A comparison of foot fractures relative to other fragility fractures: a review and analysis of the American Orthopaedic Association's Own the Bone Database.

Evidence regarding the risk factors and characteristics of those with foot fragility fractures compared to non-foot fragility fractures is limited. Foot fragility fracture patients are more likely to be younger female with a higher BMI. A foot fragility fracture is strongly predictive of a subsequent foot fragility fracture. PURPOSE: Osteoporosis can clinically result in fragility fractures. Evidence regarding the risk factors and characteristics of foot fragility fractures compared to non-foot fragility fractures is limited. The American Orthopaedic Association's Own the Bone (OTB) is a bone health initiative with a substantial dataset. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare characteristics of patients presenting with isolated foot fragility fracture to those with a non-foot fragility fracture. METHODS: Between January 2009 and March of 2022, 58,001 fragility fractures occurred that were included in this cohort. A total of 750 patients had foot fragility fracture(s) and 57,251 patients had a non-foot fragility fracture that included shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, spine, ribs, pelvis, hip, thigh, knee, tibia/fibula, and ankle. Demographics, fracture history, bone health factors, medication history, and medication use for each patient were reported in the OTB database. This data was utilized in our secondary cohort comparative analysis of characteristics and the risk of future fractures between foot fragility fracture and non-foot fragility fracture groups. RESULTS: Foot fragility fracture patients have a significantly higher probability to be younger (66.9 years old), female (91.5%), and have a higher BMI (28.3 kg/m2) compared to non-foot fragility fracture (p < 0.0001) patients. Patients with a foot fragility fracture are nine times (OR = 9.119, CI = 7.44-11.18, p < 0.001) more likely to have had a prior foot fragility fracture. Young, female patients with a prior foot fragility fracture are at higher risk of a future foot fragility fracture, and this risk increased as BMI increased. CONCLUSIONS: Foot fragility fracture patients are more likely to be female and younger compared to patients with a non-foot fragility fracture. A foot fragility fracture is a sentinel event considering that a prior foot fragility fracture is strongly predictive of a subsequent foot fragility fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 (retrospective cohort).

Neuraxial versus general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and the incidence of postoperative delirium: a systematic review and stratified meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based effect of anesthetic regimens on postoperative delirium (POD) incidence after hip fracture surgery is still debated. Randomized trials have reported inconsistent contradictory results largely attributed to small sample size, use of outdated drugs and techniques, and inconsistent definitions of adverse outcomes. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of different anesthesia regimens on POD, cognitive impairment, and associated complications including mortality, duration of hospital stay, and rehabilitation capacity. METHODS: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2000 to December 2021, in English and non-English language, comparing the effect of neuraxial anesthesia (NA) versus general anesthesia (GA) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database. They were included if POD incidence, cognitive impairment, mortality, duration of hospital stay, or rehabilitation capacity were reported as at least one of the outcomes. Study protocols, case reports, audits, editorials, commentaries, conference reports, and abstracts were excluded. Two investigators (KYC and TXY) independently screened studies for inclusion and performed data extraction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. The quality of the evidence for each outcome according to the GRADE working group criteria. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the pooled data. RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs with 3968 patients were included in the present analysis. No significant differences were found in the incidence of POD comparing NA vs GA [OR 1.10, 95% CI (0.89 to 1.37)], with or without including patients with a pre-existing condition of dementia or delirium, POD incidence from postoperative day 2-7 [OR 0.31, 95% CI (0.06 to -1.63)], in mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score [OR 0.07, 95% CI (-0.22 to 0.36)], or other neuropsychological test results. NA appeared to have a shorter duration of hospital stay, especially in patients without pre-existing dementia or delirium, however the observed effect did not reach statistical significance [OR -0.23, 95% CI (-0.46 to 0.01)]. There was no difference in other outcomes, including postoperative pain control, discharge to same preadmission residence [OR 1.05, 95% CI (0.85 to 1.31)], in-hospital mortality [OR 1.98, 95% CI (0.20 to 19.25)], 30-day [OR 1.03, 95% CI (0.47 to 2.25)] or 90-day mortality [OR 1.08, 95% CI (0.53-2.24)]. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were detected in incidence of POD, nor in other delirium-related outcomes between NA and GA groups and in subgroup analyses. NA appeared to be associated with a shorter hospital stay, especially in patients without pre-existing dementia, but the observed effect did not reach statistical significance. Further larger prospective randomized trials investigating POD incidence and its duration and addressing long-term clinical outcomes are indicated to rule out important differences between different methods of anesthesia for hip surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 10.17605/OSF.IO/3DJ6C.

Wear and tear of the intestinal visceral musculature by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

BACKGROUND: The gut visceral musculature plays essential roles in not only moving substances through the lumen but also maintaining the function and physiology of the gut. Although the development of the visceral musculature has been studied in multiple model organisms, how it degenerates is poorly understood. RESULTS: Here, we employ the Drosophila midgut as a model to demonstrate that the visceral musculature is disrupted by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as aging, feeding, chemical-induced tissue damage, and oncogenic transformation in the epithelium. Notably, we define four prominent visceral musculature disruption phenotypes, which we refer as "sprout," "discontinuity," "furcation," and "crossover" of the longitudinal muscle. Given that the occurrence of these phenotypes is increased during aging and under various stresses, we propose that these phenotypes can be used as quantitative readouts of deterioration of the visceral musculature. Intriguingly, administration of a tissue-damaging chemical dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced similar visceral musculature disruption phenotypes in zebrafish larvae, indicating that ingestion of a tissue-damaging chemical can disrupt the visceral musculature in a vertebrate as well. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides insights into the deterioration of the gut visceral musculature and lays a groundwork for investigating the underlying mechanisms in Drosophila as well as other animals.

Postoperative Infection Rates After Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Comparison With and Without the Use of a Surgical Helmet System.

Following total joint arthroplasty, surgical site infections (SSI) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are associated with increased patient morbidity and healthcare utilization. Current positive-pressure surgical sterile helmet system (SHS) were developed as a feasible, useful version of the body exhaust system.The use of SHS has not yet been proven to decrease infection rates in the orthopedic literature. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the infection rates between patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with a surgical team wearing SHS versus without SHS.A retrospective chart review in patients undergoing primary TAA with the surgeon wearing SHS (Group 1) or standard surgical attire (Group 2) was conducted. The primary outcome was postoperative SSI and PJI. The rate of wound complications, revision rates, and associated procedures were also analyzed. We identified 109 patients in Group 1 and 151 patients in Group 2. The rate of SSI was 12.8% in Group 1 and 14.6% in Group 2 (p = .411). The rate of PJI was 0.92% in Group 1 and 2.6% in Group 2 (p = .411). There was no difference in revision rates between the two groups. This study suggests that SHS does not appear to protect against postoperative SSI or PJI after TAA. Conversely, we did not find a higher infection rate compared to standard surgical attire despite recent in-vitro studies suggesting SHS as a source of wound contamination. The utility of SHS does not appear to influence the prevalence of postoperative SSI or PJI.

The Role of Secondary Imaging Techniques for Assessing Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Ankle Fractures.

Elderly ankle fractures in the elderly represent a substantial healthcare burden. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for diagnosis of osteoporosis. However, there is emerging research regarding secondary imaging techniques to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD). The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the role of secondary imaging techniques for measuring BMD in elderly ankle fractures. A literature search was undertaken using relevant search terms. Articles were screened for suitability and data extracted where studies met inclusion criteria and were of sufficient quality. Eight studies were included in the systematic review. Computed tomography (CT) may have a role in preoperative surgical planning, provide an explanation for injury patterns in elderly patients, and may be correlated with clinical outcomes. High-resolution peripheral quantitative CT may be better suited than DXA for the assessment of ankle fractures due to the resolution of the image and its ability to distinguish between bone compartments, as well as provide a more accurate estimation of bone quality. Quantitative ultrasound has shown promise as a tool for measuring BMD in patients with osteoporosis, but is not able to detect osteoporosis in patients with ankle fractures. This paper helps define the role of each modality in the spectrum of care in the evaluation of osteoporosis as it pertains to elderly ankle fractures.

Bone Mineral Density Testing in Patients Undergoing Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Should We Pay More Attention to the Bone Quality?

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has become one of the standard treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis. Long-term TAA survivorship is reported from 63% to 95%, with aseptic loosening being the most common mode of failure. Several studies have shown that low bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip affects the longevity of prosthetic implants. The role of Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry for TAA has not been established. The purpose of this review was to define the role of BMD in TAA outcomes and the role of Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in measuring periprosthetic BMD. There is a paucity of information and published literature regarding the relationship between BMD and TAA. From attempting this systematic review, we hope to highlight that much of the focus in total ankle arthroplasty has emphasized implants and relatively little has focused on the quality of bone into which the prostheses are implanted.

Outcomes of Ankle Arthrodesis Conversion to Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

Ankle arthrodesis (AA) provides reliable pain relief, good patient satisfaction scores, and improved overall function. However, this procedure has been associated with numerous complications and sequelae, such as pseudoarthrosis, malunion, gait abnormalities, increased demand on surrounding joints, and a long period of convalescence. Conversion to total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a potential option in the management of these complex and challenging situations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of AA conversion to TAA. A systematic review of electronic databases was performed. Six studies involving 172 ankles met inclusion criteria. The weighted mean preoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score at the time of TAA conversion was 7.8 and the weighted mean postoperative VAS score at the time of final follow-up was 2.5. The weighted mean preoperative AOFAS score at the time of TAA conversion was 32 and the weighted mean postoperative AOFAS score at the time of final follow-up was 72.4. The rate of salvage tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was 2.3% and rate of transtibial amputation was also 2.3% after attempted conversion from initial AA to TAA. Conversion of AA to TAA appears to be a viable option to improve patient outcomes and prevent extensive hindfoot arthrodesis and transtibial amputation. More prospective studies with consistent reporting of outcomes, complications, and revision rates with long-term follow-up are needed.

Surgical Takedown Approaches to Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review.

Various techniques of surgical detachment for treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy have been described, including lateral release, medial release, central tendon splitting (CTS), and complete detachment. A systematic review of electronic databases was performed, encompassing 17 studies involving 703 patients and 746 feet, to compare outcomes associated with surgical takedown techniques. Observed results include wound complication rates (CTS 2.8%; Lateral 0%; Medial 0.4%; Complete 1.3%), postoperative rupture rates (CTS 0.7%; Lateral 0.8%; Medial 0.7%; Complete 2.6%), rate of revision (CTS 0.4%; Lateral 0.9%; Medial 4.2%; Complete 2.6%), rate of infection (CTS 1.1%; Lateral 1.7%; Medial 3.7%; Complete 6.5%). Lateral takedown group was found to have a statistically significant lower rate of complications compared to the complete takedown group (p = .0029). In light of these results, it is recommended that patient characteristics such as case specific tendon pathology and calcaneal morphology take precedent in determining the surgical approach to Achilles takedown.

Conversion of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis to Interpositional Arthroplasty With Acellular Dermal Matrix for First Ray Ulceration: A Case Report.

The purpose of this study is to report the outcome of the conversion of a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis to an interpositional arthroplasty with an acellular dermal matrix for a chronic nonhealing first ray wound. To our knowledge, this is the first case report converting a first ray arthrodesis to an interpositional arthroplasty to heal a chronic ulceration. A 78-year-old female developed a chronic neuropathic ulceration under the first metatarsal head and hallux after a first MTP joint arthrodesis. The patient failed local wound care and underwent gastrocnemius recession, hallux interphalangeal joint fusion, and an interpositional arthroplasty with the use of an acellular dermal matrix. Bone tunnels were placed proximal to the metatarsal neck, where absorbable sutures affixed to the dermal matrix were passed from plantar to dorsal, and the graft was secured to the reamed metatarsal head and associated capsule. Postoperative radiographs revealed improved alignment of the first MTP joint. Complete reepithelialization of the plantar ulceration occurred within 2 weeks postoperatively. At the 16-month follow-up, the patient was ambulating without restriction and continued to be free of first ray ulceration and infection. This case study details the use of an acellular dermal matrix in an interpositional arthroplasty to offload a chronic nonhealing ulceration secondary to elevated first ray pressure associated with first MTP joint arthrodesis. The goal of this treatment is to reduce pain, heal the ulceration, and prevent its recurrence.

Surgical Treatment of Subtalar Joint Instability: Safety and Accuracy of a New Technique in a Cadaver Model.

New surgical strategies to treat symptomatic subtalar joint (STJ) instability are evolving. We modified a previously described reconstruction strategy and then refined our new surgical technique through simulated surgery and subsequent cadaver dissections. Our purpose was to show that a tunnel intended to facilitate STJ stabilization surgery could safely be drilled across the footprints of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL). A percutaneous fluoroscopically guided tunnel for the purpose of ITCL reconstruction was created in 10 cadaveric below-knee specimens. Accuracy of the tunnel with relation to the anatomic boundaries of the ITCL attachment sites as well as damage to relevant structures at risk were recorded. Two sets of 5 surgeries were performed to assess for improvement in technique. Mean distances from the tunnel to the ITCL on the calcaneus improved between groups 1 and 2: 4.04 and 1.80 mm, respectively (p = .04). Mean distances from the tunnel to the ITCL on the talus improved between groups 1 and 2: 6.2 and 1.8 mm, respectively (p = .08). With information obtained from this study, an osseous tunnel can be safely placed within 2 mm of the ITCL footprints.

Internal Amputation in Charcot Neuroarthropathy Complicated by Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis.

Studies have demonstrated the importance of preserving plantar surface area, lever arm length, and plantar soft tissues in affording patients a plantigrade, stable, and functional limb. We describe a case of a patient who underwent internal pedal amputation that was amenable to functional bracing. The purpose of this case study is to present internal pedal amputation as a viable option to eradicate infection and produce a plantigrade, stable foot that is amenable to custom bracing.

Complications of En Bloc Osteochondral Talar Allografts and Treatment of Failures: Literature Review and Case Report.

Reoperation rates and complication rates can be high for patients receiving an osteochondral talar allograft transplant. Complications can include graft failure, delamination of the graft, arthrofibrosis, advancing osteoarthritis, nonunion of malleolar osteotomies, and partial or complete osteonecrosis of the talus. Graft failure refers to failure of graft incorporation with subsequent necrosis and subsidence. Treatment options for talar graft failure are limited, and outcomes for these treatments have rarely been reported. We present a review of the published data on the complications and treatments for failed talar allograft transplantation. A case report is presented on a young woman who experienced graft failure and osteonecrosis of her talar allograft transplant. Because of the size of the present osteonecrosis, an ankle arthrodesis was performed as the initial revision procedure. Talar necrosis was removed and revascularized from the ankle fusion with solid fusion was confirmed with computed tomography. Symptomatic adjacent joint pain quickly developed in the hindfoot after the ankle fusion, and 12 months later an ankle fusion conversion to total ankle arthroplasty was performed. The patient has returned to normal activity with significant reduction in pain at most recent follow-up visit. This patient was followed for 7 years from initial osteochondral talar allograft transplantation and for 2 years from conversion of ankle fusion to total ankle arthroplasty. It is important to understand the techniques, indications, and outcomes for the various revision options for talar allograft failure. This case report illustrates how multiple revision options can be used to provide the best outcome for the patient.

A Comparison of Outcomes of Revision Surgical Options for the Treatment of Failed Bulk Talar Allograft Transfer: A Systematic Review.

Talar bulk osteochondral allograft transplantation is a useful treatment strategy for large, uncontained osteochondral lesions of talus. Complications and high revision rates from osteochondral talar allograft transfer can be common. Talar graft failure is a devastating complication that results from failure of allograft incorporation within the host bone and subsequent resorption and sometimes subsidence can occur. Treatment options and outcomes for graft failure have rarely been reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate treatment options and their outcomes for treating talar allograft failure. A systematic review was completed to find all reports of salvage treatments for talar graft failure and outcomes of these reports were analyzed. Eleven studies involving a total of 522 ankles, in 520 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The allograft failure rate was 11.5% in these studies with a reoperation rate of 18.9%. With limited reports, satisfactory outcomes for treatment of graft failure with ankle arthrodesis were 77.3%, 50% for revision allograft procedures, and 50% for total ankle arthroplasty. Considering the large failure rate and reoperation rate for bulk talar allograft transplantations, superior revision, and salvage options are needed. More prospective cohort studies focusing on consistent and standard outcome measures are needed to further assess revision options for failed talar allograft procedures.

Association Between Bone Mineral Density and Elderly Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ankle fractures are becoming increasingly more common in the elderly population and present a significant burden to the United States health care system. Many factors have been associated with fragility ankle fractures including age, gender, body mass index, diabetes, tobacco use, and osteoporosis. However, the literature is inconsistent regarding the relationship between ankle fractures and osteoporosis. The primary aim of this meta-analysis was to quantify the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly patients with ankle fractures compared with BMD in elderly patients without ankle fractures. A literature search was undertaken using relevant search terms. Articles were screened for suitability and data extracted where studies met inclusion criteria and were of sufficient quality. Data were combined using standard meta-analysis methods. Seven studies were used in the final analysis. A small-pooled effect size was found indicating the control group had increased BMD regardless of measurement used (95% confidence interval 0.09-0.58; I2 = 98.39%). Lower femoral neck BMD showed a small-pooled effect size (femoral neck 0.36; 95% confidence interval 0.00-0.73; I2 = 94.91%) with the ankle fracture cohort. This is the first meta-analysis to quantify the relationship between BMD and ankle fractures in the elderly population. Elderly ankle fractures showed a significant association with femoral neck BMD. The current data can be used in orthopedic clinics and Fracture Liaison Service programs to assign the appropriate subgroup of ankle fracture patients to investigative and treatment groups, assess fracture risk, and serve as an indication for secondary fracture prevention by stimulating an osteoporosis prevention workup. There may be a role for a team approach to fracture care including metabolic optimization.

Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With Bone Block Allograft:Long-Term Follow-Up of Two Cases.

The treatment of neglected or chronically ruptured Achilles tendon is challenging. Various treatments for large defects associated with chronic Achilles ruptures have been described. Many surgeons recommend the use of a tendon transfer, turndown rotational flap, advancement flap, or reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft with calcaneal bone block. Long-term outcomes of these procedures are unknown. We present 2 cases with the use of an Achilles tendon with calcaneus bone block allograft. At >8-year follow-up duration, both patients are afforded satisfactory levels of activity and are without pain or gait disturbance. This procedure is a viable option for Achilles ruptures with large defects, ruptures with small intact distal tendon portions, or re-ruptures of previously repaired Achilles tendons. The long-term outcomes of these case reports suggest that Achilles tendon reconstruction with bone block allograft is a viable option.

Osteochondral Defect of the Calcaneocuboid Joint: A Case Study.

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) are injuries affecting the articular cartilage surface of a joint. OCLs are well reported in the literature to affect the knee, talus, tibia, navicular, and first metatarsal. This rare case of a bipolar osteochondral lesion of the cuboid and calcaneus presented as lateral heel pain after a traumatic injury. After an unsuccessful course of conservative therapy, the lesion was treated with curettage and application juvenile particulate cartilage allograft. Eight months postoperatively, the patient was ambulating in supportive shoe gear without pain. The mechanism of injury leading to calcaneocuboid joint osteochondral lesions is not clearly understood. It is also questionable whether anatomic variances are contributory. Regardless of causality, OCLs should be included in the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with calcaneocuboid joint or lateral hindfoot pain.

Ankle Fracture Fixation: Medial or Lateral First?

In unstable ankle fractures, the importance of reducing the lateral malleolus first to obtain an anatomic reduction of the talus is well established. Although this is a time-tested and common surgical approach, current surgical practice does not always follow the established dogma. Medial-first fixation may be a worthwhile alternative to lateral-first fixation in select instances. We performed a retrospective, cohort study in an urban level I trauma center to compare medial malleolus-first fixation of unstable ankle fractures with lateral malleolus-first fixation. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and radiographic metrics including pre-, intra-, and final postoperative talocrural angles, medial clear space, and tibiofibular overlap were assessed. Complications were also reviewed. A total of 280 adult patients with operative bimalleolar ankle fractures from January 2010 to January 2015 met inclusion criteria. There were more open fractures (23.2% vs 9.4%, p = .01) and less isolated injuries in the medial-first group (59.2% vs 71.0%, p = .02). There were less isolated operative procedures (80.3% vs 89.1%, p = .04) and more intramedullary screw placement of the lateral malleolus (11.2% vs 4.3% p = .02) in the medial-first fixation group. There was also a strong trend in identifying more posterior tibial tendon injuries in the medial-first group compared with the lateral-first group (3.5% vs 0%, p = .06). There were no significant differences in fluoroscopy times or radiographic variables in the preoperative, intraoperative, or most recent postoperative images between either group. This approach demonstrates equivalent radiographic outcomes to lateral-first fixation and may be appropriate in select cases.

Structures at Risk From an Intermetatarsal Screw for Lapidus Bunionectomy: A Cadaveric Study.

The Lapidus bunionectomy is performed to treat hallux valgus. Recurrence of the deformity remains a concern. A transverse intermetatarsal screw spanning the base of the first metatarsal to the base of the second can increase stability. The neurovascular bundle is located within the proximity of this screw. In this study, we assessed the structures at risks with the use of this technique. In 10 specimens, a guide wire was placed, and a 4.0-mm cannulated screw was inserted. The neurovascular bundle was dissected and inspected for direct trauma to the neurovascular bundle, and the proximity of the screw was measured using a digital caliper. Ten cadaveric specimens were used. The dorsalis pedis artery and deep peroneal nerve were free from injury in 9 of 10 specimens. In those 9 specimens, the neurovascular bundle was located dorsal in relation to the screw. The mean distance of the screw to the neurovascular bundle was 7.1 ± 3.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw to the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) was 14.7 ± 4.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw as it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 18.0 ± 7.2 mm. In 1 specimen, the screw was found to be traversing through the neurovascular bundle. The distance from the screw to the first TMTJ was 15.0 mm. The distance of the screw from where it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 24.0 mm. Although the intermetatarsal screw avoided the neurovascular cases in most instances, there is some anatomic risk to the neurovascular bundle. Further study is warranted to evaluate clinical results using the intermetatarsal screw for the modified Lapidus procedure.

How Does A Structured Review Instrument Impact Learning at Resident Journal Club?

Journal club article review is an integral aspect of graduate medical education. A structured review instrument (SRI) is a checklist form that serves to guide through critical appraisal of the literature. The goal of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of an SRI on journal critical appraisal in foot and ankle residency programs. A prospective study evaluated resident critical appraisal of journal club articles at 2 residency sites. Baseline resident critical appraisal scores were obtained the first 5 months of the academic year. The SRI form was then implemented into journal club sessions starting the sixth month until the end of the academic year. Resident critical appraisal scores were then compared. The use of SRI significantly improved resident scores compared with pre-SRI assessment scores (p < .001). The SRI tool is easily implemented and makes measurable improvement in resident critical appraisal of the reviewed literature. The use of an SRI tool should be considered in all residency programs to improve resident critical appraisal skills. Further study is warranted to determine specific competencies in which SRI provide the most benefit.

The Incidence of Nonunion of the Naviculocuneiform Joint Arthrodesis:A Systematic Review.

Naviculocuneiform (NC) joint arthrodesis is an effective procedure to treat pain and provide stability to the medial column. Various forms of fixation have been described for NC arthrodesis. Despite this, the available literature is scant and questions remain regarding nonunion rate and contributory factors. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to determine the rate of nonunion for NC joint arthrodesis. Seven studies involving 139 NC joint arthrodeses met inclusion criteria. The nonunion rate was 6.5% at a weighted mean follow-up of 73.2 months. There is insufficient evidence to provide a practice guideline based on the current literature. Adequately powered prospective clinical trials comparing well-matched patient groups with long-term follow-up are required to limit systematic error and enhance external validity. Specific outcomes measures should include union, functional assessment, complications, and cost-benefit analysis.