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.

Acute ankle injuries: association between sprain severity and ancillary findings.

Miranda et al. reported a correlation between the significance of injuries to osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous tissues in participants with low-grade versus high-grade acute ankle sprains. They demonstrated that participants with high-grade ankle sprains presented with shorter calcaneonavicular distances and increased rates of structural abnormalities compared to those with low-grade sprains. Special attention should be paid to acute ankle sprains in emergency settings to avoid failure in detecting severe injuries that could lead to chronic pain, impairment, or instability. Participants presenting acute ankle sprains (<15 days) were divided into low-grade versus high-grade sprain,according to the presence of a complete tear in at least one component of lateral ligament complex. High-grade ankle sprains group presented increased rates of medial malleolus bone bruise, deltoid ligament tears,extensor retinaculum lesions, and articular effusion. The calcaneonavicular distance was statistically shorter in patients with high-grade sprains (median, 3.0mm) when compared to those with low-grade sprains (median, 4.0mm) Objective: To correlate the significance of osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous injuries with anatomical variations in low-grade versus high-grade acute ankle sprains. METHODS: We retrospectively identified the magnetic resonance imaging findings of acute ankle sprains (<15 days). Participants with a history of previous sprains, arthritis, tumors, infections, or inflammatory conditions were excluded. Images were independently evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists and assessed for osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous injuries and anatomical variations. Participants were divided into low-grade versus high-grade sprain groups, according to the presence of a complete tear in at least one component of the lateral ligament complex. RESULTS: The final study group comprised 100 magnetic resonance images (mean age, 36 years), the majority of males (54%), the right ankle (52%), and a mean sprain duration of 5 days. Participants with high-grade sprains presented with increased rates of medial malleolus edema (p<0.001), moderate and large articular effusions (p=0.041), and shorter calcaneonavicular distance (p=0.008). Complete tears of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligaments were observed in 100% and 51.2% of the participants in the High-Grade Group, respectively. The deltoid ligament complex was partially torn in this group (55.8% versus 8.8%, p<0.001). Extensor tendon retinaculum lesions occurred significantly more frequently in this group (41.9%) compared to the overall study population (23%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Participants with high-grade ankle sprains presented with shorter calcaneonavicular distances and increased rates of medial malleolus edema, deltoid complex partial tears, extensor retinaculum lesions, and articular effusion.

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.

Acute ankle injuries: association between sprain severity and ancillary findings

ABSTRACT Objective To correlate the significance of osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous injuries with anatomical variations in low-grade versus high-grade acute ankle sprains. Methods We retrospectively identified the magnetic resonance imaging findings of acute ankle sprains (<15 days). Participants with a history of previous sprains, arthritis, tumors, infections, or inflammatory conditions were excluded. Images were independently evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists and assessed for osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous injuries and anatomical variations. Participants were divided into low-grade versus high-grade sprain groups, according to the presence of a complete tear in at least one component of the lateral ligament complex. Results The final study group comprised 100 magnetic resonance images (mean age, 36 years), the majority of males (54%), the right ankle (52%), and a mean sprain duration of 5 days. Participants with high-grade sprains presented with increased rates of medial malleolus edema (p<0.001), moderate and large articular effusions (p=0.041), and shorter calcaneonavicular distance (p=0.008). Complete tears of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligaments were observed in 100% and 51.2% of the participants in the High-Grade Group, respectively. The deltoid ligament complex was partially torn in this group (55.8% versus 8.8%, p<0.001). Extensor tendon retinaculum lesions occurred significantly more frequently in this group (41.9%) compared to the overall study population (23%) (p<0.001). Conclusion Participants with high-grade ankle sprains presented with shorter calcaneonavicular distances and increased rates of medial malleolus edema, deltoid complex partial tears, extensor retinaculum lesions, and articular effusion.

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.

Correlation of first metatarsal sagittal alignment with clinical and functional outcomes following the Lapidus procedure.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the variation of the first metatarsal (M1) sagittal alignment after the Lapidus procedure (LP) on clinical and functional outcomes, and transfer metatarsalgia. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients who underwent a LP, with a mean follow-up of 20 months, were reviewed. Radiographic, clinical and functional measurements were compared. Clinical and functional questionnaires applied were the visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and SF-12, which is divided in physical (PCS-12) and mental-health (MCS-12) scales. Radiographic analysis of M1 sagittal alignment was based on the first metatarsal declination angle (FMDA) and Meary Angle (MA). Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were also measured. RESULTS: FMDA, IMA and HVA showed significant variation, but MA did not. Clinical and functional improvements were observed, except in MCS-12. No patient developed transfer metatarsalgia. A direct correlation was found between Δ-FMDA with Δ-PCS-12 and Δ-LEFS, meaning that excessive M1 dorsiflexion as measured by FMDA led to a decrease in PCS-12 and LEFS. Patients with Δ-FMDA of up to 3.2° of dorsiflexion were those who had significant improvements. CONCLUSION: Dorsiflexion of M1 can lead to decreased outcomes as measured by PCS-12 and LEFS. However, satisfactory outcomes can be obtained even with some dorsal deviation of the M1. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Is first metatarsal shortening correlated with clinical and functional outcomes following the Lapidus procedure?

OBJECTIVE: To correlate first metatarsal (M1) shortening with transfer metatarsalgia, and clinical and functional outcomes in patients who underwent the Lapidus procedure (LP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 29 patients who were submitted to the LP for HV correction. The average follow-up was 20 months. M1 length was analyzed using the Relative First Metatarsal Length (RML) measurement. Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were also measured. Clinical and functional analyses were based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and Short-form 12 (SF-12) health survey. SF-12 is divided into physical (PCS-12) and mental health (MCS-12) composite scales. Transfer metatarsalgia was diagnosed by the clinical exam. Radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were compared using paired Wilcoxon's and Student's t tests. Inter-observer reliability of RML measures was calculated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The correlation between RML and the clinical and functional questionnaires was assessed with the Spearman's Rho test. RESULTS: There was a significant M1 shortening of 2.3 mm (p < 0.05), with mean preoperative RML of 3 mm and mean post-operative of 5.3 mm. None of the patients evolved with transfer metatarsalgia. ICC of the RML measures presented excellent reliability. IMA and HVA showed improvements (p < 0.05). Clinical and functional improvements were observed in all questionnaires applied, except in the MCS-12. In the linear regression, RML was inversely correlated to LEFS (p < 0.05), which means that LEFS scores increased as RML measurements decreased. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that M1 shortening led to a decreased LEFS following the LP.

Deltoid ligament arthroscopic repair in ankle fractures: Case series.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis and treatment of ankle medial ligament lesions in malleolar fractures has always been a matter of controversy. Even when deltoid involvement is clear, the direct repair of this structure is not a consensus. Recently, deltoid repair through an arthroscopic technique was described aiming to potentialize better clinical results and minimize complications. OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate safety and functional results on patients with ankle fractures submitted to open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic deltoid repair. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in patients diagnosed with ankle fractures associated with acute deltoid injuries submitted to open malleolar fixation and deltoid arthroscopic repair between June 2016 and January 2020. All patients were evaluated for pain and functionality according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) at a minimum of 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: From January 2016 to January 2020, 20 ankles with fractures or dislocations were operated and the deltoid ligament rupture was repaired arthroscopically. A mean follow-up of 14.45 months (6-48) was observed, and patients presented an average AOFAS of 93.5 (SD 7.25) and a VAS of 0.75 (SD 1.05). Three minor complications were noticed and no signs of medial chronic instability, loss of reduction or osteoarthritis were observed. DISCUSSION: The repair of the deltoid complex and the low morbidity of the arthroscopic technique used may improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. Additional studies, with a prospective and comparative methodology are required to sustain this proposal. DESIGN: Level IV. Retrospective case series.

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.

Medial and Lateral Combined Ligament Arthroscopic Repair for Multidirectional Ankle Instability.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of ankle sprains in the population produces a significant number of patients with lateral instability. Persistence of this condition may lead to the progressive involvement of medial structures, causing a multidirectional rotational instability. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with patients diagnosed with multidirectional instability who underwent ankle arthroscopy with medial (arthroscopic tensioning) and lateral repair (arthroscopic Bröstrom) between January 2018 and January 2020. All patients were evaluated for pain and function according to the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Score at a mean of 14.8 months (5-27 months) in follow-up. A total of 30 ankles (29 patients) were included in the study. RESULTS: The AOFAS score increase from a 49.7 (CI 5.8) to a 91.9 (CI 2.4) mean (P = .001) and was followed by significant improvement in the mean VAS score (6.8, CI 0.37-0.95, CI 0.31). The majority of patients had associated procedures (53.3%), and a low complication rate was found (16.6%). CONCLUSION: Combined medial and lateral arthroscopic repair might be an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of multidirectional instability. Inclusion of the deltoid ligament complex and the low invasiveness of the arthroscopic technique may improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Comparative CT with stress manoeuvres for diagnosing distal isolated tibiofibular syndesmotic injury in acute ankle sprain: a protocol for an accuracy- test prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Although several imaging options are available for diagnosing syndesmotic injury, a fundamental question that guides treatment remains unanswered. Syndesmotic instability is still challenging to diagnose correctly, and syndesmotic disruption and true syndesmotic instability should be differentiated. Currently, imaging tests quickly diagnose severe syndesmotic instability but have difficulty in diagnosing mild and moderate cases. This study aims to investigate which strategy among an existing CT index test and two new add-on CT index tests with stress manoeuvres more accurately diagnoses syndesmotic instability. The secondary objective is to investigate the participants' disability outcomes by applying the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This study of a diagnostic accuracy test will consecutively select individuals older than 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of a suspected acute syndesmotic injury. Three strategies of the CT index test (one in the neutral position and two with stress) will examine the accuracy using MRI as the reference standard. The external rotation and dorsiflexion of the ankle will guide the stress manoeuvres. A comparison of measurements between the injured syndesmosis and the uninjured contralateral side of the same individual will investigate the syndesmotic instability, by evaluating the rotational and translational relationships between the fibula and tibia. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and likelihood analyses will compare the diagnostic accuracies of the strategies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Internal Review Board and the Einstein Ethics Committee approved this study (registered number 62100016.5.0000.0071). All participants will receive an oral description of the study's aim, and the choice to participate will be free and voluntary. Participants will be enrolled after they sign the written informed consent form, including the terms of confidentiality. The results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04095598; preresults).

Intra-articular Transcalcaneal Fracture-Dislocation Associated With Ipsilateral Transtalar Fracture: A Report of a Rare Combination.

The association of ipsilateral talar and calcaneal fractures is an uncommon combination and is typically the result of a high-energy trauma. It is often associated with comminution, marked fracture displacement, and soft-tissue compromise. Obtaining satisfactory clinical and radiographic results is very challenging. Residual deformities, multiple procedures, and limitations are usually the norm. Therefore, studies have suggested that primary arthrodesis may represent the best option of surgical treatment. In this study, we report a case of a 30-year-old male patient with a rare combination of a highly comminuted transcalcaneal fracture-dislocation associated with a talar neck fracture successfully treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with an 18-month follow-up. This case demonstrates that even when there are associated fractures of the talus and calcaneus with severe bone loss, ORIF may provide satisfactory outcomes in the short-term postoperative period.Levels of Evidence: Level V: Case report.

Minimally invasive tenodesis for peroneus longus tendon rupture: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Peroneal tendon disorders are common causes of lateral hindfoot pain. However, total rupture of the peroneal longus tendon is rare. Surgical treatment for this condition is usually a side-to-side tenodesis of the peroneal longus tendon to the peroneal brevis tendon. While the traditional procedure involves a long lateral curved incision, this approach is associated with damage to the lateral soft tissues (up to 24% incidence). CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old female had developed pain at the lateral aspect of the hindfoot 1 mo after an ankle sprain while walking in the street. Previous treatments were anti-inflammatory drugs, ice, rest and Cam-walker boot. At physical exam, there was pain and swelling over the course of the peroneal tendons. Ankle instability and cavovarus foot deformity were ruled out. Eversion strength was weak (4/5). Imaging showed complete rupture of the peroneal longus tendon associated with a sharp hypertrophic peroneal tubercle. Surgical repair was indicated after failure of conservative treatment (physiotherapy, rest, analgesics, and ankle stabilizer). A less invasive approach was performed for peroneal longus tendon debridement and side-to-side tenodesis to the adjacent peroneal brevis tendon, with successful clinical and functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Peroneus longus tendon tenodesis can be performed through a less invasive approach with preservation of the lateral soft tissue integrity.