Regeneration: Bone-Marrow Stimulation of the Talus-Limits and Goals.

Bone Marrow Stimulation of osteochondral lesions of the talus has been shown to be a successful way to treat cartilage injuries. Newer data suggest that Bone Marrow Stimulation is best reserved for osteochondral lesions of the talus Sizes Less Than 107.4 mm2 in area. Additionally, newer smaller and deeper techniques to perform bone marrow stimulation have resulted in less subchondral bone damage, less cancellous compaction, and superior bone marrow access with multiple trabecular access channels. Biologic adjuvants such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) may lead to better functional outcomes when used concomitant to bone marrow stimulation.

Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Product Properties.

INTRODUCTION: There are many intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) products on the market that have known intrinsic differences in molecular size, source, and structure. The current review summarizes existing evidence describing and assessing these differences, while also identifying whether these differences have an impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: This systematic review summarized all literature that specifically addresses IA-HA product differences. Included studies summarized basic science and mechanism of action comparisons of IA-HA product differences, or systematic reviews that assess differences in clinical outcomes between IA-HA product differences. RESULTS: A total of 20 investigations assessed basic science differences between IA-HA products, while 20 investigations provided assessments of the clinical outcome differences between IA-HA product characteristics. The published basic science literature provided a differentiation between low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) HA with regard to changes within the synovial fluid, driven by the interactions that these molecules have with receptors in the joint space. These differences in receptor interaction manifest within clinical outcomes, as meta-analyses comparing pain relief after IA-HA suggest that pain reduction is superior in patients who receive HMW HA as opposed to LMW HA. CONCLUSION: This review highlights differences between IA-HA characteristics, and how important the molecular weight, derivation of the product, and structure are to variances in reported clinical outcomes to treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. HMW IA-HAs have shown greater efficacy compared to the alternative of LMW products, while avian-derived and cross-linked products have potentially demonstrated an increase in inflammatory events over non-avian-derived, non-cross-linked HAs.

Can Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography Be a Game-Changer in the Assessment of Ankle Sprain and Ankle Instability?

Ankle sprain and chronic lateral ankle instability are complex conditions and challenging to treat. Cone beam weight-bearing computed tomography is an innovative imaging modality that has gained popularity, with a body of literature reporting reduced radiation exposure and operating time, and shortened examination time and a decreased time interval between injury and diagnosis. In this article, we make clearer the advantages of this technology and encourage researchers to investigate the area, and clinicians to use it as a primary mode of investigation. We also present clinical cases provided by the authors to illustrate those possibilities using advanced imaging tools.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Can We Get Even Better with Surgical Treatment?

Lateral ligament attenuation may occur after repetitive ankle sprains, creating instability. Management of chronic ankle instability requires a comprehensive approach to mechanical and functional instability. Surgical treatment, however, is indicated when conservative treatment is not effective. Ankle ligament reconstruction is the most common surgical procedure to resolve mechanical instability. Anatomic open Broström-Gould reconstruction is the gold standard for repairing affected lateral ligaments and returning athletes to sports. Arthroscopy may also be beneficial for identifying associated injuries. In severe and long-standing instability, reconstruction with tendon augmentation could be necessary.

High Prevalence of Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Tears Associated With Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Separation of All Injury Grades.

BACKGROUND: Despite the relatively high number of cases of acromioclavicular joint (AC) separation in the athletic population, optimal clinical outcomes are not achieved in every case. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of intra-articular glenohumeral pathologies (IAPs) associated with acute AC separation of all injury grades. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of IAPs associated with AC separation, regardless of severity. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 62 patients (mean age, 37.6 years) with acute AC separation were included in this study; 41 were nonoverhead recreational athletes. All patients underwent magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) to evaluate for IAPs. Arthroscopic data from patients undergoing surgical treatment were correlated with MRA results. RESULTS: Patients sustained acute AC separation of Rockwood grade 1 (16.1%), grade 2 (46.8%), grade 3 (25.8%), and grade 4 (11.3%). A concomitant IAP was present in 48 of 62 (77.4%) patients and included superior labral anterior-posterior tears (72.6%), anterior labral tears (24.2%), posterior labral tears (4.8%), supraspinatus tears (3.2%), and inferior glenohumeral ligament ruptures (1.6%). There were 18 (29.0%) patients who had a concomitant pathology in >1 intra-articular structure (combined IAPs). Additionally, 71.8% of patients with grade 1 and 2 AC separation had associated IAPs, and 23.1% had combined IAPs. Furthermore, in patients younger than 40 years, 64.0% of those with grade 1 to 3 AC separation demonstrated associated labral pathologies. There was no difference when comparing age or severity of AC separation and the prevalence of concomitant labral tears (P = .36 and .22, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of IAPs among patients undergoing MRA after AC separation. While an IAP has been described in association with high-grade AC separation previously, the high prevalence of IAPs in low-grade separation in our study was unexpected and suggests that a thorough evaluation and clinical follow-up for patients with all grades of AC separation may be beneficial.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Surgical Management.

Surgical management for chronic lateral ankle ligament instability is useful when patients have failed nonoperative modalities. Open anatomic reconstruction is an effective method of stabilization. Ankle arthroscopy is a recommended to address intra-articular disorder before stabilization. An anatomic approach provides full range of motion, stability, and return to sport and activity. Allograft or suture tape augmentation can be useful for patients with generalized ligamentous laxity, patients with high body mass index, and elite athletes. Allograft reconstruction may be especially useful in revision procedures. Arthroscopic approach to lateral ankle ligament stabilization may provide good outcomes, with long-term data still limited.

Salto Talaris Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Clinical Results at a Mean of 5.2 Years in 78 Patients Treated by a Single Surgeon.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the number of total ankle arthroplasty procedures performed has increased dramatically. We sought to report the clinical results of the largest cohort of patients treated with a modern fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty by a single surgeon. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 78 consecutive patients (81 ankles) who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with a minimum clinical follow-up of 2 years. Sixty-three patients completed standardized questionnaires including the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), the Short Form (SF)-36v2, and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. In addition, each patient underwent serial range-of-motion examination and radiographic implant evaluation at each follow-up appointment. RESULTS: Implant survival was 97.5% at a mean follow-up time of 5.2 years. There was 1 revision of a tibial component and 1 revision of a talar component. Thirty-six patients underwent a concurrent procedure at the time of the index surgery, with the most common being removal of previous hardware. Seventeen patients underwent additional procedures following the index surgery, with the most common being gutter debridement. Total range of motion averaged 35.5° preoperatively and 39.9° postoperatively (p = 0.02). Fifty-seven ankles (70%) had >2 years of radiographic follow-up, and 25 ankles (31%) displayed evidence of lucency around a metallic component at the final radiographic follow-up. Outcome scores at a mean of 5.2 years revealed promising results for the cohort, with a mean VAS pain score of 17.7 and a mean FADI score of 79.1. CONCLUSIONS: Modern fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty had excellent implant survival, improved plantar flexion and total range of motion, and had good-to-excellent functional outcome at a mean follow-up of 5.2 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Role of Computed Tomography in Evaluating Intra-Articular Distal Humerus Fractures.

Computed tomography (CT) is often used to evaluate intra-articular distal humerus fracture patterns, but it increases radiation exposure and cost. We conducted a study to determine the effect of adding CT evaluation to plain radiographic evaluation on the classification of, and treatment plans for, intra-articular distal humerus fractures. Nine blinded orthopedic surgeons evaluated 30 consecutive fractures for classification and surgical approach. Evaluations were performed first using plain radiographs and then again using the same radiographs plus CT images. Statistical analysis was performed using the κ correlation coefficient and Cramer V testing. We hypothesized that adding CT images to plain radiographs would change the classification and treatment of these fractures and would improve interobserver agreement on classification and treatment. Intraobserver reliability (Cramer V) was fair (.393) for classification and moderate (.426) for treatment. Interobserver reliability (Cohen κ) did not improve with CT: For classification, κ was .21 without CT and .20 with CT; for treatment, κ was .28 without CT and .27 with CT. When classifying the fractures, attending surgeons chose the multiplanar fracture pattern 25.6% of the time without CT, and remained consistent at 23.3% with CT. Trainees chose this fracture pattern much less often without CT than with CT. Use of CT changed the treatment for multiplanar fractures (73.7% lateral approach vs 51.9% posterior approach with olecranon osteotomy). When added to plain radiographic evaluation, CT evaluation changes classification and treatment plans. Interobserver reliability did not improve. Less experienced surgeons were more likely to identify multiplanar fracture patterns with use of CT. We recommend performing CT for all intra-articular distal humerus fractures.

Entrapment Neuropathies of the Foot and Ankle.

Posterior tarsal tunnel syndrome is the result of compression of the posterior tibial nerve. Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome (entrapment of the deep peroneal nerve) typically presents with pain radiating to the first dorsal web space. Distal tarsal tunnel syndrome results from entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve and is often misdiagnosed initially as plantar fasciitis. Medial plantar nerve compression is seen most often in running athletes, typically with pain radiating to the medial arch. Morton neuroma is often seen in athletes who place their metatarsal arches repetitively in excessive hyperextension.

Predictors of conversion from conservative to operative treatment of pediatric forearm fractures.

Forearm fractures occur commonly in children; however, there is still uncertainty on what leads to conversion from conservative to operative management. Patients who initially underwent closed reduction and casting for diaphyseal forearm fractures were evaluated for predictors of conversion to operative management. We found that the 20 of 124 (16%) patients in whom there was conversion to operative management were significantly older (11.1 vs. 5.7 nonoperative), had less angulation in the anterior-posterior (or coronal) plane (20.2 vs. 12.8° for the radius, 17.5 vs. 7.8° for the ulna), had a more proximal ulnar fracture location, and had more translated or shortened radius fractures.

Postmenopausal women with minimal trauma fractures are unapprised of the existence of low bone mass or osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: To explore barriers to medical care for osteoporosis following a minimal trauma fracture (MTF). MTFs occur from a fall while in a seated, recumbent or standing position; during normal walking, or from a height less than 4 feet. METHODS: Prospective study and focus groups of women with MTF performed in Chicago from June to December of 2003. Study protocol approved by Institutional Review Board (IRB) and all participants signed consent forms. Focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed, transcripts analyzed using Atlas.ti. Survey results analyzed with SPSS 11.5. RESULTS: Twenty nine participants recruited with average age of 74+/-16 years. MTF occurred at the mean age of 61+/-8 years, with fifteen (15/29) reporting more that one prior MTF. The age distribution was 40-49 years 2 (2/29) participants, 50-59 years 2 (2/29), 60-69 years 6 (6/29), 70-79 years 10 (10/29), 80 and above 9 (9/29). Most participants (21/29, 70%) reported knowledge about osteoporosis obtained from written media. Osteoporotic fractures were rated on a single item Likert Scale (1=not important to 5=most important) as 2.5 (compared with breast cancer 2.3, and myocardial infarction 2.8). Half (16/29) had osteoporosis counseling with their PCP and 9 were receiving medications for bone loss. We observed a positive correlation between osteoporosis counseling and BMD testing (r=0.6, p<0.001), and a trend toward osteoporosis treatment (r=0.372, p=0.09). Half of the participants had reported the occurrence of MTF to their PCP (14/29), however this did not lead to counseling, BMD testing (r=0.07, p=0.78), or treatment (r=-0.14, p=0.53). None of the women believed that low BMD or osteoporosis had contributed to their fracture. Women studied believed that they were "too young" (12/29) to have osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: Women are not receiving adequate information about osteoporosis; they remain unaware of the connection between MTFs and osteoporosis. Post-menopausal women with MTF do not identify osteoporosis as a cause for the fracture, may exhibit ageism and thereby fail to seek adequate medical care.