Effects of Travel Distance on Complications and Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Owing to the last decade's increase in the number of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) procedures performed annually, there is a concern that the disproportionate distribution of orthopaedic surgeons who regularly perform TAA may impact complications and/or patient satisfaction. This study examines patient-reported outcomes and complications in TAA patients who had to travel for surgery compared to those treated locally. This is a single-center retrospective review of 160 patients undergoing primary TAA between January 2016 and December 2018, with mean age 65 (range: 59-71) years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.7 kg/m2, 69 (43.1%) females, and mean 1.5 (SD = 0.51) years follow-up. Patients were grouped by distance traveled (<50 miles [n = 89] versus >50 miles traveled [n = 71]). There were no significant differences in rate or type of postoperative complications between the <50 mile group (16.9%) and the >50 mile group (22.5%) (P = .277). Similarly, there were no significant difference in postoperative PROMIS scores between the groups (P = .858). Given uneven distribution of high-volume surgeons performing TAA, this is important for patients who are deciding where to have their TAA surgery and for surgeons on how to counsel patients regarding risks when traveling longer distances for TAA care.Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Clinical Outcomes of the Lateral Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Replacement at a 5-Year Minimum Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The Trabecular Metal (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) system uses a lateral approach with a fibular osteotomy to gain access to the tibiotalar joint and a sagittally curved tibial component. This is the first TAA system to laterally approach the ankle, and few studies have explored outcomes associated with this implant. This study aimed to report the 5-year clinical and radiographic outcomes as well as the survivorship of the implant. METHODS: Over a 3-year period, 2 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons used this implant system to treat 38 end-stage arthritic ankles. Reoperation and revision data were collected from all patients (100%) as part of the local prospective database. Patients completed the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) questionnaire preoperatively and at each annual follow-up visit; scores for a minimum of 5 years were available for 28 (73.7%) patients. A radiographic analysis compared postoperative coronal and sagittal alignment in weightbearing radiographs at a minimum of 5 years with that at 3 months postoperatively, as well as cyst or lucency formation, which was available for 21 patients (55.3%). RESULTS: At 5 years, there were 3 revisions (7.9%) and 9 reoperations (23.7%). Reoperations included 4 fibular hardware removal and 5 medial gutter debridement procedures. The FAOS significantly improved for all domains (P < .05). Implant positioning did not significantly change between 3 months and 5 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Our 5-year results in this small series using this unique prosthesis showed good overall survivorship (92.1%) and a reoperation rate of 23.7%, along with clinically significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective case series.

Early Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of a Novel, Fixed-Bearing Fourth-Generation Total Ankle Replacement System.

BACKGROUND: The Cadence Total Ankle System is a 2-component, fixed-bearing fourth-generation total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) system that was introduced for clinical use in 2016. The purpose of this study was to report non-inventor, non-industry funded survivorship, radiographic and clinical outcomes, and early complications following use of this implant at a minimum of 2 years. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent TAA by 2 surgeons with this novel fixed-bearing system between January 2017 and September 2018. Forty-eight patients were evaluated at an average of 33.6 months. Radiographic outcomes included preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar angle on anteroposterior radiographs of the ankle, sagittal tibial angle (STA) on lateral radiographs of the ankle, and periprosthetic lucency formation and location. Revision and reoperation data were collected, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Subgroup analysis assessed associations between preoperative deformity, postoperative implant alignment, PROMIS scores, and periprosthetic lucency formation. RESULTS: Survivorship of implant was 93.7%, with 3 revisions, 1 due to infection and 2 due to loosening of the implant (1 tibial and 1 talar component). Three patients had reoperations (6.3%): 2 for superficial infection and 1 for gutter debridement due to medial gutter impingement. Fifteen patients (35.8%) developed periprosthetic lucencies, all on the tibial side. PROMIS scores improved after surgery in all domains except Depression. Patients with significant postoperative periprosthetic lucency had worse postoperative PROMIS Physical function scores than patients without lucency (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated excellent minimum 2-year clinical and radiographic outcomes and low revision and reoperation rates of this new fourth-generation TAA system. Future studies with longer follow-up, especially on patients with periprosthetic lucency, are necessary to investigate the long-term complications and understand the long-term functional and radiographic outcomes of this implant.

Early Radiographic Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Chevron Bunionectomy Compared to the Modified Lapidus Procedure.

Background: Minimally invasive (MIS) bunion surgery has become increasingly popular. Although early reports on outcomes have been encouraging, no study to date has compared outcomes from the MIS chevron and Akin procedures to the modified Lapidus procedure. Our primary aim was to compare early radiographic outcomes of the MIS chevron and Akin osteotomies to those of the modified Lapidus procedure in patients with comparable deformities, and secondarily to compare clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients were retrospectively reviewed for inclusion from a prospectively collected foot and ankle registry. Patients were eligible if they underwent either the MIS bunionectomy or modified Lapidus procedure and had preoperative and minimum 5-month postoperative weightbearing radiographs. Forty-one patients who underwent MIS bunionectomy were matched to 41 patients who underwent Lapidus bunionectomy based on radiographic parameters. Demographics, radiographic parameters, complications, reoperations, and PROMIS scores were compared between groups. Results: Both groups achieved similar radiographic correction. There was no significant difference in pre- or postoperative PROMIS scores between groups. Procedure duration was significantly faster in the MIS group (P < .001). Bunion recurrence (hallux valgus angle ≥20 degrees) occurred in 1 MIS patient and 2 Lapidus patients, with all patients asymptomatic. The most common reason for reoperation was removal of hardware (4 patients in the MIS group, 2 patients in the Lapidus group). Conclusion: This is the first study to our knowledge to compare early radiographic outcomes between MIS bunionectomy and the modified Lapidus procedure in patients matched for bunion severity. We found that patients with similar preoperative deformities experience similar radiographic correction following MIS chevron and Akin osteotomies vs modified Lapidus bunionectomy. Further research is needed to investigate satisfaction differences between the procedures, longer-term outcomes, and which deformities are best suited to each procedure. Level of Evidence: Level III, Retrospective case control study.

Is the Planus Foot Type Associated With First Ray Hypermobility?

Background: Many foot pathologies have been associated with foot type. However, the association of first ray hypermobility remains enigmatic. The purpose of this study was to investigate first ray hypermobility among participants with planus and rectus foot types and its influence on static measures of foot structure. Methods: Twenty asymptomatic participants with planus (n = 23 feet) and rectus (n = 17 feet) foot types were enrolled. Several parameters of static foot structure (arch height index, arch height flexibility, first metatarsophalangeal joint flexibility, and first ray mobility) were measured. Participants were further stratified into groups with nonhypermobile (n = 26 feet) and hypermobile (n = 14 feet) first rays. First ray mobility ≥8 mm was used to define "first ray hypermobility". Generalized estimating equations, best-fit regression lines, and stepwise linear regression were used to identify significant differences and predictors between the study variables. Results: Overall, 86% of subjects categorized with first ray hypermobility exhibited a planus foot type. Arch height flexibility, weightbearing first ray mobility, and first metatarsophalangeal joint flexibility showed no significant between-group differences. However, weightbearing ray mobility and first metatarsophalangeal joint laxity were associated with partial weightbearing first ray mobility, accounting for 38% of the model variance. Conclusion: The planus foot type was found to be associated with first ray hypermobility. Furthermore, weightbearing first ray mobility and first metatarsophalangeal joint laxity were predictive of partial weightbearing first ray mobility, demonstrating an interaction between the translation and rotational mechanics of the first ray. Clinical Relevance: Association of first ray hypermobility with foot type and first metatarsophalangeal joint flexibility may help understand the sequela to symptomatic pathologies of the foot.

Midterm Survivorship of the INBONE II Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The use of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in the treatment of ankle arthritis has grown substantially as advancements are made in design and surgical technique. Among the criteria guiding the choice between arthroplasty and arthrodesis, the long-term survival and postoperative outcomes are of crucial importance. Although outcomes of the INBONE I have been published, there is limited midterm survival data for the INBONE II. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic and patient-reported outcomes, and survivorship of this prosthesis in patients with a minimum 5-year follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 51 ankles (46 patients) from 2010 to 2015 who underwent TAA with the INBONE II prosthesis at our institution. Of these, 44 cases had minimum clinical follow-up of 5 years (mean, 6.4; range 5-9). Median age was 66 years (range 42-81) and median BMI was 27.5 (range 20.1-33.0). A chart review was performed to record the incidence of revision and reoperation. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were analyzed to assess the coronal tibiotalar alignment (TTA), the talar inclination angle, and the presence of periprosthetic lucencies and cyst formation. Preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales were compared. Survivorship was determined by incidence of revision, defined as removal of a metallic component. RESULTS: The survivorship at 5 years was 98% and the rate of reoperation was 7.8% (n = 4); 2 patients underwent irrigation and debridement for infection, 1 patient underwent a medializing calcaneal osteotomy, and 1 patient underwent open gutter debridement, 1 patient underwent a revision of a subsided talar component at 3.2 years after index surgery. Average postoperative TTA was 88.6 degrees, with 42 rated as neutral (85-95 degrees), 2 varus (<85 degrees), and no valgus (>95 degrees) ankles. At final follow-up, asymptomatic periprosthetic cysts were observed in 8 patients. All FAOS domain scores improved between preoperative and final follow-up. CONCLUSION: At midterm follow-up, we observed significant improvement in radiographic alignment and patient-reported outcome scores for the INBONE II total ankle prosthesis. In addition, this cohort has had a relatively low reoperation rate and high survivorship. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Pronation on weightbearing radiographs does not correlate with pronation from weightbearing CT scans.

INTRODUCTION: In hallux valgus (HV), first metatarsal pronation is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of the deformity. The purpose of this study was to compare pronation in HV patients determined from the shape of the lateral head of the first metatarsal on AP weightbearing radiographs with pronation calculated from weightbearing CT (WBCT) scans. METHODS: Patients were included in this study if they had preoperative and 5-month postoperative WBCT scans and corresponding weightbearing AP radiographs of the affected foot. Pronation of the first metatarsal on WBCT scans was measured using a 3D CAD model and the alpha angle and categorized into four groups on radiographs. Association between pronation groups on radiographs and WBCT scans was determined using Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) and by comparing mean WBCT pronation of the first metatarsal between plain radiograph pronation groups. RESULTS: Agreement between the two observers' pronation on radiographs was good (k = 0.634) and moderate (k = 0.501), respectively. There was no correlation between radiographic pronation and the 3D CAD model (rs < 0.15). Preoperatively, there was weak correlation between the alpha angle and the radiographic pronation groups (rs = 0.371, P = 0.048) although this relationship did not hold postoperatively (rs = 0.330, P = 0.081). There was no difference in mean pronation calculated on WBCT scans between the plain radiographic groups. CONCLUSION: Pronation of the first metatarsal measured on weightbearing AP radiographs had moderate interobserver agreement and was only weakly associated with pronation measured from WBCT scans. These results suggest that first metatarsal pronation measured on weightbearing radiographs is not a substitute for pronation measured on WBCT scans. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Comparative Reliability of a Novel Electromechanical Device and Handheld Ruler for Measuring First Ray Mobility.

BACKGROUND: Quantifying first ray mobility is crucial to understand aberrant foot biomechanics. A novel device (MAP1st) that can perform measurements of first ray mobility in different weightbearing conditions, foot alignments, and normalization was tested. The reliability of these measurement techniques was assessed in comparison to a handheld ruler considered representative of the common clinical examination. METHODS: The study included 25 participants (50 feet). Two independent raters performed baseline, test-retest, and remove-replace measurements of first ray mobility with MAP1st and the handheld device. The effects of non-, partial, and full weightbearing in subtalar joint neutral and the resting calcaneal stance position were assessed. Measurement normalization relative to foot size was also investigated. Intra- and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for each device between the 2 raters. In addition, Bland-Altman plots were constructed to determine if fixed biases or substantial outliers were present. RESULTS: Similar intrarater ICC values were found for both devices (≥0.85). However, interrater ICC values were substantially improved by MAP1st compared with the handheld device (0.58 vs 0.06). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated biases of 1.27 mm for the handheld ruler, and 2.88 to 0.05 mm and -1.16 to 0.00 for linear and normalized MAP1st measurements, respectively. Improved reliability was achieved with MAP1st for normalized assessments of first ray mobility while the foot was placed in partial- and full-weightbearing resting calcaneal stance positions. CONCLUSION: MAP1st provided reliable assessments of partial- and full-weightbearing first ray mobility. It should help investigators to explore the potential relationships between first ray function and aberrant foot biomechanics in future research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Modified Lapidus vs Scarf Osteotomy Outcomes for Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity.

BACKGROUND: The Lapidus procedure and scarf osteotomy are indicated for the operative treatment of hallux valgus; however, no prior studies have compared outcomes between the procedures. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients with symptomatic hallux valgus treated with the modified Lapidus procedure versus scarf osteotomy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients treated by 1 of 7 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons. Inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years, primary modified Lapidus procedure or scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus, minimum 1-year postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, and minimum 3-month postoperative radiographs. Revision cases were excluded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using 6 PROMIS domains. Pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters were measured on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral weightbearing radiographs. Statistical analysis utilized targeted minimum-loss estimation (TMLE) to control for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients (73 Lapidus, 63 scarf) with an average of 17.8 months of follow-up were included in this study. There was significant improvement in PROMIS physical function scores in the modified Lapidus (mean change, 5.25; P < .01) and scarf osteotomy (mean change, 5.50; P < .01) cohorts, with no significant differences between the 2 groups (P = .85). After controlling for bunion severity, the probability of having a normal postoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA; <9 degrees) was 25% lower (P = .04) with the scarf osteotomy compared with the Lapidus procedure. CONCLUSION: Although the modified Lapidus procedure led to a higher probability of achieving a normal IMA, both procedures yielded similar improvements in 1-year patient-reported outcome measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort.

Correlation of Different Methods of Measuring Pronation of the First Metatarsal on Weightbearing CT Scans.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus in the foot and ankle literature regarding how to measure pronation of the first metatarsal in patients with hallux valgus. The primary purpose of this study was to compare 2 previously published methods for measuring pronation of the first metatarsal and a novel 3-dimensional measurement of pronation to determine if different measurements of pronation are associated with each other. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent a modified Lapidus procedure for their hallux valgus deformity were included in this study. Pronation of the first metatarsal was measured on weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) scans using the α angle with reference to the floor, a 3-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) calculation with reference to the second metatarsal, and a novel method, called the triplanar angle of pronation (TAP), that included references to both the floor (floor TAP) and base of the second metatarsal (second TAP). Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to determine if the 3 calculated angles of pronation correlated to each other. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative α angle and 3D CAD had no correlation with each other (r = 0.094, P = .626 and r = 0.076, P = .694, respectively). Preoperative and postoperative second TAP and 3D CAD also had no correlation (r = 0.095, P = .624 and r = 0.320, P = .09, respectively). However, preoperative and postoperative floor TAP and α angle were found to have moderate correlations (r = 0.595, P = .001 and r = 0.501, P = .005, respectively). CONCLUSION: The calculation of first metatarsal pronation is affected by the reference and technique used, and further work is needed to establish a consistent measurement for the foot and ankle community. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

A Staged Approach to Combined Extra-articular Limb Deformity Correction and Total Ankle Arthroplasty for End-Stage Ankle Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA) in the setting of a concomitant extra-articular limb deformity pose a challenging problem that has not yet been described in the literature. We describe a case series of patients treated with external and internal fixation techniques followed by total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in a staged approach to treat this complex presentation. METHODS: Eight patients with limb deformity and end-stage ankle OA who underwent staged deformity correction and TAA from 2016 to 2019 at our institution were retrospectively identified. Average age was 58.5 (range, 49-68) years, with an average follow-up of 2.6 (range, 0.8-4.2) years. All patients underwent limb reconstruction with either tibial osteotomy with a circular frame (n=6) or intramedullary nail (n=2). Limb deformities consisted of the following: posttraumatic tibial malunion (2), limb length discrepancy (1), acquired tibial deformity (1), genu varum (2), or genu valgum (2). Radiographic parameters were assessed pre- and postoperatively on 51-inch standing and ankle radiographs: limb length discrepancy (LLD), genu varum/valgum deformity, recurvatum deformity, mechanical axis deviation, medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal tibial angle, anterior distal tibial angle, and tibiotalar alignment. Pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes were assessed using 2 metrics, the Limb Deformity-Scoliosis Research Society (LD-SRS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores (Physical Function, Pain Intensity, Pain Interference, Global Physical Function, and Global Mental Function). RESULTS: Following staged limb deformity correction and TAA, all patients achieved correction of LLD and angular deformities of the lower limb, along with restoration of normal alignment of the ankle joint. There was significant mean improvement in all patient-reported LD-SRS and PROMIS domains, except for LD-SRS mental health. LD-SRS function improved from 2.6 (±0.7) to 4.6 (±0.2), P = .008; pain improved from 2.9 (±0.9) to 4.8 (±0.2), P = .012; self-image improved from 2.9 (±0.4) to 4.7 (±0.3), P < .001; and total LD-SRS improved from 3.3 (±0.4) to 4.8 (±0.2), P = .002. Average satisfaction was 4.9 (±0.3). PROMIS physical function improved from 32.3 (±6.8) to 51.3 (±5.3), P = .008; pain interference improved from 66.0 (±9.1) to 41.3 (±6.2), P = .004; pain intensity improved from 60.0 (±13.3) to 33.1 (±5.3), P = .007; global physical health improved from 39.3 (±6.8) to 60.7 (±5.1), P = .002; global mental health improved from 54.8 (±5.9) to 65.6 (±2.8), P = .007. There was one incidence of pin site infection and one reoperation. CONCLUSION: Deformity correction with either external frame or intramedullary nail fixation followed by TAA in a staged approach was a viable surgical option in the treatment of end-stage ankle OA with concurrent extra-articular limb deformity. This unique approach was capable of achieving deformity correction with improved patient-reported outcomes, minimal complications, and good patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Association Between Baseline PROMIS Scores, Patient-Provider Communication Factors, and Musculoskeletal Health Literacy on Patient and Surgeon Expectations in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Various factors may affect differences between patient and surgeon expectations. This study aimed to assess associations between patient-reported physical and mental status, patient-surgeon communication, and musculoskeletal health literacy with differences in patient and surgeon expectations of foot and ankle surgery. METHODS: Two hundred two patients scheduled to undergo foot or ankle surgery at an academic hospital were enrolled. Preoperatively, patients and surgeons completed the Hospital for Special Surgery Foot & Ankle Surgery Expectations Survey. Patients also completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores in Physical Function, Pain Interference, Pain Intensity, Depression, and Global Health. Patient-surgeon communication and musculoskeletal health literacy were assessed via the modified Patients' Perceived Involvement in Care Scale (PICS) and Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP) questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: Greater differences in patient and surgeon overall expectations scores were associated with worse scores in Physical Function (P = .003), Pain Interference (P = .001), Pain Intensity (P = .009), Global Physical Health (P < .001), and Depression (P = .009). A greater difference in the number of expectations between patients and surgeons was associated with all of the above (P ≤ .003) and with worse Global Mental Health (P = .003). Patient perceptions of higher surgeons' partnership building were associated with a greater number of patient than surgeon expectations (P = .017). There were no associations found between musculoskeletal health literacy and differences in expectations. CONCLUSION: Worse baseline patient physical and mental status and higher patient perceptions of provider partnership building were associated with higher patient than surgeon expectations. It may be beneficial for surgeons to set more realistic expectations with patients who have greater disability and in those whom they have stronger partnerships with. Further studies are warranted to understand how modifications in patient and surgeon interactions and patient health literacy affect agreement in expectations of foot and ankle surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative series.

Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Relationship With Postoperative Outcomes in Flexible Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that procedure-specific thresholds using preoperative patient-reported outcome scores may be used to predict postoperative outcomes. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) thresholds could be used to predict which patients would clinically improve at 2 years postoperatively following reconstruction of their flexible adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). METHODS: PROMIS physical function, pain interference, and depression scores were prospectively collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively for 75 feet with flexible AAFD. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were calculated to establish significant postoperative improvement. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve analyses were employed to determine whether preoperative PROMIS scores could be used to predict postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The PROMIS physical function receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve = 0.913, P < .001) found that a preoperative PROMIS physical function score greater than 45.7 resulted in a 14.3% probability of achieving the MCID, whereas a preoperative score of less than 40.8 had a 97.7% probability of achieving the MCID. A preoperative PROMIS pain interference score (area under the curve = 0.799, P < .001) less than 54.1 had only a 23.1% probability of achieving the MCID at 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PROMIS physical function and pain interference scores could be used to predict postoperative improvement in patients with flexible AAFD. These results may help surgeons counsel patients regarding the anticipated benefit of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Hallux Valgus and Metatarsus Adductus Treated With a Modified Lapidus Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found an increased rate of deformity recurrence in hallux valgus (HV) patients with concomitant metatarsus adductus (MA) undergoing metatarsal osteotomies. The purpose of this paper was to determine if there were radiographic or clinical outcome differences between HV patients with and without MA undergoing a modified Lapidus procedure. METHODS: One hundred forty-seven feet that underwent a modified Lapidus procedure for HV were divided into 2 groups based on their preoperative modified Sgarlato's angle: (1) the MA group had an angle ≥20 degrees and (2) the HV-only group had an angle <20 degrees. HV angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured on preoperative and ≥5-month postoperative weightbearing radiographs. Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) scores were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients in the MA group had a significantly higher mean postoperative HVA (10.8 vs 7.5 degrees; P = .038). There was a trend toward higher PROMIS PI scores in the MA group at 1 year postoperatively (51.9 vs 47.6; P = .088). Patients in the MA group were more likely to have a revision surgery (7.3% vs 0%; P = .021), and there was a trend toward those patients having a higher recurrence rate (17.1% vs 6.6%; P = .064). CONCLUSION: Despite potentially worse postoperative outcomes in patients with HV and MA who undergo a modified Lapidus procedure, the recurrence rates reported here are lower than those reported in the literature for patients with MA undergoing metatarsal osteotomies, indicating that a modified Lapidus procedure may be an acceptable choice in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Preoperative PROMIS Physical Function Scores Predict Postoperative Outcomes Following Total Ankle Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Despite good evidence that supports significant improvements in pain and physical function following a total ankle replacement (TAR) for end-stage ankle arthritis, there is a subset of patients who do not significantly benefit from surgery. The purpose of this study was to perform a preliminary analysis to determine if preoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores could be used to predict which patients were at risk of not meaningfully improving following a TAR. METHODS: Prospectively collected preoperative and ≥2-year postoperative PROMIS physical function, pain interference, pain intensity, and depression scores for 111 feet in 105 patients were included in the study. Significant postoperative improvement was defined using minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs). Logistic regression models and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used to determine whether preoperative PROMIS scores were predictive of postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curves found statistically significant AUCs for the PROMIS physical function (AUC = 0.728, P = .004), pain intensity (AUC = 0.720, P = .018), and depression (AUC = 0.761, P < .001) domains. The preoperative PROMIS pain interference domain did not achieve a statistically significant AUC. CONCLUSION: Preoperative PROMIS physical function and pain intensity t scores may be used to predict postoperative improvement in patients following a fixed-bearing TAR; however, preoperative PROMIS pain interference scores were not good predictors. The results of this study may be used to guide research regarding patient-reported outcomes following TAR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications With Open vs Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Repair.

BACKGROUND: There is no current consensus on whether to use an open or minimally invasive (MIS) approach for Achilles tendon repair after acute rupture. We hypothesized that patients in both open and MIS groups would have improved patient-reported outcome scores using the PROMIS system postoperatively, but that there would be minimal differences in these scores and complication rates between operative techniques. METHODS: A total of 185 patients who underwent surgery for an acute, unilateral Achilles tendon rupture between January 2016 and June 2019, with minimum 1-year follow-up were included in the cohort studied. The minimally invasive group was defined by use of a commercially available minimally invasive device through a smaller surgical incision (n=118). The open repair group did not use the device, and suture repair was performed through larger surgical incisions (n=67). Postoperative protocols were similar between groups. Preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores were collected prospectively through our institution's registry. Demographics and complications were recorded. RESULTS: PROMIS scores overall improved in both study groups after operative repair. No significant differences in postoperative PROMIS scores were observed between the open and MIS repair groups. There were also no significant differences in complication rates between groups. Overall, 19.5% of patients in the MIS group had at least 1 postoperative complication (8.5% deep vein thrombosis [DVT], 3.3% rerupture, 1.7% sural nerve injury, 2.5% infection), compared to 16.4% in the open group (9.0% DVT, 1.5% rerupture, 1.5% sural nerve injury, 0% infection). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing either minimally invasive or open Achilles tendon repair after acute rupture have similar PROMIS outcomes and complication types and incidences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Comparison of Patients' and Surgeons' Expectations in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Aligning patient and surgeon expectations may improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. This study aimed to assess differences in expectations of foot and ankle surgery between patients and their surgeons. METHODS: Two hundred two patients scheduled to undergo foot or ankle surgery by one of 7 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons were enrolled. Preoperatively, patients and surgeons completed the Hospital for Special Surgery Foot & Ankle Surgery Expectations Survey independently. Differences between patient and surgeon overall expectations scores, number of expectations, and number of expectations with complete improvement expected were assessed. A difference of ≥10 points was considered a clinically important difference in expectations score. Associations between patient demographic and clinical characteristics, major/minor surgery, and individual surgeon with differences in expectations were also assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 66.3% of patients had higher expectations, 21.3% had concordant expectations, and 12.4% had lower expectations compared with their surgeons. On average, patients had higher expectations scores than their surgeons (70 ± 20 vs 52 ± 20 points, P < .001). Patients expected complete improvement in a greater number of expectations than surgeons (mean 11 ± 7 vs 1 ± 3, P < .001). Patients had higher expectations than surgeons for 18 of 23 items (78%). Items that had the greatest number of patients with higher expectations than surgeons were "improve confidence in foot/ankle," "prevent foot/ankle from getting worse," and "improve pain at rest." Higher body mass index (BMI) (P = .027) and individual surgeon (P < .001) were associated with greater differences between patient-surgeon expectations. Major/minor surgery was not associated with differences in expectations (P ≥ .142). CONCLUSION: More than two-thirds of patients had significantly higher expectations than their surgeons. Higher BMI was associated with higher patient than surgeon expectations. These results emphasize the importance for foot and ankle surgeons to adequately educate patients preoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Position of the Posteromedial Ankle Structures in Patients Indicated for Total Ankle Replacement.

BACKGROUND: The posteromedial ankle structures are at risk during total ankle replacement (TAR). The purpose of our study was to investigate the distance of these structures from the posterior cortex of the tibia and talus in order to determine their anatomy at different levels of bone resection during a TAR and whether plantarflexion of the ankle reliably moved these structures posteriorly. METHODS: Ten feet in 10 patients with end-stage tibiotalar arthritis indicated for a TAR were included. Preoperative magnetic resonance images were obtained with the foot in a neutral position as well as in maximum plantarflexion to measure the distance of posteromedial ankle structures to the closest part of the posterior cortex of the tibia or talus. Wilcoxon signed-rank rests were used to investigate differences in these distances. RESULTS: The mean distance from the posterior tibial cortex to the tibial nerve at 14 and 7 mm above the tibial plafond was 8.7 mm (range 5.0-11.8 mm) and 6.7 mm (range 2.7-10.6 mm), respectively, which represented a statistically significant movement anteriorly (P = .021). The posterior tibial artery was, on average, 8.0 mm (range 3.6-13.9 mm) and 7.2 mm (range 3.1-9.4 mm) from the posterior tibial cortex at 14 and 7 mm above the tibial plafond, respectively. Distal to the tibial plafond, the posterior tibial artery and flexor digitorum longus tendons moved posteriorly by less than 1 mm in plantarflexion (all P < .05); otherwise, plantarflexion of the ankle did not affect the position of the tibial nerve, posterior tibial tendon, or flexor hallucis longus. CONCLUSION: In patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, the tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery lie, on average, between 6.5 and 10 mm from the posterior tibial and talar cortices. Plantarflexion of the ankle did not reliably move the posteromedial ankle structures posteriorly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series, therapeutic.

Assessing the Ankle Joint Line Level Before and After Total Ankle Arthroplasty With the "Joint Line Height Ratio".

BACKGROUND: Restoring the joint line is an important principle in total knee arthroplasty. However, the effect of joint line level on patient outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) remains unclear, as there is no established method for measuring ankle joint level in TAA. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable radiographic ankle joint line measurement method and to compare ankle joint line level measured pre-TAA, post-TAA, and in nonarthritic ankles. METHODS: A total of 112 radiographic sets were analyzed. Each set included weightbearing anteroposterior radiographs of the operative ankle taken preoperatively, 1-year postoperatively, and of the contralateral ankle. Measurements of vertical intermalleolar distance (VIMD) and vertical joint line distance (VJLD) at pre-TAA, post-TAA, and of the contralateral ankle were recorded by 2 authors on 2 separate occasions. The ratio of VJLD to VIMD was defined as the joint line height ratio (JLHR). Reliability of measurements and correlation between VIMD and VJLD were assessed. Pre-TAA, nonarthritic contralateral ankle, and post-TAA JLHR were compared and considered significantly different if P <.05. RESULTS: The inter- and intrarater reliability of radiographic measurements was excellent (r > 0.9). There were strong positive correlations of VIMD and VJLD, r = 0.809 (pre-TAA)/0.756 (post-TAA), P < .001. Mean (SD) pre-TAA, nonarthritic contralateral ankle, and post-TAA JLHRs were 1.54 (0.31), 1.39 (0.26), and 1.62 (0.49), respectively. Pre- and post-TAA JLHRs were significantly higher compared to the nonarthritic contralateral ankle (P < .05). JHLR was not significantly different between pre- and post-TAA (P = .15). CONCLUSION: The JLHR was reliable and could be a clinically applicable method for assessing ankle joint line level in patients undergoing TAA. End-stage ankle arthritis demonstrated elevated joint line level compared with nonarthritic ankles, and the joint line level post-TAA remained elevated compared with nonarthritic ankles. Further studies are needed to understand the effect of joint line elevation on clinical outcomes after TAA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.