A random-effects model was used if substantial heterogeneity (I 2 > 50%) was found; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used. RESULTS: We found no clinically important difference between minimally invasive and open surgery in terms of the AOFAS score (88 ± 7 versus 85 ± 8, respectively; mean difference 4 points [95% CI 1 to 6]; p < 0.01). There were no differences between the minimally invasive and open surgery groups in terms of VAS scores (0 ± 0 versus 0 ± 1, respectively; standardized mean difference 0 points [95% CI -1 to 0]; p = 0.08). There were no differences between the minimally invasive and open surgery groups in terms of the hallux valgus angle (12° ± 4° versus 12° ± 4°; mean difference 0 points [95% CI -2 to 2]; p = 0.76). Radiographic measurements of the intermetatarsal angle did not differ between the minimally invasive and open surgery groups (7° ± 2° versus 7° ± 2°; mean difference 0 points [95% CI -1 to 1]; p = 0.69). In addition, there were no differences between the minimally invasive and open surgery groups in terms of the distal metatarsal articular angle (7° ± 4° versus 8° ± 4°; mean difference -1 point [95% CI -4 to 2]; p = 0.28). The qualitative analysis revealed no difference in the frequency or severity of complications between the minimally invasive and the open surgery groups. The minimally invasive and open surgery groups did not differ in terms of the duration of surgery (28 ± 8 minutes versus 40 ± 10 minutes; mean difference -12 minutes [95% CI -25 to 1]; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that hallux valgus treated with minimally invasive surgery did not result in improved clinical or radiologic outcomes compared with open surgery. Methodologic shortcomings of the source studies in this meta-analysis likely inflated the apparent benefits of minimally invasive surgery, such that in reality it may be inferior to the traditional approach. Given the associated learning curves-during which patients may be harmed by surgeons who are gaining familiarity with a new technique-we are unable to recommend the minimally invasive approach over traditional approaches, in light of the absence of any clinically important benefits identified in this meta-analysis. Future research should ensure studies are methodologically robust using validated clinical and radiologic parameters, as well as patient-reported outcome measures, to assess the long-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgery.

Pedobarographic evaluation of five commonly used orthoses for the lower extremity.

INTRODUCTION: Orthoses are designed to achieve immobilization or off-loading of certain regions of the foot. Yet, their off-loading capacity for the specific regions has not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the plantar pressure distribution of five commonly applied orthoses for foot and ankle in a healthy population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five orthoses (postoperative shoe, forefoot relief shoe, short walker boot, high walker boot, and calcaneus fracture orthosis) were compared pedobarographically using insoles on a treadmill to a ready-made running shoe in eleven healthy subjects (median age 29 years). Peak pressure, maximum force, force-time integral, contact time, and contact area were evaluated separately for the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. RESULTS: The forefoot relief shoe, the short- and high walker boot significantly reduced the peak pressure at the forefoot with no significant differences between these orthoses. None of the five orthoses off-loaded the midfoot, but the calcaneus fracture orthosis and the short walker boot instead increased midfoot load. For the hindfoot, the calcaneus fracture orthosis was the only device to significantly reduce the peak pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate the specific off-loading capacities of different orthoses for specific foot regions in a healthy collective. The knowledge of absolute and relative load shifts for the different orthoses is of fundamental interest for targeted clinical decision-making of physicians.

Revision Surgery and Wound Complications with Minimally Invasive Compared to Open Achilles Tendon Repair: A Retrospective Comparative Study of 116 Patients.

The current study analyzed revision surgery rate and wound complications of patients with Achilles tendon ruptures that received either minimally invasive repair or open standard repair. A retrospective chart review of patients that had Achilles tendon repair performed using either an open or minimally invasive technique was conducted. Primary outcomes were revision surgery rate and wound complication rate. Twenty-nine (25.0%) patients had the minimally invasive approach, while 87 (75.0%) had the open approach. On average there were 0.16 additional surgeries per patient in the open group versus none in the minimally invasive group (p = 0.003). There were 13 wound-related complications, all of which were in the open group (p = 0.06). Revision surgery rates are significantly higher for patients treated with open Achilles repair versus those treated with a minimally invasive technique. Patients may benefit from a minimally invasive as opposed to open technique. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(3):173-176, 2023).

Rehabilitation following operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare re-rupture rates, complication rates, functional outcomes, as well as return to work (RTW)/sport (RTS) among different rehabilitation protocols following operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing at least two rehabilitation protocols following surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Rehabilitation protocols were classified as a variation of either non-weightbearing (NWB) or weightbearing (WB) and immobilization (IM) or mobilization (M). The data collection consisted of re-ruptures, complications, and RTW/RTS. Results: Out of 2760 studies screened, 20 RCTs with 1007 patients were eligible. Fourteen studies included a group consisting of WB + M (Group 1), 11 of WB + IM (Group 2), 3 of NWB + M (Group 3), and 13 of NWB + IM (Group 4). Outcome parameters available for a meta-analysis were re-ruptures, complications, RTW, and RTS. Re-ruptures overall occurred in 2.7%, with prevalences ranging between 0.04 and 0.08. Major complications occurred in 2.6%, with prevalences ranging between 0.02 and 0.03. Minor complications occurred in 11.8% with prevalances ranging between 0.04 to 0.17. Comparing the odds-ratios between the four different groups revealed no significant differences with overall favourable results for group 1 (WB+M). Conclusion: Early functional rehabilitation protocols with early ankle M and WB following surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures are safe and they apparently allow for a quicker RTW and RTS and seem to lead to favourable results.

Compensation of Dynamic Fixation Systems in the Quality of Reduction of Distal Tibiofibular Joint in Acute Syndesmotic Complex Injuries: A CT-Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing discussion on how to best stabilize syndesmotic injuries. Previous studies have indicated a better quality of reduction of the distal tibiofibular joint (DTFJ) for the suture button systems compared to syndesmotic screw fixation. Still, the reason for this superiority remains unclear. The aims of this retrospective study were to (1) analyze the deviation of the tibial and fibular drilling tunnels of the suture button system and (2) to compare these to the quality of reduction of the DTFJ assessed on bilateral postoperative CT images. METHODS: Included were all adult patients who underwent syndesmotic stabilization for an acute injury using a suture button system, with postoperative, bilateral CT imaging over a 10-year period. A total of 147 patients were eligible. Based on individually reconstructed axial CT slices, the postoperative quality of reduction of the DTFJs was rated on bilateral CT images. Furthermore, the rotation and translation of the suture button drilling tunnels were analyzed. Based on these measurements, the intraoperative reduction of the DTFJ was recalculated and again rated. Using these values, the correction potential of suture button systems on the reduction of the DTFJ was analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The drilling tunnel deviated considerably for both rotation |2.3±2.1 degrees| (range: |0.0-13.1 degrees|) and translation |0.9±0.8 mm| (range: |0-4.3 mm|). Based on the deviation of the drilling tunnels in fibula and tibia, the calculated intraoperative reduction of the DTFJ was classified as malreduced in 35.4%. (2) The DTFJ was postoperatively identified as malreduced in 17% of patients. Overall, the suture button system tended to compensate toward a more anatomical reduction both in the axial and sagittal plane. CONCLUSION: A suture button system postoperatively deviates and apparently has the capacity to compensate for intraoperative malreduction. Analysis of the drilling tunnels revealed that the use of a rigid fixation system would have doubled the postoperative malreduction rate.

Anatomical and biomechanical evaluation of the lateral calcaneo-cuboid and bifurcate ligaments.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the ligaments of the dorso-lateral calcaneo-cuboid joint and to assess the biomechanical relevance of the bifurcate ligament. METHODS: 16 specimens were analyzed for their ligamentous anatomy of the dorso-lateral calcaneo-cuboid joint and side-alternating assigned to two groups with varying ligamentous dissection order. The Chopart joint was stressed in plantar, medial, and lateral direction measuring the displacement by an 3D motion tracker for every dissection step. RESULTS: 37.5% of specimens had all ligaments (lateral calcaneo-cuboid, dorsal calcaneo-cuboid, bifurcate calcaneo-cuboid, bifurcate calcaneo-navicular), 37.5% were lacking bifurcate´s calcaneo-cuboid-portion, and 25% presented without dorsal calcaneo-cuboid. Biomechanical testing revealed no significant displacement within the calcaneo-cuboid or talo-navicular joint for any stressed state except for axial compression with dissected dorsal talo-navicular joint capsule in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Broad morphological variability and missing significant displacement regardless of its integrity, make the bifurcate ligament appear of limited biomechanical relevance.