Return to Sports Activity After Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus in Skeletally Immature Children.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are among the common sports-related injuries. However, there are few reports on the return to sports after OLT surgery in skeletally immature children. This study was performed to evaluate the return to sports after microfracture for OLTs in skeletally immature children. METHODS: This study involved 17 ankles of 16 patients (mean age, 13.2 years; range, 10-16 years) with open tibial epiphyses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who underwent microfracture for OLTs <10 mm in diameter and confirmation of lesion instability under arthroscopy. Nine of 17 ankles had additional lateral ankle ligament stabilization. All patients were participating in some form of sports. The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) score, Ankle Activity Score (AAS), return to sports rate, lesion size, grade of subchondral bone marrow edema, and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score on MRI were evaluated after microfracture. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 53.5 months. RESULTS: The mean JSSF score significantly improved from 76.1 points preoperatively to 94.9 points at the final follow-up (P < .01). The mean AAS showed no change from preoperative state to final follow-up. The return to sports rate was 100%. The lesion size significantly decreased from 76.3 to 56.7 mm2 in area (P = .02) and from 283.2 to 185.6 mm3 in volume (P = .05). The bone marrow edema grade decreased in 8 of 17 ankles. The total MOCART score showed a significant improvement from 6 months to 1 year postoperatively (P = .05). CONCLUSION: All skeletally immature children who underwent microfracture for OLTs in this study were able to return to sports activity and showed improvements in clinical scores and MRI parameters. Microfracture may be considered an effective first-line treatment for OLTs <10 mm in diameter in skeletally immature athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case-control study.

Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm for Freiberg Disease.

Freiberg disease is a type of osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head that predominantly occurs in young females and adolescents, although it may occur at any age. The pathophysiology is multifactorial and may involve trauma, altered foot biomechanics, systemic disorders, and arterial insufficiency. The most typical location is the second metatarsal head, but Freiberg disease may also occur in other lesser toes. Nonoperative treatment is best applied in the early stage of the disease; if this is ineffective, surgical treatment is recommended. Currently available surgical procedures include debridement, osteotomy, osteochondral grafting, microfracture, interposition arthroplasty, implant arthroplasty, and metatarsal shortening arthroplasty. In this article, we propose a treatment algorithm for Freiberg disease based on the current literature and expert opinion.

Radiologic foot alignment and clinical outcome after percutaneous drilling for symptomatic accessory navicular in skeletally immature children.

Various surgical treatments are available for a symptomatic AN, including percutaneous drilling (PD). PD is reportedly effective for ANs in skeletally immature children. However, no reports have described the foot alignment after PD in skeletally immature children. This study was performed to compare the radiographic parameters between the preoperative period and the final follow-up after PD for symptomatic ANs in skeletally immature children. From October 2013 to December 2020, PD was performed on 13 feet in 10 skeletally immature children. The patients comprised 5 boys and 5 girls with a mean age at surgery of 11.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 months. We measured 5 radiographic findings preoperatively and at the final follow-up: calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), talocalcaneal angle (TCA), talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle (ATMA), and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (LTMA). Ten feet were assessed as excellent, 1 as fair, and 2 as poor. Ten unions (76.9%) were achieved among the 13 feet. The mean CPA improved from 16.4 ±â€…4.1 degrees preoperatively to 18.2 ±â€…3.4 degrees at the final follow-up, the TCA improved from 43.0 ±â€…3.7 to 45.2 ±â€…4.4 degrees, and the TNCA improved from 19.9 ±â€…4.4 to 15.4 ±â€…5.0 degrees (P < .05). The ATMA and LTMA were not significantly different between the preoperative period and final follow-up. We found that PD for symptomatic ANs in skeletally immature children was effective treatment, and some radiographic parameters showed significant differences between the preoperative period and final follow-up.

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in two alkaptonuria patients.

Alkaptonuria is a very rare disorder in which homogentisic acid accumulates due to a deficiency in the activity of homogentisic acid 1,2 dioxygenase. This deficiency results in deposition of a yellowish-brown pigment in connective tissue. Such deposition is termed 'ochronosis' and leads to deterioration in the formation and structure of proteoglycans in hyaline cartilage. These actions lead to fragmentation and rapid destructive arthritis. Often, ochronotic arthritis appears at 40-60 years of age, and many patients are treated symptomatically. Here, we report two patients (three ankles) with ochronotic arthritis who were treated with ankle arthrodesis. In all cases, the postoperative clinical score improved, but the time needed for fusion was prolonged and symptomatic subtalar arthropathy developed in the early postoperative period.

Passive Ankle Plantarflexion Position and Skin Surface Blood Flow Adjacent to the Achilles Tendon.

BACKGROUND: Open repair of the Achilles tendon carries a risk of wound complications and infection. The Achilles tendon is covered by a thin layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue, which has a fragile blood supply. The full plantarflexion position may cause sustained blanching of the skin above the Achilles tendon. However, no reports have described the in vivo blood flow (BF) changes at the skin surface with ankle position. This study aimed to use laser Doppler flowmetry to evaluate the in vivo BF at the skin surface and thereby clarify the changes in BF with ankle position. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 30 feet in 15 participants with no history of Achilles tendon rupture. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure the BF at the skin surface above the medial Achilles tendon in the natural plantarflexion (NP) and full plantarflexion (FP) positions. RESULTS: In the NP and FP positions, the BF at 5 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion (frequent site of Achilles tendon rupture) was 1.50 ± 0.32 and 0.97 ± 0.28 mL/min/100 g, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: The BF at the skin surface adjacent to the medial Achilles tendon at 5 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion was significantly less in the FP position than the NP position.

Short-term outcomes of curved periacetabular osteotomy and factors influencing patient dissatisfaction.

This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes based on patient-reported outcome measures and to analyze factors influencing patient dissatisfaction at 1 year after curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO). This retrospective review involved 98 hips of 98 consecutive patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia who underwent CPO from March 2016 to June 2020. The clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Harris Hip Score. Patients were divided into satisfied and unsatisfied groups according to the 85th percentile cut-off on the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for dissatisfaction. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors impacting patient dissatisfaction after CPO; the explanatory variables were age, body mass index, postoperative Tönnis grade of ≥2, postoperative VAS score for pain, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury and radiographic complications (non-union of the pubis, non-union of the ischium after posterior column fracture and ischial ramus stress fracture). The 85th percentile of the postoperative VAS score for dissatisfaction was 60 mm. The unsatisfied group comprised 15 patients at 1 year after CPO. The multiple logistic regression analysis results showed that the postoperative VAS scores for pain [odds ratio (OR), 1.064; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.026-1.104; P = 0.001] and LFCN injury (OR, 6.775; 95% CI, 1.308-33.256; P = 0.018) were associated with postoperative dissatisfaction. LFCN injury and the postoperative VAS score for pain independently impacted postoperative dissatisfaction at 1 year after CPO.

Side-to-side variability in the femoral neck anteversion angle: A study of the Japanese population with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND: Side-to-side variability in the femoral neck anteversion angle (FA) reportedly varies from 0.0° to 17.3°. To investigate the side-to-side variability in the FA and the relationship between the FA and the morphology of the acetabulum in the Japanese population, we performed a three-dimensional computed tomography (CT)-based study involving patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). METHODS: CT data were obtained from 170 nondysplastic hips of 85 patients with ONFH. The FA and acetabular coverage parameters, including the acetabular anteversion angle, acetabular inclination angle, and acetabular sector angle in the anterior, superior, and posterior directions, were measured using three-dimensional CT. The distribution of the side-to-side variability in the FA was evaluated separately for each of the five degrees. RESULTS: The mean side-to-side variability in the FA was 6.7° ± 5.3° (range, 0.2°-26.2°). The distribution of the side-to-side variability in the FA was 0.0°-5.0° in 41 patients (48.2%), 5.1°-10.0° in 25 patients (29.4%), 10.1°-15.0° in 13 patients (15.3%), 15.1°-20.0° in 4 patients (4.7%), and >20.1° in 2 patients (2.4%). There was a weak negative correlation between the FA and anterior acetabular sector angle (r = -0.282, P < 0.001) and a very weak positive correlation between the FA and acetabular anteversion angle (r = 0.181, P < 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The mean side-to-side variability in the FA was 6.7° ± 5.3° (range, 0.2°-26.2°) in Japanese nondysplastic hips, and about 20% of the patients had a side-to-side variability of >10°.

Effect of plantar fascia-specific stretching and Achilles tendon stretching on shear wave elasticity of the plantar fascia in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The effect of stretching on the mechanical properties of the plantar fascia (PF) remain unclear. This study was performed to determine the effect of PF-specific stretching (PFSS) and Achilles tendon stretching (ATS) on the viscoelastic properties of the PF with shear wave elastography (SWE). METHODS: We recruited 14 participants (8 men, 6 women) with no history of PF disorders or painful episodes. The mean age of the participants was 30.9 ± 4.8 (range, 25-41) years. All participants performed sustained PFSS (sPFSS) on one foot and intermittent PFSS (iPFSS) on the other foot. Two weeks later, all participants performed sustained ATS (sATS) on one foot and intermittent ATS (iATS) on the other foot. SWE measurements were performed immediately after each stretching. RESULTS: The PF elasticity immediately before stretching ranged from 133.8 kPa to 144.7 kPa. The PF elasticity after stretching ranged from 158.9 kPa to 215.8 kPa. There was a significant increase in PF elasticity after sPFSS, iPFSS, sATS, and iATS (P < .01). The elasticity after sATS was greater than that after iATS (P = .03). In contrast, there were no differences in PF elasticity after stretching between sPFSS and iPFSS (P = .13), sPFSS and sATS (P = .17), or iPFSS and iATS (P = .50). CONCLUSIONS: PF elasticity increased after stretching regardless of the frequency and type of PFSS and ATS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Influence of hindfoot alignment on postoperative lower limb alignment in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: We have experienced unexpected under-correction after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). Although the tibia was corrected accurately, the postoperative mechanical axis (MA) was less than 57%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hindfoot alignment and postoperative lower limb alignment, and to reveal whether hindfoot alignment affects lower limb alignment after MOWHTO. Our hypothesis was that hindfoot alignment influences the postoperative MA in MOWHTO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective comparative study. The study cohort comprised 43 knees in 43 patients who underwent MOWHTO and had standing long-leg anteroposterior view and hindfoot alignment view radiographs taken preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. To evaluate the hindfoot alignment, the absolute value of the ankle joint line orientation relative to the ground was added to the absolute value of the hindfoot angle. We defined a postoperative MA of 57-67% as acceptable correction (A group) and a MA of < 56% as under-correction (U group). The two groups were analyzed to identify factors that affected postoperative limb alignment. RESULTS: The preoperative hindfoot alignment angle was significantly larger in the U group than the A group. The preoperative hindfoot alignment angle was a significant predictive factor of the postoperative MA, and the cut-off value that distinguished under-correction from acceptable correction was 15.9 degrees. CONCLUSION: Abnormal hindfoot alignment is one of the causes of under-correction after MOWHTO. Attention should be paid to the preoperative ankle joint line orientation relative to the ground and hindfoot angle. If the preoperative hindfoot alignment angle is ≥ 15.9 degrees, surgeons should reconsider the operative procedure and correction angle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III, retrospective study.

Ankle bone morphology affects the size of non-trauma related osteochondral lesions of the talus in skeletally immature children.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between ankle morphology and the size of non-trauma related osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), because approximately half the OLT found in children is of unknown origin. METHODS: 34 ankles in 30 skeletally immature children with OLTs who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated. Parameters measured included area of the OLT, tibial axis-medial malleolus angle (TMM), malleolar width (MalW), and talar surface angle (TSA; defined as the angle between the line perpendicular to the mid-diaphysis of the tibia and the talar joint surface; medial inclination, positive). The ankles were divided into two groups: the trauma group had a history of injury and the idiopathic group had no history of injury. The correlation between lesion area and MRI parameters were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: Thirteen ankles in 13 patients comprised the trauma group, while 21 ankles in 17 patients were in the idiopathic group. Of the 17 patients in the idiopathic group, four had bilateral OLT. In the trauma group, MalW was significantly correlated with the area (r = 0.827, P = 0.0001). In the idiopathic group, TMM and MalW were significantly correlated with the area (r = 0.608, P = 0.003 and r = 0.566, P = 0.008). TSA was positively correlated with area in the idiopathic group (r = 0.516, P = 0.017), but negatively correlated with area in the trauma group (r = -0.609, P = 0.027). The other parameters showed no significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The size of non-trauma related OLTs may have been affected by an ankle morphology showing poor bone conformity, such as an open medial malleolus and inclined talar joint surface. In addition, the evaluation of the contralateral ankle joint may be crucial when patients with OLT have no specific history of trauma.

Soft tissue stabilization of the hinge position in medial closed wedge distal femoral osteotomy: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue has an important role in stabilizing the hinge point of medial closed wedge distal femoral osteotomy (MCWDFO). However, there are conflicting data on the soft tissue anatomy around the hinge point of MCWDFO and, therefore, further anatomical data are needed. The purposes of the study were to: 1) anatomically analyze the soft tissue around the hinge point of MCWDFO; 2) radiologically define the appropriate hinge point to prevent an unstable hinge fracture based on the result of the anatomical analysis; and 3) histologically analyze the soft tissue based on the result of the anatomical analysis. METHODS: In 20 cadaveric knees, the capsule attachment of the distal lateral side of the femur was marked with a radiopaque ball bearing. A digital planning tool was used to calculate the area of the marked capsule attachment around the ideal hinge point of MCWDFO on radiographs. The soft tissue around the hinge point was histologically examined and the periosteal thickness was measured and visualized graphically. The graph and radiograph were overlayed using image editing software, and the appropriate hinge position was determined based on the periosteal thickness. RESULTS: As a result, the periosteal thickness of the distal lateral femur tended to rapidly decrease from the metaphyseal region toward the diaphyseal region. The overlayed graph and radiograph revealed that the periosteal thickness changed in the region corresponding to the apex of the turning point of the femoral metaphysis in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the periosteum might support the hinge of MCWDFO within the area surrounded by the apex of the turning point of the femoral metaphysis and the upper border of the posterior part of the lateral femoral condyle.

Utility of anterior wall of greater trochanter in predicting femoral anteversion angle: a three-dimensional computed tomography-based simulation study.

BACKGROUND: The femoral anteversion angle is an important factor in performing surgery in the proximal part of the femur. Predicting the femoral anteversion angle based on the morphology of the proximal femur is clinically useful. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an anatomical landmark can be used to predict the femoral anteversion angle intraoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed CT data obtained from 100 hips in 69 patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head with no more than 2 mm collapse and no evidence of osteoarthritic changes. The measured variables were the femoral anteversion angle, the femoral neck-shaft angle, and the AW angle (defined as the angle between the femoral shaft axis and the tangential line of the anterior wall of the greater trochanter). The correlations between variables were also investigated. Multiple regression analysis by the forced input method was performed for the degree of femoral anteversion angle, using sex and the AW angle as explanatory variables. RESULTS: On CT, the mean femoral anteversion angle was 14.8° ± 10.8°, the mean AW angle was 17.5° ± 8.0°, and the mean femoral neck-shaft angle was 127.3° ± 5.4°. There was a positive correlation between the femoral anteversion angle and the AW angle. The approximation equations based on the multiple regression analysis were as follows: male femoral anteversion angle = AW angle × 0.7 - 0.7 and female femoral anteversion angle = AW angle × 0.7 + 4.3. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral anteversion angle can be predicted based on the AW angle of the greater trochanter.

Evaluation of the hindfoot alignment before and after total knee arthroplasty.

Background: Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) alter the ankle joint line obliquity (AJLO) to be more horizontal relative to the ground and aligns the valgus subtalar joint (SJ) neutrally. A previous study of the hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) showed that lower limb alignment after OWHTO becomes under-corrected because of abnormal compensation by the SJ. However, because TKA can exclude effects of femorotibial joint instability, analysis of a post-TKA cohort enables a more accurate evaluation of SJ compensation than analysis of a post-OWHTO cohort. In the present study, we performed radiographic evaluations before and after TKA to analyze SJ compensation. Methods: Lower limb and hindfoot alignment were measured on plain radiographs in 46 patients (48 knees) who underwent TKA in our department. The patients were divided into Group A (postoperative AJLO within ±1°) and Group B (postoperative AJLO greater than ±1°), and various parameters were compared between the groups. The preoperative HAA that resulted in an abnormal postoperative AJLO was investigated. Results: Group A had a significantly smaller preoperative HAA (p = 0.03) and postoperative HAA (p < 0.01) than Group B. Differences in the preoperative HAA between the two groups showed a cut-off value of 9.06°. Conclusion: Patients with an HAA of more than 9.06° are likely to have abnormal hindfoot compensation.

Reliability of various diastasis measurement methods on weightbearing radiographs in patients with subtle Lisfranc injuries.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the diastasis measurements between the medial cuneiform and the second metatarsal on weightbearing radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined 18 patients who underwent open surgery for subtle Lisfranc injuries. Preoperative weightbearing radiography of the affected and unaffected feet was evaluated in all patients. The diastasis between the medial cuneiform and the second metatarsal was measured in both feet using the following four methods: diastasis between parallel lines, distal point diastasis, middle point diastasis, and proximal point diastasis. Intraclass correlation coefficients with consistency of agreement were calculated to evaluate inter- and intraobserver reliability. RESULTS: The intra- and interobserver reliabilities of all four methods were good. Intraclass correlation coefficients for intraobserver reliability ranged from 0.87 to 0.93. Those for interobserver reliability ranged from 0.81 to 0.91. CONCLUSIONS: The reliabilities of the diastasis measurement methods between the medial cuneiform and the second metatarsal on weightbearing radiography were good. Measuring the diastasis between the medial cuneiform and the second metatarsal on weightbearing radiography is useful in evaluating subtle injuries when uniform measurement methods are used.

Risk factors for recurrence of hallux valgus deformity after minimally invasive distal linear metatarsal osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of hallux valgus deformity is a complication following surgical treatment of hallux valgus. This study was performed to identify risk factors for recurrence of hallux valgus deformity after minimally invasive distal linear metatarsal osteotomy (DLMO). METHODS: Sixty-seven patients (100 feet) with mild to severe hallux valgus who underwent DLMO from 2007 to 2018 were retrospectively investigated. Their average age at the time of surgery was 54 years (range, 18-88 years). The average follow-up duration was 46 months. The feet were divided into two groups: with and without recurrence. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for recurrence of deformity based on preoperative and 3-month postoperative radiographic parameters. RESULTS: Recurrence of deformity was found in 18 (18%) of the 100 feet at the final follow-up. The preoperative hallux valgus angle and 3-month postoperative hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, round sign positivity, and sesamoid position grade were significantly greater in the recurrence group than in the non-recurrence group. The logistic regression analysis revealed that a 3-month postoperative hallux valgus angle of ≥13.5°, positive round sign, and grade ≥2 sesamoid position were significantly associated with recurrence of deformity. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings can help to identify patients at higher risk of recurrence of hallux valgus deformity after DLMO and to modify their surgical procedures.

Influence of scapular neck length on the extent of impingement-free adduction after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, a short scapular neck length (SNL) decreases postoperative impingement-free adduction, and impingement between the neck of the scapula and the humeral polyethylene cup may cause scapular notching. However, no reports have evaluated the influence of SNL on impingement-free adduction. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the influence of SNL on impingement-free adduction and to examine the effect of glenoid component lateralization and inferiorization on impingement-free adduction. METHODS: By use of 3-dimensional templating software, a virtual reverse total shoulder arthroplasty model was created in 15 patients who had no osteoarthritic change or any other bony deformity. We measured SNLs separately before implant placement (preoperative SNL) and after implant placement (postoperative SNL). The implant used was the Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA), and baseplate bony lateralization of 0, 5, and 10 mm, with inferior eccentricity of 0.5 or 4.5 mm, was tested for impingement-free adduction. Correlations between the preoperative and postoperative SNLs and impingement-free adduction were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean preoperative SNL was 8.2 ± 1.9 mm (range, 5.0-11.7 mm), and the mean postoperative SNL was 6.0 ± 2.0 mm (range, 2.1-9.8 mm). There was a moderate correlation between the preoperative SNL and impingement-free adduction (r = 0.628, P = .12) and a strong correlation between the postoperative SNL and impingement-free adduction (r = 0.771, P = .001). Use of the model with 10 mm of bony lateralization and 4.5 mm of inferior eccentricity provided the best results in terms of impingement-free adduction. CONCLUSION: There were correlations between both the preoperative and postoperative SNLs and impingement-free adduction. Although the lateralized and inferiorized center of rotation may increase the risk of loosening of the glenoid component, this offset significantly increased impingement-free adduction.

Straight Form of Calcaneofibular Ligament as a Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sign in Diagnosis of Calcaneofibular Ligament and Anterior Talofibular Ligament Inferior Fascicle Injury.

The present study was performed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and evaluate its relationship to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in patients with lateral ankle ligament injury using 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRI). This retrospective study involved 35 patients with lateral ankle ligament injury and 24 patients without a history of ankle trauma and a bone abnormality as controls. Reconstructed 3D-MRI was used to classify the form of the CFL as curved, wavy, or straight. The presence/absence of continuity between the fibula and CFL was evaluated in the 35 patients with injury, who were divided into 2 groups (continuity and discontinuity groups). The number of fascicles in the ATFL and the continuity between the distal end of the fibula and the proximal end of the ATFL were then evaluated. Among the patients with injury, 54.3% had the curve type of CFL, 34.3% had the wave type, and 11.4% had the straight type. In the control group, 62.5% had the curve type, 37.5% had the wave type, and none had the straight type. Continuity between the fibula and CFL was seen in 88.6%, and discontinuity was seen in 11.4%. Additionally, 85.7% had double fascicles in the ATFL. Inferior fascicle discontinuity between the ATFL and fibula was found in 13.3% with a double-fascicle ATFL; in all of these patients, the form of the CFL was straight and exhibited inferior fascicle discontinuity. The straight form of CFL could be a 3D-MRI sign in the diagnosis of CFL and ATFL inferior fascicle injury.

A Case of Low-Grade Oncocytic Tumor/Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma (Oncocytic Variant) of the Kidney.

The oncocytic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (oChRCC) and low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT) is introduced as new renal disease entity. Both of these tumors are low-grade malignancies consisting of cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Distinguishing between eosinophilic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (eCRCC) and oncocytoma is often a diagnostic challenge in routine surgical pathology. However, oChRCC and LOT might be independent disease entities that might not fit completely into any of these categories. Histologically, these tumors have greater morphological similarity with oncocytoma than with ChRCC. However, immunohistochemically, they exhibit diffuse and dense positivity for CK7 and are negative for CD117. In the present case, we initially had difficulty distinguishing among oncocytoma, eCRCC, and type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (2-pRCC). However, after learning about new disease entities such as oChRCC and LOT, we were able to diagnose this tumor.

Retrograde Drilling for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Skeletally Immature Children.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) involve damage to the cartilage and subchondral bone and are infrequent in children. Clinicians usually attempt nonsurgical treatment of OLTs first, and subsequently progress to surgical treatments, including retrograde drilling (RD), if the initial outcomes are insufficient. Good clinical outcomes of RD have been reported. However, the clinical outcomes of RD in skeletally immature children remain unclear, and the associated preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) findings have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and CT findings and clarify the efficacy of RD for OLTs. METHODS: From January 2015 to April 2018, RD was performed on 8 ankles in 6 skeletally immature children. The patients comprised 4 boys and 2 girls with a mean age at surgery of 11.1 years. The mean follow-up was 22.8 months. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale. Preoperative and final follow-up CT findings were used to determine the degree of healing. RESULTS: The mean JSSF scale in all ankles improved from 79.4 (range, 69-90) points preoperatively to 98.4 (range, 87-100) points at final follow-up (P < .05). In the preoperative CT findings, 3 ankles had no bone fragmentation, 4 had partial bone fragmentation, and 1 had whole fragmentation. In the final follow-up CT findings, 4 ankles demonstrated good healing, 3 were fair, and 1 was poor. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that RD is an effective surgical treatment for OLTs in skeletally immature children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Morphology of Anterior Talofibular Ligament After Arthroscopic Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) yields good clinical results. However, the healing process of the ligament after anatomical repair remains unclear. This study evaluated the functional and patient-based outcomes for CLAI patients who underwent arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair and the morphological condition of the repaired anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients (50 ankles) who underwent arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair for CLAI (mean follow-up, 14 months). The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot Ankle-Hindfoot (JSSF) scale score and the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) were assessed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively to evaluate the ATFL. The functional and patient-based outcomes were compared between the group with repaired ATFLs and high signal intensity and the group with repaired ATFLs and low signal intensity. RESULTS: The mean JSSF score improved significantly from 72.3 ± 11.6 preoperation to 95.3 ± 5.4 at 12 months postoperation. The MRI findings at 12 months postoperation showed that each repaired ATFL had a linear band structure from the talar to the fibular attachment site, and 41 of 50 ankles (82%) had low signal intensity of the ligament. On the SAFE-Q, the social functioning scores at 12 months postoperation were significantly higher in the low signal intensity group than in the high signal intensity group. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair for CLAI yielded good functional and patient-based outcomes and restored the morphological condition of the ATFL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.