Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of the Foot and Ankle / 대한족부족관절학회지

The patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important in assessing the patient’s overall health, lesion-specific outcomes, and condition-specific outcomes. PROMs are also known as “scoring systems” and are usually in questionnaires. There are almost a hundred different PROMs available in foot and ankle surgery. Each PROM has its merits, demerits, and validity. Selecting an appropriate PROM is important for adequately evaluating a patient’s health status. This article summarizes the most frequently used PROMs in the literature on foot and ankle surgery and presents the authors'recommendations.

Validation of Remote Collection of PatientReported Outcomes Using Patients’ Smartphones

Background@#The purpose of this study was to examine the between-mode equivalence and the relative efficiency of the 2 available modes of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collection: a web-enabled touch screen tablet and a smartphone in a sample of patients who underwent foot and ankle orthopedic surgery. @*Methods@#A total of 136 patients who visited the clinic after foot/ankle surgery participated in the study. All patients completed the PRO questionnaire set using tablets at the hospital. After 24 hours of completing the first PRO questionnaire, the patients completed the same PRO questionnaire at home using their personal smartphones. The outcomes were statistically compared, and the patients’ preferences were surveyed. @*Results@#The intraclass correlation coefficients for comparing the results of PRO measurements between the 2 modes were 0.970 for the visual analog scale, 0.952 for the Foot Function Index, 0.959 for the foot and ankle outcome scale, and 0.957 for the patient’s satisfaction. Sixty-eight participants (58.6%) responded that they were able to answer the questionnaires with more honesty at home using their smartphones. Regarding the mode, 60 participants (48.1%) responded that they have no preference between the devices. @*Conclusions@#The results of this study showed the equivalence of the 2 modes of PRO data collection: web-enabled touch screen tablets and smartphones. Smartphones may be the preferred mode of PRO measurement, due to their easy accessibility, increased privacy, and the patients’ increased honesty in answering questionnaires.

Operative Treatment for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Matrix-induced Chondrogenesis / 대한족부족관절학회지

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate and matrix-induced chondrogenesis (BMIC) is an interesting treatment option for osteochondral lesions of the talus with promising short- to mid-term results. The various terminologies used to describe this surgical method need to be addressed. These include bone marrow-derived cell transplantation, matrix-induced bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and matrixassociated stem cell transplantation. BMIC is a one-stage, minimally invasive surgery performed arthroscopically or using a mini-open arthrotomy approach without a malleolar osteotomy in most cases. The lesion is replaced with hyaline-like cartilage, and treatmentrelated complications are rare. BMIC is a safe and effective treatment option and should be considered in large lesions or lesions with a prior treatment history.

Validation of Electronic Foot Function Index in Patients with Foot and Ankle Disease: A Randomized, Prospective Multicenter Study / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of the electronic foot function index (eFFI) through a prospective, random based, multi-institutional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 227 patients ranging in age from 20 to 79 years, visited for surgery in different 15 institutes, and agreed to volunteer. The patients were assigned randomly into a paper-based evaluated group (n=113) and tablet-based evaluated group (n=114). The evaluation was done on the day of hospital admission and the method was changed on the second day of surgery and re-evaluated. PADAS 2.0 (https://www.proscore.kr) was used as an electronic evaluation program. RESULTS: There were no differences in age and sex in both groups. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evaluation revealed an eFFI ICC of 0.924, showing that both results were similar. The evaluation time was shorter in the tablet-based group than the paper-based group (paper vs tablet, 3.7±3.8 vs 2.3±1.3 minutes). Thirty-nine patients (17.2%) preferred to use paper and 131 patients (57.7%) preferred the tablet. Fifty-seven patients (25.1%) found both ways to be acceptable. CONCLUSION: eFFI through tablet devices appears to be more constant than the paper-based program. In addition, it required a shorter amount of time and the patients tended to prefer the tablet-based program. Overall, tablet and cloud system can be beneficial to a clinical study.

Risk Factors for Failure after Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair / 대한족부족관절학회지

A modified Broström procedure has been widely accepted as a treatment of choice for patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. The procedure is highly reliable and provides successful outcomes in approximately 90% of cases. Severe degree of instability, absence or poor quality of the ligamentous remnant, obesity, and generalized joint hypermobility have been regarded as poor prognostic factors related to the modified Broström procedure. However, these perceptions are based on a low level of evidence studies or expert opinions. Therefore, the aim of this article was to search for evidences regarding the poor prognostic factors of the modified Broström procedure.

Clinical Results of Auto-Iliac Cancellous Bone Grafts Combined with Implantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Cells for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE: There are no reports about bone graft and cell therapy for the osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). We prospectively evaluated the clinical results of auto-iliac cancellous bone grafts combined with implantation of autologous bone marrow cells for ONFH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one hips in 52 patients with ONFH treated with bone graft and cell therapy were enrolled, and the average follow-up of the patients was 68 (60-88) months. Necrotic lesions were classified according to their size by the Steinberg method and location of necrosis. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the percentage of excellent or good results was 80% (12/15 hips) in the small lesion group, 65% (17/26 hips) in the medium size group, and 28% (6/20 hips) in the large size group. The procedures were a clinical success in 4 of 5 hips (80%) of stage I, 23 of 35 hips (65.7%) of stage II, 7 of 18 hips (38.9%) of stage III, and 1 of 3 hips (33.3%) of stage IV grade, according to the Association Research Circulation Osseous grading system. Among the 20 cases with large sized necrotic lesions, 17 cases were laterally located and this group showed the worst outcomes, with 13 hips (76.5%) having bad or failed clinical results. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggested that patients who have a large sized lesion or medium sized laterally located lesion would not be good candidates for the head preserving procedure. However, for medium sized lesions, this procedure generated clinical results comparable to those of other head preserving procedures.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Tendoscopic Treatment for Flexor Hallucis Longus Tenosynovitis / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes and complications of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendoscopy using 3 portals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and April 2013, 10 patients (10 ankles) received tendoscopic surgery for the treatment of FHL tenosynovitis. Patients complaining of pain and tenderness along the course of FHL despite over 6 months of conservative treatments were indicated for surgery. The mean age was 41.7 years (range: 18-57) and the follow up period was 12.7 months (range: 6-20). Tendoscopy was performed using posteromedial, posterolateral, and plantar portals. Clinical evaluations included preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score, and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Tendoscopic findings included tenosynovitis in 10 cases, degenerated vinculae in 6 cases, stenosis of the tendon at its entrance into the fibro-osseous tunnel in 5 cases, and degenerative partial tendon tear in 3 cases. Two cases had associated symptomatic os trigonum and 3 cases had posterior ankle impingement syndrome. Preoperative pain decreased from median VAS 6 (range: 4-10) to 2.1 (range: 1-5) at the last follow up and AOFAS score improved from 50.1 (range: 36-63) to 82.1 (range: 61-89) (p<0.05). Nine patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Injury of the lateral plantar nerve occurred in one case. CONCLUSION: FHL tendoscopy using 3 portals is a feasible and useful minimal invasive surgical technique for the management of FHL tenosynovitis.

The Sinus Tarsi Approach for the Treatment of Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures / 대한족부족관절학회지

Open reduction and internal fixation is currently considered as a gold standard of treatment in most of the intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Among various different approaches, extensile lateral approach is the most popular since it provides good exposure to the subtalar joint. However, wide skin incision followed by extensive soft tissue dissection leading to increased risk of wound breakdown is the most serious drawback. Sinus tarsi approach, a minimal invasive technique to approach the subtalar joint and reduce the intra-articular calcaneal fractures, provides good clinical outcome and less wound complications compared to the extensile lateral approach. This article introduces the surgical technique and review of the literature regarding the sinus tarsi approach.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome associated with Os Sustentaculi (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is an entrapment neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve or one of its branches within the tarsal tunnel, and is often caused by ganglia, lipoma, accessory muscles, varicosities, neural tumours, trauma and systemic diseases. We have successfully treated a patient with tarsal tunnel syndrome which was associated with os sustentaculi.

Analysis of the Factors Involved in Failed Fixation in Elderly Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture

PURPOSE: To analyze the causes of internal fixation failure in elderly intertrochanteric femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 93 intertrochanteric femoral fractures that were treated by internal fixation. The follow-up period was at least 24 months. The mean age was 73 years. We analyzed the classification of the fracture, screw position, reduction state of the fracture, and neck-shaft angle. RESULTS: Internal fixation failure occurred in 12 cases (12.9%). The causes of internal fixation failure were one case (1.0%) of head perforation, 7 cases (7.5%) of excessive slippage of a screw, and 4 cases (4.3%) of varus deformity. Significant factors infixation failure were displacement of the posterolateral fragment more than 8 mm in anteroposterior radiograph, anterior displacement of a fragment, or more than 20-degree angulation in lateral radiography. Thirty-three cases had a screw in the middle position and 4 of these cases (12.1%) had fixation failure. Notably, 14 cases had a screw in the posteromedial position and 6 of these cases had fixation failure (42.8%). CONCLUSION: Accurate reduction of the posteromedial fragment is essential in unstable intertrochanteric fracture and anterior displacement or angulation should be avoided to prevent fixation failure. The tip apex distance of the screw and central location of the screw in the femoral head is also an important factor.

Midterm Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the VerSys Fiber Metal Tapered Femoral Stem / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of patients who received the cementless VerSys fiber metal tapered stem for total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty seven hip joint replacements(31 patients) were evaluated over a minimum four year period following the procedure with an average follow-up period of 56 months(48-96 months). The mean patient age was 47.9 years old. Clinical results were analyzed using Harris hip scores, incidence of thigh pain and radiographic analysis was used to assess fixation of the stem, stress shielding, cortical hypertrophy and radiolucent lines around the femoral stem. RESULTS: The average Harris hip score was 90.7 points(82-99 points). Thigh pain was noticed in 6 hips(16%). Proximal femoral bone resorption by stress shielding was observed in 32 hips(86.5%). Cortical hypertrophy was noticed in 16 hips(43.2%) and was statistically correlated with stress shielding of 2nd degree or more according to the Engh classification. Stable bone ingrowth at the last follow-up was seen in 36 hips(97.2%). CONCLUSION: Cementless total hip arthroplasty using the cementless VerSys fiber metal tapered stem demonstrated excellent midterm clinical results as well as excellent radiologic results for stable fixation and endosteal new bone formtion. However, long term follow-up evaluation will be required because of the high rates of proximal bone resorption by stress shielding.

Diagnosing Symptomatic Accessory Tarsal Bones Using SPECT/CT / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze the usefulness of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) in diagnosing symptomatic accessory tarsal bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four feet (16 patients) with symptomatic accessory navicular and/or os trigonum, who agreed to take SPECT/CT, were included in this study. Fifteen feet had accessory navicular, five had os trigonum, and four had both. According to the uptake in the SPECT/CT, 11 feet were classified into high and 13 into low uptake groups. The low uptake group was treated non-operatively, while the high uptake group received operations when initial conservative management failed. A modified Kidner procedure was performed for accessory navicular and arthroscopic excision was done for os trigonum. After a mean follow-up of 6.8 (range, 3~13) months, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain were compared. RESULTS: Patients in the high uptake group had a higher initial mean VAS score (7.0+/-0.8 vs 2.2+/-0.9, p<0.05) and a lower initial mean AOFAS score (45.9+/-9.2 vs 83.9+/-4.2, p<0.05) compared to the low uptake group. All patients in the low uptake group improved after non-operative treatment. Seven patients underwent operations and had a decreased VAS (1.6+/-0.5) and an increased AOFAS score (88.3+/-1.8) at the last follow-up. Four patients in the high uptake group demonstrated erratic symptoms. CONCLUSION: SPECT/CT can be a useful diagnostic tool and helpful in designing treatment plans for symptomatic accessory navicular and os trigonum.

Reconstruction of Neglected Achilles Tendon Rupture with Flexor Hallucis Longus Augmentation Using One Incision Technique / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of neglected Achilles tendon rupture treated with reconstruction and augmentation with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon using one incision technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Between July 2006 and March 2008, eleven patients with neglected Achilles tendon rupture received surgical treatment. Through one incision technique, augmentation with auto FHL tendon transfer was performed using a Bio-Interference screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL) and followed by V-Y advancement (5 cases) or gastronemius fascial turn-down flap procedure (6 cases). After mean follow up of 20.7 months (range, 11.8-33.3 weeks), clinical outcomes were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 10 repetitive double heel raise test, 10 repetitive single heel raise test and subjective satisfaction. RESULTS:The length of the gap after debridement was 5.4+/-2.0 cm. The VAS improved from 4.1+/-0.9 to 1.5+/-0.8 at last follow up (p<0.05). The AOFAS score increased from 38.9+/-12.2 to 91.5+/-8.9 at last follow up (p<0.05). Eight patients were satisfied with excellent results and three were satisfied with good results. All patients were able to perform 10 repetitive double heel raise and nine out of eleven patients were able to perform 10 repetitive single heel raise at last follow up. There were no complications including deep infection or re-rupture. CONCLUSION: Augmentation with FHL tendon transfer and reconstruction with V-Y advancement or turn-down flap through one incision technique appeared to be effective and safe. This technique is recommendable for the treatment of neglected Achilles tendon rupture.

A New Classification for Idiopathic Genu Vara

PURPOSE: Past classification for the treatment of idiopathic genu vara depended simply on the measurement of distance between the knees, without attention to the rotational profile of the lower extremity. We retrospectively analyzed anatomical causes of idiopathic genu vara. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty eight patients with idiopathic genu vara were included in this study. All patients were surgically treated. To evaluate the angular deformity, a standing orthoroentgenogram was taken and the lateral distal femoral angle and the medial proximal tibial angle were measured. In order to assess any accompanying torsional deformity, both femoral anteversion and tibial external rotation were measured using computerized tomographic scans. A derotational osteotomy was performed at the femur or tibia to correct rotational deformity, and a correctional osteotomy was performed at the tibia to correct angular deformity. RESULTS: Satisfactory functional results were obtained in all cases. Genu vara was divided into 3 groups according to the nature of the deformity; group 1 (6 patients) with increased femoral anteversion, group 2 (10 patients) with proximal tibial varus deformity alone, and group 3 (12 patients) with proximal tibial varus deformity accompanied by increased external tibial rotation. CONCLUSION: The success seen in our cases highlights the importance of an accurate preoperative analysis that accounts for both rotational and angular deformities that may underlie idiopathic genu vara.

Treatment of Osteofibrous Dysplasia and Associated Lesions

PURPOSE: To report long term treatment outcomes of osteofibrous dysplasia and association with adamantinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1984 to July 2001, 14 patients with osteofibrous dysplasia were followed for an average of 108 months (78 to 260 months). Our patient group consisted of 6 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 13.9 years (2 to 65 years). We reviewed the clinical and pathological features of all 14 patients. RESULTS: Thirteen patients had a lesion in the tibia, while one patient had lesions in both the tibia and the fibula. Initial treatments were observation after biopsy (6 patients), curettage with or without a bone graft (3 patients), resection followed by a free vascularized fibular bone graft (4 patients), or resection and regeneration with the Ilizarov external fixation (1 patient). Curettage was performed on 6 patients due to recurrence or progression after the initial treatment. Among these patients, one was diagnosed with AD from the biopsy of the recurrent lesion. This patient was further treated by segmental resection and pasteurization. After the initial pathology slides of the 13 patients were reviewed with immunohistochemical cytokeratin staining, one patient diagnosis was changed from osteofibrous dysplasia to osteofibrous dysplasia-like adamantinoma. CONCLUSION: Some patients with osteofibrous dysplasia require close observation because of the high association risk between osteofibrous dysplasia and adamantinoma, Immunohistochemical staining may be helpful in differentiating these two diagnoses.