Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injuries in the National Football League (NFL): A Spectrum of Pathology That Correlates With Time to Return to Full Participation.

BACKGROUND: Studies routinely evaluate high ankle sprains in isolation, but recent data suggest that these injuries are often associated with concomitant pathology, potentially influencing return to full participation. HYPOTHESIS: In National Football League (NFL) players, isolated high ankle sprains are rare and syndesmosis injuries with concomitant pathology will result in increased time to return to full participation. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries sustained by NFL players between 2017 and 2019 were identified through NFL Injury Surveillance Database queries and verified with video analysis. Each injury underwent a comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) review. Regression modeling was utilized to explore the influence of numerous imaging findings on time to return to full participation. RESULTS: There were 83 external rotation ankle injuries involving the syndesmosis. Isolated distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries were rare (n = 11; 13%) and more often associated with other ligamentous injury (deltoid ligament and lateral ligamentous complex) and/or fractures. Regression modeling resulted in clustering of 3 injury pattern groups for time to return to full participation across numerous imaging findings: syndesmosis injury-fracture combinations (250 days [interquartile range [IQR,] 142-266 days]), syndesmosis injury with complete deep deltoid tear or acute diastasis (175 days [IQR, 20-248 days]), and all other syndesmosis injuries (27 days [IQR, 18-46 days]). CONCLUSION: In NFL athletes with external rotation ankle injuries, isolated distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries were rare and more often associated with concomitant pathology. Time to return to full participation was affected by an associated fracture and complete deep deltoid ligament tear or diastasis but no other relevant MRI variables such as lateral ligament complex involvement or the presence of osteochondral lesions or bone contusions.

Antibody surface mobility amplifies FcγR signaling via Arp2/3 during phagocytosis.

We report herein that the anti-CD20 therapeutic antibody, rituximab, is rearranged into microclusters within the phagocytic synapse by macrophage Fcγ receptors (FcγR) during antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis. These microclusters were observed to potently recruit Syk and to undergo rearrangements that were limited by the cytoskeleton of the target cell, with depolymerization of target-cell actin filaments leading to modest increases in phagocytic efficiency. Total internal reflection fluorescence analysis revealed that FcγR total phosphorylation, Syk phosphorylation, and Syk recruitment were enhanced when IgG-FcγR microclustering was enabled on fluid bilayers relative to immobile bilayers in a process that required Arp2/3. We conclude that on fluid surfaces, IgG-FcγR microclustering promotes signaling through Syk that is amplified by Arp2/3-driven actin rearrangements. Thus, the surface mobility of antigens bound by IgG shapes the signaling of FcγR with an unrecognized complexity beyond the zipper and trigger models of phagocytosis.

Are Prospective Criteria or Objective Clinical Measures Utilized in Return to Play (RTP) Decision Making After Ankle Surgery? A Scoping Review.

Background: Manuscripts discussing return to play (RTP) following ankle surgery are common. However, the definition for RTP and the method by which it is determined remains unclear. The purpose of this scoping review was to clarify how RTP is defined following ankle surgery in physically active patients, to identify key factors informing RTP decision making (such as objective clinical measures), and make recommendations for future research. Methods: A scoping literature review was performed in April 2021 using PubMed, EMBASE, and Nursing and Allied Health databases. Thirty studies met inclusion criteria: original research following ankle surgery reporting at least 1 objective clinical test and documentation of RTP. Data were extracted for study methods and outcomes (RTP definition, RTP outcomes, and objective clinical tests). Results: The scoping review found studies on 5 ankle pathologies: Achilles tendon rupture, chronic lateral ankle instability, anterior ankle impingement, peroneal tendon dislocation, and ankle fracture. RTP criteria were not provided in the majority of studies (18/30 studies). In the studies that provided them, the RTP criteria were primarily based on time postsurgery (8/12) rather than validated criteria. Objective clinical outcome measures and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were documented for each surgery when available. Both clinical outcomes and PROMs were typically measured >1 year postsurgery. Conclusion: In physically active patients who have had ankle surgery, RTP remains largely undefined and is not consistently based on prospective objective criteria nor PROMS. We recommend standardization of RTP terminology, adoption of prospective criteria for both clinical measures and PROMs to guide RTP decision making, and enhanced reporting of patient data at the time of RTP to develop normative values and determine when the decision to RTP is not safe. Level of Evidence: Level IV, scoping review.

Midterm Outcomes of the INBONETM II Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

As the number of total ankle arthroplasties (TAA) performed continues to increase, understanding midterm outcomes can guide both implant selection and preoperative patient counseling. The purpose of this study was to investigate midterm results including the survival rate and reasons for revision for the INBONETM II TAA. Patients undergoing a primary TAA with the study implant and minimum of 4.6 years postoperative follow-up were reviewed from a prospectively collected database. The primary outcome was implant survival. Secondary outcomes included coronal plane radiographic alignment, evaluation for cysts and osteolysis, and failure mode when applicable. Patients were eligible for inclusion in this study if they had a minimum of 4.6-year follow-up TAA with the study implant. Eighty-five TAAs in 83 patients were eligible for inclusion; 75 TAA in 73 patients were included in the study. The mean duration of follow up was 6.2 ± 0.9 years (range 4.7-8.1 years). Thirty-six percent of the TAAs had a preoperative coronal plane deformity of at least 10°, and 12% of the TAAs had at least 20°. There were 6 (8%) implant failures that occurred at a mean 2.0 ± 1.4 years postoperatively. Eighty-one percent of the TAAs had no reoperation events in the follow-up period. Midterm outcomes at a minimum of 4.6 years postoperatively in patients undergoing a TAA using this implant demonstrates acceptable implant survival, an approximately 20% reoperation rate, and maintenance of coronal plane alignment.

Midfoot Trauma: Let's Get It Right the First Time.

Lisfranc injuries represent a wide variety of injury patterns, from stable midfoot sprains to grossly displaced fractures and fracture-dislocations. Obtaining and maintaining an anatomic reduction is critical in the treatment of these injuries. Considerable controversy remains as to the optimal method of treatment. Beyond the type and severity of the injury pattern, treatment decisions may ultimately be defined by activity-specific criteria and patient demographics.

Complications, Reoperations, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following a 2-Stage Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty for Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

BACKGROUND: As total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) becomes more common, chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) will be encountered more frequently. No studies have reported on patient-reported outcomes following a 2-stage revision procedure for a chronic PJI after a TAA. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative clinical outcomes at a minimum of 2 years following a 2-stage revision TAA for chronic PJI. METHODS: Patients who underwent a 2-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI (>4 weeks after a primary TAA) between January 2010 and December 2019 were eligible to be included in this study. Chronic PJI was defined as a sinus tract that directly communicated with the prosthesis or the same organism identified in ≥2 synovial fluid samples. Twelve patients were eligible to be included in this case series. One patient died prior to 2-year follow-up, which left 11 patients available for analysis. All 11 patients underwent reimplantation. The data were found not to be normally distributed; therefore, medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported. RESULTS: At a median of 3.0 years (IQR 2.0-4.0 years) following the second stage of their revision arthroplasty, the median Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living and Sports scores were 60.7 (IQR 52.4, 79.8) and 31.3 (IQR 9.4, 40.6), respectively. At final follow-up, 10 patients (90.9%) were ambulating with a TAA in place. Seven patients (63.6%) required a reoperation including 1 patient who underwent a below-knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a 2-stage revision TAA may be an option for patients with a chronic PJI. However, patients who undergo a 2-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI have lower than previously published 2-year FAAM scores and a high rate of reoperation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Foot and Ankle Injections in Athletes.

CONTEXT: Injections are commonly used by health care practitioners to treat foot and ankle injuries in athletes despite ongoing questions regarding efficacy and safety. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An extensive literature review was performed through MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost from database inception to 2021. Keywords searched were injections, athletes, sports, foot and ankle, corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, and placental tissue. Search results included articles written in the English language and encompassed reviews, case series, empirical studies, and basic science articles. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. RESULTS: Corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma/autologous blood, anesthetic, and placental tissue injections are commonly used in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries. Primary indications for injections in athletes include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, isolated syndesmotic injury, and ankle impingement with varying clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: Despite promising results from limited case series and comparative studies, the data for safety and efficacy of injections for foot and ankle injuries in athletes remain inconclusive.

Fifth Metatarsal Jones Fractures: Diagnosis and Treatment.

A Jones fracture, located at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal, is at an increased risk for nonunion and continued pain. Even with excellent surgical technique and postoperative management, a delayed union and refracture can occur. These complications in athletes can have deleterious effects on performance and delay return to sport. This article reviews the classification, diagnosis, and treatment considerations for Jones fractures. Treatment options including nonsurgical management, intramedullary screw, and plate fixation will be covered. The authors preferred technique using intramedullary screw fixation will be discussed in depth. Emerging considerations including biologic augmentation, primary bone grafting, and refracture will be examined as well. Ideal rehabilitation protocols, orthoses, and shoe wear suggestions will be given to optimize patient outcomes.

The structural dynamics of macropinosome formation and PI3-kinase-mediated sealing revealed by lattice light sheet microscopy.

Macropinosomes are formed by shaping actin-rich plasma membrane ruffles into large intracellular organelles in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-coordinated manner. Here, we utilize lattice lightsheet microscopy and image visualization methods to map the three-dimensional structure and dynamics of macropinosome formation relative to PI3K activity. We show that multiple ruffling morphologies produce macropinosomes and that the majority form through collisions of adjacent PI3K-rich ruffles. By combining multiple volumetric representations of the plasma membrane structure and PI3K products, we show that PI3K activity begins early throughout the entire ruffle volume and continues to increase until peak activity concentrates at the base of the ruffle after the macropinosome closes. Additionally, areas of the plasma membrane rich in ruffling had increased PI3K activity and produced many macropinosomes of various sizes. Pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K activity had little effect on the rate and morphology of membrane ruffling, demonstrating that early production of 3'-phosphoinositides within ruffles plays a minor role in regulating their morphology. However, 3'-phosphoinositides are critical for the fusogenic activity that seals ruffles into macropinosomes. Taken together, these data indicate that local PI3K activity is amplified in ruffles and serves as a priming mechanism for closure and sealing of ruffles into macropinosomes.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty Radiographic Alignment Comparison Between Patient-Specific Instrumentation and Standard Instrumentation.

BACKGROUND: Several benefits are published supporting patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This study seeks to determine if TAA with PSI yields different radiographic outcomes vs standard instrumentation (SI). METHODS: Sixty-seven primary TAA patients having surgery using PSI or SI between 2013 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed using weightbearing radiographs at 6-12 weeks postsurgery. Radiographic parameters analyzed were the medial distal tibia angle (MDTA), talar-tilt angle (TTA), anatomic sagittal distal tibia angle (aSDTA), lateral talar station (LTS), and talar component inclination angle (TCI). A comparison of the 2 groups for each radiologic parameter's distribution was performed using a nonparametric median test and Fisher exact test. Furthermore, TAAs with all radiographic measurements within acceptable limits were classified as "perfectly aligned." The rate of "perfectly aligned" TAAs between groups was compared using a Fisher exact test with a significance of .05. RESULTS: Of the 67 TAAs, 51 were done with PSI and 16 with SI. There were no differences between groups in MDTA (P = .174), TTA (P = .145), aSDTA (P = .98), LTS (P = .922), or TCI angle (P = .98). When the rate of "perfectly aligned TAA" between the 2 groups were compared, there was no significant difference (P = .35). CONCLUSION: No significant radiographic alignment differences were found between PSI and SI implants. This study showed that both techniques achieve reproducible TAA radiographic coronal and sagittal alignment for the tibial component when performed by experienced surgeons. The talar component's sagittal alignment is similar whether or not PSI was used but is noticeably different from normal anatomic alignment by design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty Using an Intramedullary-Referencing Implant.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is challenging. Limited literature is available on options and outcomes of revision arthroplasty despite failure rates ranging from 10% to 23% within 10 years after primary TAA. This study reports the clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision TAA using a fixed-bearing, intramedullary-referencing implant. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 18 consecutive revision TAA cases between 2008-2015 using an intramedullary-referencing, fixed-bearing, 2-component total ankle system. Demographic and radiographic data were collected preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the most recent follow-up. Functional outcome data were collected immediately postoperatively and at mean follow-up 47.5 months. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent revision TAA, with 77.8% (14/18) implant survival. Index revision was performed most commonly for aseptic talar subsidence (55.6%) or implant loosening (tibia, 29.4%; talus, 58.9%). Following revision, 22.2% (4/18) patients required reoperation at a mean 57.3 (39-86) months. Osteolysis of the tibia, talus, and fibula was present preoperatively in 66.7% (12/18), 38.9% (7/18), and 38.9% (7/18) of patients, respectively, with progression of osteolysis in 27.8% (5/18), 11.1% (2/18) and 11.1% (2/18) of patients, respectively. Subsidence of the tibial and talar revision components was observed in 38.9% (7/18) and 55.6% (10/18) of patients, respectively. The median American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 74.5 (26-100) and Foot Function Index (FFI) score 10.2 (0-50.4). CONCLUSION: Early results of intramedullary-referencing revision TAA demonstrated good patient-reported outcomes with maintenance of radiographic parameters at mean follow-up of 47.5 months. Aseptic talar subsidence or loosening were the main postoperative causes of reoperation. Revision arthroplasty utilizing an intramedullary-referencing implant was a viable option for the failed TAA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Incidence of Lower Extremity Injury in the National Football League: 2015 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity injuries are the most common injuries in professional sports and carry a high burden to players and teams in the National Football League (NFL). Injury prevention strategies can be refined by a foundational understanding of the occurrence and effect of these injuries on NFL players. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of specific lower extremity injuries sustained by NFL players across 4 NFL seasons. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included all time-loss lower extremity injuries that occurred during football-related activities during the 2015 through 2018 seasons. Injury data were collected prospectively through a leaguewide electronic health record (EHR) system and linked with NFL game statistics and player participation to calculate injury incidence per season and per 10,000 player-plays for lower extremity injuries overall and for specific injuries. Days lost due to injury were estimated through 2018 for injuries occurring in the 2015 to 2017 seasons. RESULTS: An average of 2006 time-loss lower extremity injuries were reported each season over this 4-year study, representing a 1-season risk of 41% for an NFL player. Incidence was stable from 2015 to 2018, with an estimated total missed time burden each NFL season of approximately 56,700 player-days lost. Most (58.7%) of these injuries occurred during games, with an overall higher rate of injuries observed in preseason compared with regular season (11.5 vs 9.4 injuries per 10,000 player-plays in games). The knee was the most commonly injured lower extremity region (29.3% of lower body injuries), followed by the ankle (22.4%), thigh (17.2%), and foot (9.1%). Hamstring strains were the most common lower extremity injury, followed by lateral ankle sprains, adductor strains, high ankle sprains, and medial collateral ligament tears. CONCLUSION: Lower extremity injuries affect a high number of NFL players, and the incidence did not decrease over the 4 seasons studied. Prevention and rehabilitation protocols for these injuries should continue to be prioritized.

Heterotopic Ossification in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Case Series and Systematic Review.

Heterotopic ossification after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a known sequela and has been reported to contribute to reduced range of motion and poor functional outcomes. However, conflicting results have been reported in the literature. The present study documents the incidence of heterotopic ossification for a novel fourth-generation fixed-bearing 2-component prosthesis and reports a systematic review of the literature. We reviewed the incidence and functional outcome of consecutively enrolled patients who underwent primary Infinity TAA between 2013 and 2015 in a prospective observational study. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic and functional outcome data were collected. A systematic review was also conducted investigating all published studies between 1998 and 2018 reporting the incidence of heterotopic ossification after TAA. The incidence of heterotopic ossification was 70.5% in the 61 patients who underwent primary TAA in the case series. There was no association between heterotopic ossification and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, foot function index (FFI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and ankle osteoarthritis scale (AOS). Sixteen studies on 1339 TAA implants were included. The overall incidence of heterotopic ossification after TAA was 66.0% at average 3.6 years (range 22.2% to 100%). Four studies (299 ankles) did not address functional outcomes. Eleven studies (960 ankles) reported no association between heterotopic ossification and functional outcomes. One study (80 ankles) reported a statistically significant difference in range of motion (7°) and AOFAS score (7 points). In conclusion, although the incidence of heterotopic ossification after TAA is considerable, there is insufficient literature to suggest that heterotopic ossification after TAA impacts range of motion or functional outcome.

Efficacy, Outcomes, and Alignment Following Isolated Fibular Sesamoidectomy via a Plantar Approach.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients for intermediate-term pain relief, functional outcome, and changes in hallux alignment following isolated, complete fibular sesamoidectomy via a plantar approach for sesamoid-related pain recalcitrant to conservative treatment. METHODS: A retrospective query of a tertiary referral center administrative database was performed using the Current Procedural Terminology code 28135 for sesamoidectomy between 2005 and 2016. Patients who underwent an isolated fibular sesamoidectomy were identified and contacted to return for an office visit. The primary outcome measure was change in visual analog pain score at final follow-up. Secondary measures included satisfaction, hallux flexion strength, hallux alignment, pedobarographic assessment, and postoperative functional outcome scores. Patients who met the 2-year clinical or radiographic follow-up minimum were included. Ninety fibular sesamoidectomies were identified. Thirty-six sesamoidectomies met inclusion criteria (median 60-month follow-up). The average patient was 36 years old and underwent sesamoidectomy 1.1 years after initial diagnosis. RESULTS: Median visual analog scale scores improved 5 (6 to 1) points at final follow-up (P < .001). Final postoperative mean hallux valgus angle did not differ from preoperative values (10.5 degrees/8.5 degrees, P = .12); similarly, the intermetatarsal angle did not differ (8.0 degrees/7.9 degrees, P = .53). Eighty-eight percent of patients would have surgery again and 70% were "very satisfied" with their result. Hallux flexion strength (mean 14.7 pounds) did not differ relative to the contralateral foot (mean 16.1 pounds) (P = .23). Among the full 92 case cohort, 3 patients underwent 4 known reoperations. CONCLUSION: Fibular sesamoidectomy effectively provided pain relief (median 5-year follow-up) for patients with sesamoid pathology without affecting hallux alignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Lessons on Data Collection and Curation From the NFL Injury Surveillance Program.

BACKGROUND: "Research-ready" evidence platforms that link sports data with anonymized electronic health records (EHRs) or other data are important tools for evaluating injury occurrence in response to changes in games, training, rules, and other factors. While there is agreement that high-quality data are essential, there is little evidence to guide data curation. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that an EHR used in the course of clinical care and curated for research readiness can provide a robust evidence platform. Our purpose was to describe the data curation used for active injury surveillance by the National Football League (NFL). STUDY DESIGN: Dynamic cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: Players provide informed consent for research activities through the collective bargaining process. A league-wide EHR is used to record injuries that come to the attention of the teams' athletic trainers and physicians, NFL medical spotters, or unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants. Information about football activities and injuries are linkable by player, setting, and event to other sports-related data, including game statistics and game-day stadium quality measures, using a unique player identification designed to protect player privacy. Ongoing data curation is used to review data completeness and accuracy and is adjusted over time in response to findings. RESULTS: The core data curation activities include monthly injury summaries to team staff, queries to resolve incomplete reporting, and periodic external checks. Experiences derived from producing more than 100 reports per year on diverse topics are used to update coding training and related guidance documents in response to missing data or inconsistent coding that is observed. Roughly 20% more injuries were recorded for the same "reportable" injuries after switching from targeted reporting to an EHR. CONCLUSION: Research-ready databases need systematic curation for quality and completeness, along with related action plans. More injuries were reported through EHR than through targeted reporting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evidence-driven decision-making thrives on reliable data fine-tuned through systematic use, review, and ongoing adjustments to the curation process.

The Infinity Total Ankle System: Early Clinical Results With 2- to 4-Year Follow-up.

AIMS: This study presents the first report of clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Infinity Total Ankle System (Wright Medical, Memphis, TN) with minimum 2-year follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The first 67 consecutive patients who underwent primary total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with the Infinity system at 2 North American sites between August 2013 and May 2015 were reviewed in a prospective, observational study. Demographic, radiographic, and functional outcome data were collected preoperatively, at 6 to 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: The overall implant survival rate was 97% (65 of 67 implants) at a mean follow-up of 35.4 months (27 to 47 months). Two cases underwent talar component revision for aseptic loosening. Six of the 67 cases (9%) required a nonrevision reoperation. Mean Foot Function Index and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale scores at latest follow-up improved from preoperative by 21.6 ( P < .0001) and 34.0 ( P < .0001), respectively. No radiographic loosening of any talar or tibial components was identified in the 65 nonrevised cases. CONCLUSION: Early clinical and radiographic outcomes with the Infinity TAA are promising and compare favorably to those reported for both fixed- and mobile-bearing third-generation TAA designs, even when used in cases with deformity and increased case complexity. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.