Association of First Metatarsal Pronation Correction With Patient-Reported Outcomes and Recurrence Rates in Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if a postoperative decrease in first metatarsal pronation on 3-dimensional imaging was associated with changes in patient-reported outcomes as measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function, pain interference, and pain intensity domains or recurrence rates in patients with hallux valgus (HV) who undergo a first tarsometatarsal fusion (modified Lapidus procedure). METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive HV patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent a modified Lapidus procedure had preoperative and ≥2-year postoperative PROMIS scores and had first metatarsal pronation measured on preoperative and at least 5-month postoperative weightbearing CT scans were included. Multivariable regression analyses were used to investigate differences in the change in PROMIS domains preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively between patients with "no change/increased first metatarsal pronation" and "decreased first metatarsal pronation." A log-binomial regression analysis was performed to identify if a decrease in first metatarsal pronation was associated with recurrence of the HV deformity. RESULTS: The decreased first metatarsal pronation group had a significantly greater improvement in the PROMIS physical function scale by 7.2 points (P = .007) compared with the no change/increased first metatarsal pronation group. Recurrence rates were significantly lower in the decreased first metatarsal pronation group when compared to the no change/increased first metatarsal pronation group (risk ratio 0.25, P = .025). CONCLUSION: Detailed review of this limited cohort of patients who underwent a modified Lapidus procedure suggests that the rotational component of the HV deformity may play an important role in outcomes and recurrence rates following the modified Lapidus procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

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.

Effect of the Modified Lapidus Procedure on Pronation of the First Ray in Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a triplanar deformity of the first ray including pronation of the first metatarsal with subluxation of the sesamoids. The purpose of this study was to investigate if a first tarsometatarsal fusion (modified Lapidus technique), without preoperative knowledge of pronation measured on weightbearing computed tomographic (CT) scans, changed pronation of the first metatarsal and determine if reduction of the sesamoids was correlated with changes in first metatarsal pronation. METHODS: Thirty-one feet in 31 patients with HV who underwent a modified Lapidus procedure had preoperative and at least 5-month postoperative weightbearing CT scans and radiographs. Differences in preoperative and postoperative pronation of the first metatarsal using a 3-dimensional computer-aided design, HV angle, and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were calculated using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. After dividing patients into groups based on sesamoid station, Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to compare first metatarsal pronation between the groups. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative pronation of the first metatarsal was 29.0 degrees (range 15.8-51.1, SD 8.7) and 20.2 degrees (range 10.4-32.6, SD 5.4), respectively, which was a mean change in pronation of the first ray of -8.8 degrees (P < .001). There was no difference in pronation of the first ray when stratified by postoperative sesamoid position (P > .250). The average preoperative and postoperative IMA was 16.7 degrees (SD 3.2) and 8.8 degrees (SD 2.8), which demonstrated a significant change (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The modified Lapidus procedure was an effective tool to change pronation of the first ray. Reduction of the sesamoids was not associated with postoperative first metatarsal pronation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Pain Management After Outpatient Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The number of opioids prescribed and used has increased precipitously over the past 2 decades for a number of reasons and has led to increases in long-term dependency, opioid-related deaths, and diversion. Most studies examining the role of prescribing habits have investigated nonoperative providers, although there is some literature describing perioperative opioid prescription and use. There are no studies looking at the number of pills consumed after outpatient foot and ankle surgeries, nor are there guidelines for how many pills providers should prescribe. The purpose of this study was to quantify the number of narcotic pills taken by opioid-naïve patients undergoing outpatient foot and ankle surgeries with regional anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty-four patients underwent outpatient foot and ankle surgeries under spinal blockade and long-acting popliteal blocks. Patients were given 40 or 60 narcotic pills, a 3-day supply of ibuprofen, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and antiemetics. Patients received surveys at postoperative day (POD) 3, 7, 14, and 56 documenting if they were still taking narcotics, the quantity of pills consumed, whether refills were obtained, their pain level, and their reason for stopping opioids. RESULTS: Patients consumed a mean of 22.5 pills, with a 95% confidence interval from 18 to 27 pills. Numerical Rating Scale pain scores started at 4 on POD 3 and decreased to 1.8 by POD 56. The percentage of patients still taking narcotics decreased from 55% on POD 3 to 2.8% by POD 56. Five new prescriptions were given during the study, with 3 being due to side effects from the original medication. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving regional anesthesia for outpatient foot and ankle surgeries reported progressively lower pain scores with low narcotic use up to 56 days postoperatively. We suggest that providers consider prescribing 30 pills as the benchmark for this patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Return to Sports and Physical Activities After the Modified Lapidus Procedure for Hallux Valgus in Young Patients.

BACKGROUND: The modified Lapidus procedure has successfully relieved pain and corrected deformity in patients with hallux valgus, but its effect on participation in specific sports and physical activities remains unclear. Our goals were to assess sports and physical activities in young patients following the modified Lapidus procedure and to compare these with clinical outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-eight eligible patients were identified from a retrospective registry review. Of these, 48 (83%) were reached for follow-up at a mean of 2.8 (range, 1.0 to 6.1) years and had a mean age at surgery of 37.3 (range, 14.1 to 49.3) years. Physical activity participation was evaluated with a new sports-specific, patient-administered questionnaire. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and compared to sports outcomes. RESULTS: Patients participated in 26 different physical activities, consisting of 212 total physical activities preoperatively and 209 total postoperatively. The most common were walking, running, bicycling, and swimming. Compared to preoperatively, patients rated 29% of activities as less difficult, 52% as the same, and 19% as more difficult and rated participation levels as improved in 40%, the same in 41%, and impaired in 19%. Eighty-one percent of patients were satisfied with their operative outcome in regard to return to physical activity. Changes in the FAOS Pain subscore were significantly associated with improvements in physical activity difficulty (P < .05), and changes in the Pain, Sports, and QOL subscores were significantly associated with changes in physical activity participation levels (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Four in 5 patients were able to participate in previous sports and physical activities, including high-impact activities, at their preoperative participation level or better after the modified Lapidus procedure, and were satisfied with surgery in regard to return to previous activity. However, several patients had increased difficulty and impaired participation in physical activity postoperatively. Altogether, this suggests that the procedure is a viable treatment option for hallux valgus in young, active patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Return to Sports and Physical Activities After Primary Partial Arthrodesis for Lisfranc Injuries in Young Patients.

BACKGROUND: Research regarding outcomes in sports and physical activities after primary partial arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries has been sparse. The purposes of this study were to assess various sports and physical activities in young patients following primary partial arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries and to compare these with clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary partial arthrodesis for a Lisfranc injury were identified by a retrospective registry review. Thirty-eight of 46 eligible patients (83%) responded for follow-up at a mean of 5.2 (range, 1.0 to 9.3) years with a mean age at surgery of 31.8 (range, 16.8 to 50.3) years. Physical activity participation was assessed with a new sports-specific, patient-administered questionnaire. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). RESULTS: Patients participated in 29 different and 155 total physical activities preoperatively, and 27 different and 145 total physical activities postoperatively. Preoperatively, 47.1% were high impact, and postoperatively, 44.8% were high impact. The most common activities were walking, bicycling, running, and weightlifting. Compared to preoperatively, difficulty was the same in 66% and increased in 34% of physical activities. Participation levels were improved in 11%, the same in 64%, and impaired in 25% of physical activities. Patients spent on average 4.2 (range, 0.0 to 19.8) hours per week exercising postoperatively. In regard to return to physical activity, 97% of respondents were satisfied with their operative outcome. Mean postoperative FAOS subscores were significantly worse for patients who had increased physical activity difficulty. CONCLUSION: Most patients were able to return to their previous physical activities following primary partial arthrodesis for a Lisfranc injury, many of which were high-impact. However, the decreased participation or increase in difficulty of some activities suggests that some patients experienced postoperative limitations in exercise. Future studies could compare sports outcomes between primary partial arthrodesis and open reduction internal fixation for Lisfranc injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Comparison of rates of union and hardware removal between large and small cannulated screws for calcaneal osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: The calcaneal osteotomy is a common procedure to correct hindfoot malalignment. Reported union rates are high, utilizing fixation methods including staples, plates, and most commonly cannulated screws. We began our practice using 6.5 mm and 7.3 mm cannulated screws, but complaints of postoperative posterior heel pain led to hardware removal in many patients. A switch to smaller 4.5 mm cannulated screws resulted in fewer symptoms, thus we hypothesized that using a smaller screw would decrease screw removal while maintaining an equally high union rate. METHODS: The records of patients who underwent a calcaneal osteotomy by 2 surgeons between January 1996 and April 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The rates of hardware removal and union were compared between osteotomies held with two 7.3 mm, 6.5 mm, and 4.5 mm cannulated screws. RESULTS: There were 272 feet that met the inclusion criteria. The hardware removal rate for 130 osteotomies held with two 7.3 mm screws was 29.2% and the removal rate for 115 osteotomies held with 4.5 mm screws was 13.0%, which was significantly different (P < .05). The removal rate for 27 osteotomies with 6.5 mm screws was 33.3%. The union rate for all groups was 100%. CONCLUSION: Fixation of calcaneal osteotomies with two 4.5 mm screws is advantageous over larger screws with respect to future hardware removal. There was no loss of position from the smaller screws and we feel that the 4.5mm cannulated screw provides sufficient compression and achieves a high rate of union equal to that of the larger screws. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Treatment of Advanced Stages of Hallux Rigidus with Cheilectomy and Proximal Phalangeal Osteotomy: Surgical Technique.

INTRODUCTION: We believe that a combination of cheilectomy and proximal phalangeal osteotomy can be used successfully (with an 85% satisfaction rate1) in patients with advanced hallux rigidus, including those in whom it is classified as Hattrup and Johnson2 Grade III or as Coughlin and Shurnas3 Grade III or IV (extensive degeneration of the joint involving >50% of the articular surface). STEP 1 SURGICAL APPROACH: Begin with a dorsal approach to the first metatarsophalangeal joint and phalanx. STEP 2 CHEILECTOMY: Remove osteophytes and the dorsal third of the first metatarsal head. STEP 3 PROXIMAL PHALANGEAL OSTEOTOMY: Perform a 3-mm dorsal-based closing-wedge osteotomy of the proximal phalanx. STEP 4 CLOSURE AND POSTOPERATIVE PROTOCOL: Close the metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and skin. RESULTS: We reviewed the results in eighty-one patients with advanced hallux rigidus who were treated with a combination of cheilectomy and proximal phalangeal osteotomy. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Achilles tendon rupture in women.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Achilles rupture appears to be less in women, although this notion has not been specifically investigated in the literature. METHODS: The medical records of 7 foot-and-ankle orthopaedic surgeons at 1 institution were reviewed by Current Procedural Terminology (code 27650) and International Classification of Diseases-9 (code 727.67) to establish all Achilles tendon ruptures seen and/or treated by these surgeons. Sex, age, side, and mechanism of injury were recorded. Whether the patient had an acute Achilles tendon rupture or nonacute Achilles pathology was also noted. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients were identified, of whom 358 had acute ruptures: 302 male and 56 female (5.39:1). Patients with acute ruptures were significantly younger than those with nonacute pathology (43.8 vs 55.1, P < .001). For acute ruptures, the mean age was not significantly different between men and women (43.9 vs 43.2; P = .780). Athletic activity was causative in 243 of 302 men (80.5%) and in 40 of 56 women (71.4%). This difference was not statistically significant (P = .130). Six men (2.0%) and 6 women (10.7%) had comorbidities that were thought to increase their risk of rupture (P = .005). CONCLUSION: Achilles tendon rupture is more common in men than women. Previous studies using the aforementioned codes to identify patients without chart review may have overestimated the number of women with acute Achilles tendon rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Autograft and allograft unite similarly in lateral column lengthening for adult acquired flatfoot deformity.

BACKGROUND: Lateral column lengthening (LCL) is used to address the forefoot abduction associated with the adult acquired flatfoot. This opening wedge osteotomy can be filled with either allograft or autograft bone. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The investigators sought to determine union rates and any loss of correction in patients undergoing LCL with autograft versus allograft. METHODS: Over a 3-year period, 126 LCLs performed by five surgeons in 120 patients were reviewed. Autograft was used in 51 patients, allograft in 75 patients. Times to clinical and radiographic union were established for these patients. Any loss of correction of forefoot abduction as manifested by talonavicular uncoverage was recorded for those grafts that healed. Failure was defined as nonunion or loss of 50% or greater correction. The size of the implanted graft was assessed as a risk factor for failure. RESULTS: There were 20 total failures: seven in patients with autograft and 13 in patients with allograft (p = 0.63). The size of the implanted graft was larger in those patients that did fail (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of nonunion and loss of correction for LCL was not significantly different between allograft and autograft. The overall rate of nonunion may be higher than has previously been reported.

Functional outcome after surgical reconstruction of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency in patients under 50 years.

BACKGROUND: Procedures utilized to address the flatfoot in this study included medializing calcaneal osteotomy, posterior tibial tendon reconstruction with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, and in patients with more severe deformity, lateral column lengthening. We evaluated patients age 50 and less at the time of surgery, who underwent surgical reconstruction for Stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Pre- and postoperative activity levels were evaluated to assess the effect of surgical reconstruction in the younger patient. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty-four feet in 30 patients (11 male, 19 female) with an average age of 41.2 (range, 17 to 50) years had surgery between 1997 and 2004. All feet were examined at an average followup of 44.5 (range, 24 to 65) months and were evaluated with the American-Orthopaedic-Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot-Score and SF-36 score. RESULTS: The average preoperative AOFAS-Score was 53.1 +/- 14.5 points and 83.2 +/- 12.2 points at final postoperative followup. The mean improvement was 29.5. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS score was significant (p < 0.0001) using a two-tailed t-test. The difference in the AOFAS pain and alignment subscales was also significant (p < 0.0001). The function subscale improvement was also significant (p = 0.018). The mean physical function component of the postoperative SF-36 score was 79.2. A correlation was found between the SF-36 physical component score and the post operative AOFAS score (r(2) = 0.754). CONCLUSION: While some lateral discomfort or pain occurred in patients with or without a lateral column lengthening, the posterior tibial tendon reconstruction utilizing medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy with flexor digitorum longus transfer and a lateral column lengthening with more deformity was successful in the higher-functioning, younger patients.

The effect of changes in depression on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in HIV infection.

This study prospectively evaluated the effect of treatment of major depression on psychosocial functioning (health-related quality of life (HRQoL)). Previously, we reported on a trial of 75 HIV+ patients who were blindly randomized to receive treatment with drug or placebo (N=25 to each of paroxetine, imipramine, or placebo). Forty-one individuals completed the entire trial (placebo = 14, antidepressant = 27). In this study, we assessed HRQoL using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (QLESQ) and the Social Adjustment Scale (SAS) at baseline and the end of the trial (12 weeks) using a random effects model to estimate treatment effects. HIV/AIDS patients with a major depressive disorder who completed the clinical trial demonstrated a reduction in depression with response to treatment and a significant improvement in HRQoL with the exception of work and financial functioning. Effective management of depression in HIV/AIDS patients is important, especially with the importance of adherence in current HIV/AIDS antiviral therapy. HRQoL improved in patients regardless of drug or response group and as a function of being in this trial suggesting that medications may not be required to affect HRQoL outcomes and that disease management aspects of care are important.

Maternal sexual abuse of male children.

Preview Sexual abuse of boys by their mothers is being increasingly reported and must be considered in the course of history taking and physical examination. Often there is little objective evidence of such abuse, and only a cluster of signs and risk factors may reveal the victimization. Drs Elliott and Peterson list characteristics that can help physicians identify sexually abusive mothers and sexually abused children; they also discuss how to retrieve a report of abuse from a child and assess its credibility.