Assessment of the Factors Influencing the Patient's Comprehension of the Informed Consent to Interventional Pain Procedures.

Background: Informed consent is the first step of every medical procedure and is considered a standard of care for patients undergoing medical interventions. Our study seeks to evaluate patients' understanding of the procedure they consented to and the factors affecting the degree of understanding. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used an anonymous postprocedural questionnaire to assess our patients' understanding of the procedure being performed and their level of satisfaction. It was conducted between June 2021 and January 2022 on every consenting patient who declined English interpreter services and was undergoing a first elective lumbar epidural steroid injection. Results: The mean age of 201 subjects was 57.3 (23-90) years, with a race distribution of Black (44.3%), White (31.8%), and other races (23.9%). 15.9% of our subjects worked in the medical field. Older age and patients identified as Black and other races had a positive correlation with the propensity to predict a poor understanding of consent. This study failed to demonstrate any difference in understanding of informed consent content between the different subgroups when stratified by assigned sex at birth, level of education, and profession. Patients' expectation from the treatment was classified as desperate (will take any help they can) in 78 patients (38.8%), feeling hopeful (expecting partial improvement in their symptoms) in 52 patients (25.9%), and being optimistic (will obtain full recovery from this injection) in 71 patients (35.3%). 192 patients (95.5%) were very satisfied with the consent process. Seven patients (3.5%) stated that they wanted more information, and 2 patients (1.0%) did not understand the explanation. 180 patients (89.6%) were satisfied with the overall experience, while 21 patients (10.4%) were not. The Wilks test (likelihood-ratio test) resulted in a p value of 0.023 and was deemed statistically significant for a relationship between understanding of consent and the satisfaction of the patient from the procedure. Conclusions: Although patients carry a variable expectation of procedures, most patients in our pain clinic have a high level of satisfaction despite having a poor understanding of the procedure provided via informed consent. Although our patients' level of objective comprehension is low, those with a better understanding of the procedure tend to have a more satisfactory experience.

Anatomic reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament in multi-ligaments knee injury using achilles allograft : a modification of Marx's technique.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury may require operative treatment. Marx et al. described the latest technique for reconstruction of MCL. While good results have been reported using the Marx technique, some issues have been observed. To address the mentioned issues, a modification to the Marx technique has been devised. Eleven patients were enrolled and their ligaments were repaired by the fixation of allograft on the proximal and distal attachment footprints of the superficial MCL. For preventing loss of knee ROM, MCL and other ligaments were reconstructed in 2 separate stages. At the last follow up the ROM, knee ligament laxity and functional outcome scores, subjective (IKDC) and Lysholm score were evaluated and recorded. Knee motion was maintained in all cases. Two cases demonstrated 1+ valgus instability at 30 degrees of knee flexion. Both were treated for combined MCL and PCL tear, the rest were stable. The average IKDC-subjective score was 93 ± 4 and the average Lysholm score was 92 ± 3. All patients were satisfied and returned to their previous level of activity. In this technique, the superficial MCL was recon- structed closer to its anatomical construct. Patients didn't have any complaints of hardware under the skin and the need for a second surgery for hardware removal was avoided. Patients didn't have any complaints of hardware under the skin and the need for a second surgery for hardware removal was avoided. Also reconstructing the ligaments in 2 stages helped to preserve the knee motion. Level of Evidence : Level IV therapeutic.

Consideration of medial anatomical structures at risk when placing quadricortical syndesmotic fixation: A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical fixation of syndesmotic instability using quadricortical fixation, whether screws or suture-button devices, places structures on the medial side of the tibia at iatrogenic risk. This study aims to radiographically map the anatomic course of structures on the medial aspect of the distal tibia to be able to at-risk zones (ARZs) for syndesmotic fixation. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric ankle specimens were dissected. The saphenous neurovascular bundle (SNVB) and the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) were identified and marked with copper wiring. Standardized and calibrated lateral radiographs of the distal tibia and fibula were analyzed using a grid system consisting of 3 columnar zones from anterior to posterior and five 1-cm rows to chart the anatomic course of the SNVB and the PTT. RESULTS: The SNVB was located in the more anterior zones (1, 2, or anterior to Zone 1) in 97.3% of specimens. The SNVB traversed from posterior to anterior as it descended proximal to distal. The PTT was found in Zone 3 (most posterior zone) for all specimens. The PTT was noted to pass behind (radiographically overlap) the tibia in 83.3% (15 of 18) of specimens between 1 and 3 cm above the tibiotalar joint. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of quadricortical syndesmotic fixation places structures on the medial ankle at risk. The SNVB is at considerable risk along the anterior course of the distal tibial while the PTT is only at risk in zone 3 at the distal extent of the tibia.

The Effect of Gentamycin in the Irrigating Solution to Prevent Joint Infection after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL is an effective method to restore knee stability after ACL rupture. Postoperative septic arthritis (SA) is very uncommon while the incidence of serious complications range between 0.14% and 1.8%. Some of the devastating consequences of septic arthritis can encompass hyaline cartilage damage, arthrofibrosis, and in rare cases amputation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gentamicin irrigation solutions as a process to restrain septic arthritis following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 1464 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft in our institution over 7 years (February 2008 to January 2015) were included. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of intra-articular irrigation solution used during the surgery. Patients in Group 1 (Saline) received intra-articular irrigation with normal saline (0.9 % sodium chloride) solution, while those in Group 2 (Gentamycin) received intra-articular irrigation with gentamicin (80 mg/L) added to the normal saline solution. Data about postoperative infection, its course, management, and outcome were obtained from patients' records. RESULTS: Seven patients developed SA, four of whom were from SALINE group (2.2%) and three from Gentamycin group (0.23%). The incidence rate of SA after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction was significantly lower (P <0.05) when irrigated with gentamicin solution than merely with saline solution. CONCLUSION: Gentamicin irrigation solution has a preservative and protective effect against SA development following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. We recommend evaluating this technique as a way in order to depreciate the prevalence of SA after ACL reconstruction.

Different References for Valgus Cut Angle in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The valgus cut angle (VCA) of the distal femur in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is measured preoperatively on three-joint alignment radiographs. The anatomical axis of the femur can be described as the anatomical axis of the full length of the femur or as the anatomical axis of the distal half of the femur, which may result in different angles in some cases. During TKA, the anatomical axis of the femur is determined by intramedullary femoral guides, which may follow the distal half or near full anatomical axis, based on the length of the femoral guide. The aim of this study was to compare using the anatomical axis of the full length of the femur versus the anatomical axis of the distal half of the femur for measuring VCA, in normal and varus aligned femurs. We hypothesized that the VCA would be different based upon these two definitions of the anatomical axis of the femur. METHODS: Full-length weight bearing radiographs were used to determine three-joint alignment in normal aligned (Lateral Distal Femoral Angle; LDFA = 87º ± 2º) and varus aligned (LDFA >89º) femurs. Full-length anatomical axis-mechanical axis angle (angle 1) and distal half anatomical axis-mechanical axis angle (angle 2) were measured in all subjects by two independent orthopedic surgeons using a DICOM viewer software (PACS). Angles 1 and 2 were compared in normal and varus aligned subjects to determine whether there was a significant difference. RESULTS: Ninety-seven consecutive subjects with normally aligned femurs and 97 consecutive subjects with varus aligned femurs were included in this study. In normally aligned femurs, the mean value of angle 1 was 5.05° ± 0.76° and for angle 2 was 3.62° ± 1.19°, which were statistically different (P= 0.0001). In varus aligned femurs, the mean value of angle 1 was 5.42° ± 0.85° and for angle 2 was 4.23° ± 1.27°, which were also statistically different (P= 0.0047). CONCLUSION: The two different methods of outlining the anatomical axis of the femur lead to different results in both normal and varus-aligned femurs. This should be considered in determination of the valgus cut angle on pre-operative radiographs and be adjusted according to the length of the intramedullary guide.

Iatrogenic fracture gapping during fixation of Jones fractures: Anatomic and mechanical considerations in a cadaveric model.

BACKGROUND: Surgical fixation of Jones fractures is often recommended to facilitate recovery and achieve union. Iatrogenic fracture displacement during intramedullary screw fixation is a commonly encountered technical issue. This may be related to fracture location in relation to the surrounding ligamentous attachments, namely the robust intermetatarsal ligaments found at the proximal articulation of the 4th and 5th metatarsals. This study examines the relationship between fracture line and its location in regards to the surrounding ligamentous structures and its effect on Jones fracture displacement, reduction and fixation in a cadaveric model. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric feet were dissected with preservation of all ligamentous attachments. Given the similar anatomic distal extent of the dorsal and plantar intermetatarsal ligaments on the 5th metatarsal, measurements were obtained detailing the anatomic position of the dorsal intermetatarsal ligament (DIL) only. The specimens were divided into two groups with modelled fractures created at the 4th & 5th metatarsal articulation proximal to the distal extent of the DIL (Group 1) or just distal to the DIL (Group 2). Fractures were fixed in standard fashion with serial fluoroscopic images obtained to study fracture gapping and rotation. RESULTS: There was approximately 5 mm of fracture gapping created iatrogenically during tapping with no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (4.53 mm versus 5.25 mm, p = 0.5430). The distal aspect of the DIL was anatomically located 2.77 mm (Range 1.58 mm-4.46 mm) distal to the 4th & 5th metatarsal articulation. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable iatrogenic fracture gapping occurs during intramedullary screw fixation of Jones fractures in a cadaveric model regardless of fracture location in relation to the intermetatarsal ligamentous attachments. Specific techniques may be required to maintain anatomic alignment during tapping and screw fixation to prevent iatrogenic displacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, Expert Opinion.

Anatomical axes of the proximal and distal halves of the femur in a normally aligned healthy population: implications for surgery.

BACKGROUND: The anatomical axis of the femur is crucial for determining the correct alignment in corrective osteotomies of the knee, total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and retrograde and antegrade femoral intramedullary nailing (IMN). The aim of this study was to propose the concept of different anatomical axes for the proximal and distal parts of the femur; compare these axes in normally aligned subjects and also to propose the clinical application of these axes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the horizontal distances between the anatomical axis of the proximal and distal halves of the femur and the center of the intercondylar notch were measured in 100 normally aligned femurs using standard full length alignment view X-rays. RESULTS: The average age was 34.44 ± 11.14 years. The average distance from the proximal anatomical axis to the center of the intercondylar notch was 6.68 ± 5.23 mm. The proximal anatomical axis of femur passed lateral to the center of the intercondylar notch in 12 cases (12%), medial in 84 cases (84%) and exactly central in 4 cases (4%). The average distance from the distal anatomical axis to the center of the intercondylar notch was 3.63 ± 2.09 mm. The distal anatomical axis of the femur passed medially to the center of the intercondylar notch in 82 cases (82%) and exactly central in 18 cases (18%). There was a significant difference between the anatomical axis of the proximal and distal parts of the femur in reference to the center of intercondylar notch (P value < 0.05), supporting the hypothesis that anatomical axes of the proximal and distal halves of the femur are different in the coronal plane. CONCLUSIONS: While surgeons are aware that the anatomical axis of the distal part of the femur is different than the anatomical axis of the proximal part in patients with femoral deformities, we have shown that these axes are also different in the normally aligned healthy people due to the anatomy of the femur in coronal plane. Also the normal ranges provided here can be used as a reference for the alignment guide entry point in TKA and antegrade and retrograde intramedullary femoral nailing.

Potential for Bias and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scoring System.

BACKGROUND: The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scoring System (AOFAS-AH) has not been validated and has significant risk for researcher bias, given that 40 out of 100 points are assessed by study staff subjectively. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its recent use in the orthopaedic literature to determine the percentage of previously published studies for which study conclusions would be changed if the AOFAS-AH scores were artificially altered, representing the effect of a systematic researcher bias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles from January 2012 and February 2015 in three orthopaedic journals were queried for use of the AOFAS-AH. Quantities of 4, 8, or 12 points were added to or subtracted from mean AOFAS-AH scores for each study while otherwise maintaining the reported standard deviation to simulate a researcher bias when scoring the subjective sections. Statistical analysis was performed with the adjusted AOFAS-AH mean scores in order to elucidate a potential "reversal" in statistical significance and conclusion. RESULTS: A 1582 original research articles were published during this time period. 128 articles utilized the AOFAS-AH score. 30 articles (23.4%) reported the required statistical data to permit manipulation of AOFAS-AH scores. Nine of the 30 articles (30%) had a reversal following a manipulation of 12 or fewer points. Seven (5.5%) reported the blinding status of the researchers. CONCLUSION: The potential for bias is high with the AOFAS-AH and its continued is questionable. Researchers utilizing the AOFAS-AH should at a minimum appropriately blind study staff and consider pre-study clarification of subjective terminology. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Is It "Fractured" or "Broken"? A Patient Survey Study to Assess Injury Comprehension after Orthopaedic Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Patients who sustain orthopaedic trauma in the form of fractures commonly ask treating providers whether the bone is "fractured" or "broken". While orthopaedic surgeons consider these terms synonymous, patients appear to comprehend the terms as having different meanings. Given the commonality of this frequently posed question, it may be important for providers to assess patients' level of understanding in order to provide optimal care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients' comprehension and understanding regarding the use of the terms fractured and broken. METHODS: A survey was administered as a patient-quality measure to patients, family members and/or other non-patients presenting to an orthopaedic outpatient clinic at an academic teaching hospital. RESULTS: 200 responders met inclusion criteria. Only 45% of responders understood the terms fractured and broken to be synonymous. Age, gender, nor ethnicity correlated with understanding of terminology. Responders described a "fractured" bone using synonyms of less severe characteristics for 55.7% of their answers and chose more severe characteristics 44.3% of the time, whereas responders chose synonyms to describe a "broken" bone with more severe characteristics as an answer in 62.1% of cases and chose less severe characteristics 37.9% of the time. The difference for each group was statistically significant (P=0.0458 and P ≤0.00001, respectively). There was no correlation between level of education nor having a personal orthopaedic history of a previous fracture with understanding the terms fracture and broken as synonymous. Having an occupation in the medical field (i.e. physician or physical/occupational therapist) significantly improved understanding of terminology. CONCLUSION: The majority of people, regardless of the age, gender, race, education or history of previous fracture, may not understand that fractured and broken are synonymous terms. Providers need to be cognizant of the terminology they use when describing a patient's injury in order to optimize patient understanding and care.

Gravity Reduction View: A Radiographic Technique for the Evaluation and Management of Weber B Fibula Fractures.

BACKGROUND: While various radiographic parameters and application of manual/gravity stress have been proposed to elucidate instability for Weber B fibula fractures, the prognostic capability of these modalities remains unclear. Determination of anatomic positioning of the mortise is paramount. We propose a radiographic technique, the Gravity Reduction View (GRV), which helps elucidate non-anatomic positioning and reducibility of the mortise. METHODS: The patient is positioned lateral decubitus with the injured leg elevated on a holder with the fibula directed superiorly. The x-ray cassette is placed posterior to the heel, with the beam angled at 15° of internal rotation to obtain a mortise view. Our proposed treatment algorithm is based upon the measurement of the medial clear space (MCS) on the GRV versus the static mortise view (and in comparison to the superior clear space (SCS)) and is based on reducibility of the MCS. A retrospective review of patients evaluated utilizing the GRV was performed. RESULTS: 26 patients with Weber B fibula fractures were managed according to this treatment algorithm. Mean age was 50.57 years old (range:18-81, SD=19). 17 patients underwent operative treatment and 9 patients were initially treated nonoperatively. 2 patients demonstrated late displacement and were treated surgically. Using this algorithm, at a mean follow-up of 26 weeks, all patients had a final MCS that was less than the SCS (final mean MCS 2.86 mm vs. mean SCS of 3.32) indicating effectiveness of the treatment algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: The GRV is a radiographic view in which deltoid competency, reducibility and initial positioning of the mortise are assessed by comparing a static mortise view with the appearance of the mortise on the GRV. We have proposed a treatment algorithm based on the GRV that we found it useful in our patients in guiding treatment and achieving anatomic mortise alignment.

Overtightening of the syndesmosis revisited and the effect of syndesmotic malreduction on ankle dorsiflexion.

BACKGROUND: Ankle syndesmotic injuries are a significant source of morbidity and require anatomic reduction to optimize outcomes. Although a previous study concluded that maximal dorsiflexion during syndesmotic fixation was not required, methodologic weaknesses existed and several studies have demonstrated improved ankle dorsiflexion after removal of syndesmotic screws. The purposes of the current investigation are: (1) To assess the effect of compressive syndesmotic screw fixation on ankle dorsiflexion utilizing a controlled load and instrumentation allowing for precise measurement of motion. (2) To assess the effect of anterior & posterior syndesmotic malreduction after compressive syndesmotic screw fixation on ankle dorsiflexion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen lower limb cadaveric leg specimens were utilized for the study. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured utilizing a precise micro-sensor system after application of a consistent load in the (1) intact state, (2) after compression fixation with a syndesmotic screw and (3) after anterior & (4) posterior malreduction of the syndesmosis. RESULTS: Following screw compression of the nondisplaced syndesmosis, dorsiflexion ROM was 99.7±0.87% (mean±standard error) of baseline ankle ROM. Anterior and posterior malreduction of the syndesmosis resulted in dorsiflexion ROM that was 99.1±1.75% and 98.6±1.56% of baseline ankle ROM, respectively. One-way ANOVA was performed showing no statistical significance between groups (p-value=0.88). Two-way ANOVA comparing the groups with respect to both the reduction condition (intact, anatomic reduction, anterior displacement, posterior displacement) and the displacement order (anterior first, posterior first) did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect (p-value=0.99). CONCLUSION: Maximal dorsiflexion of the ankle is not required prior to syndesmotic fixation as no loss of motion was seen with compressive fixation in our cadaver model. Anterior or posterior syndesmotic malreduction following syndesmotic screw fixation had no effect on ankle dorsiflexion. Poor patient outcomes after syndesmotic malreduction may be due to other factors and not loss of dorsiflexion motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach to Distal Fibula Fractures: A Technique Tip.

Wound complications following ankle fracture surgery are a major concern. Through the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques some of these complications can be mitigated. Recent investigations have reported on percutaneous fixation of distal fibula fractures demonstrating similar radiographic and functional outcomes to traditional open approaches. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe in detail the minimally invasive surgical approach for distal fibula fractures.

High Variability of Observed Weight Bearing During Standing Foot and Ankle Radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Weight-bearing radiographs are a critical component of evaluating foot and ankle pathology. An underlying assumption is that patients are placing 50% of their body weight on the affected foot during image acquisition. The accuracy of weight bearing during radiographs is unknown and, presumably, variable, which may result in uncertain ability of the resultant radiographs to appropriately portray the pathology of interest. METHODS: Fifty subjects were tested. The percentage body weight through the foot of interest was measured at the moment of radiographic image acquisition. The subject was then instructed to bear "half [their] weight" prior to the next radiograph. The percentage body weight was calculated and compared to ideal 50% weight bearing. RESULTS: The mean percentage body weight in trial 1 and 2 was 45.7% ± 3.2% ( P = .012 compared to the 50% mark) and 49.2% ± 2.4%, respectively ( P = .428 compared to 50%). The mean absolute difference in percentage weight bearing compared to 50% in trials 1 and 2 was 9.3% ± 2.3% and 5.8% ± 1.8%, respectively ( P = .005). For trial 1, 18/50 subjects were within the "ideal" (45%-55%) range for weight bearing compared to 32/50 on trial 2 ( P = .005). In trial 1, 24/50 subjects had "appropriate" (>45%) weight bearing compared to 39/50 on trial 2 ( P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: There was substantial variability in the weight applied during radiograph acquisition. This study raises questions regarding the assumptions, reliability, and interpretation when evaluating weight-bearing radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.

Short term results of anterior cruciate ligament augmentation in professional and amateur athletes.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a widely accepted procedure; however, controversies exist about ACL augmentation. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of ACL augmentation in professional and amateur athletes with isolated single bundle ACL tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of professional and amateur athletes with partial ACL tears who underwent selective bundle reconstruction were analyzed. Stability was assessed with the Lachman test, anterior-drawer test, pivot-shift test and KT-1000 arthrometer. Functional assessment was performed using the subjective Lysholm questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 19.3 months. All patients had posterolateral bundle (PLB) tears, and no anteromedial bundle (AMB) tears were found. The Lysholm score improved significantly from 78 (SD = 2.69) preoperatively to 96 (SD = 3.41) postoperatively (P value <0.0001). The pivot-shift test, Lachman test and anterior-drawer test results were negative in all cases postoperatively. Anterior tibial translation from neutral was 4.9 mm (SD = 2.7) preoperatively, and decreased significantly to 2.1 (SD = 0.6) postoperatively, measured with a KT-1000 arthrometer (P value <0.00001). CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that ACL augmentation had good results in symptomatic professional and amateur athletes, and although further studies are needed to investigate long-term results, we recommend this surgery for all symptomatic athletic patients, especially those who would like to maintain an active lifestyle. Level of evidence IV.

Proximity of the Lateral Calcaneal Artery With a Modified Extensile Lateral Approach Compared to Standard Extensile Approach.

BACKGROUND: The extensile lateral approach (EL) has been associated with increased wound complications such as apical necrosis which may be due partially from violation of the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA). Traditionally, the vertical limb has been placed half-way between the fibula and Achilles tendon, which may be suboptimal given the proximity to the LCA. We hypothesized that placing the vertical limb further posterior (ie, modified EL [MEL]) would increase the distance from the LCA. The purposes of this study were to quantify the location of the LCA in relation to the vertical limb of the traditional EL approach and to determine if utilizing the MEL approach endangered the LCA to a lesser extent. METHODS: 20 cadavers were used. For the EL approach, the fibula and Achilles tendon were palpated and a line parallel to the plantar foot was drawn between the two. A vertical line (VL), representing the vertical limb of the approach, was drawn at the midway point as a perpendicular extending proximally from the junction of the glabrous/non-glabrous skin (JGNG). For the MEL approach, the anterior border of the Achilles tendon was palpated and a similar vertical line (MVL) was drawn 0.75 cm anterior. Dissection was performed and if the LCA was identified crossing the line VL/MVL, the distance from the JGNG was documented. RESULTS: For the EL approach, the LCA was identified in 17/20 (85%) cadavers at an average distance of 5.0 cm (range 3-7 cm, SD = 1.3 cm) from JGNG. For the ML approach, the LCA was identified in 4/20 (20%) cadavers at an average distance of 5.9 cm (range 3-6.5 cm, SD = 1.7 cm) from the JGNG ( P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The LCA was encountered 4 times more often during the EL approach as compared to the MEL approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A modification of the EL approach may decrease iatrogenic injury to the LCA and may decrease wound complications.

Accuracy and Measurement Error of the Medial Clear Space of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of the medial clear space (MCS) is commonly used to assess deltoid ligament competency and mortise stability when managing ankle fractures. Lacking knowledge of the true anatomic width measured, previous studies have been unable to measure accuracy of measurement. The purpose of this study was to determine MCS measurement error and accuracy and any influencing factors. METHODS: Using 3 normal transtibial ankle cadaver specimens, deltoid and syndesmotic ligaments were transected and the mortise widened and affixed at a width of 6 mm (specimen 1) and 4 mm (specimen 2). The mortise was left intact in specimen 3. Radiographs were obtained of each cadaver at varying degrees of rotation. Radiographs were randomized, and providers measured the MCS using a standardized technique. RESULTS: Lack of accuracy as well as lack of precision in measurement of the medial clear space compared to a known anatomic value was present for all 3 specimens tested. There were no significant differences in mean delta with regard to level of training for specimens 1 and 2; however, with specimen 3, staff physicians showed increased measurement accuracy compared with trainees. CONCLUSION: Accuracy and precision of MCS measurements are poor. Provider experience did not appear to influence accuracy and precision of measurements for the displaced mortise. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This high degree of measurement error and lack of precision should be considered when deciding treatment options based on MCS measurements.

The Hindfoot Arch: What Role Does the Imager Play?

Flatfoot deformity is a common disorder of the foot and ankle and is caused by loss of the hindfoot arch. Radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with the anatomy and the imaging criteria used to assess injury to the supporting structures. Radiographs and computed tomography are most useful in characterizing the degree of osseous deformity and ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are most useful in the evaluation of the supporting soft tissue structures. Treatment depends on the clinical symptoms and involves restoring the normal biomechanics of the hindfoot arch through strengthening exercises, foot/ankle orthotics, and surgery.

Superior Tuber Displacement in Intra-articular Calcaneus Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular calcaneus fractures result in heel shortening, widening, varus malalignment, and loss of height. Little has been written regarding superior displacement of the calcaneal tuber, which warrants consideration as previous literature has demonstrated issues arising from a shortened triceps surae. We sought to determine the amount of tuber elevation seen in calcaneus fractures as compared to normal calcanei and propose 2 new measurements that aid in quantifying displacement and may aid in the surgical management of calcaneus fractures. METHODS: Lateral radiographs of 220 normal calcanei were examined. Two novel measurements, the talo-tuber angle and talo-tuber distance, were used to establish normative data for calcaneal tuber positioning. Lateral radiographs of 50 calcaneus fractures treated operatively were examined and the same measurements were obtained before and after surgery to determine the amount of superior tuber elevation. RESULTS: Normative data demonstrated a mean of 38.6 degrees (±SD = 4.3, range: 26.2-58.4) when using the talo-tuber angle and 54.5 mm (±SD = 7.3, range: 36.2-72.6) when using the talo-tuber distance in normal calcanei. Patients sustaining calcaneus fractures demonstrated a mean of 29.5 degrees (±SD = 5.9, range: 20-46.4) for the talo-tuber angle and 39.0 mm (±SD = 9.4, range: 24.0-62.9) for the talo-tuber distance. These values changed to a mean of 37 degrees (±SD = 5.2, range: 26.4-50) for the talo-tuber angle and 51.8 mm (±SD = 8.6, range: 33.2-75.7) for the talo-tuber distance after surgery. There was a statistically significant difference (P value < .01) for both talo-tuber angle and distance between normal and fractured calcanei. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was excellent. CONCLUSION: Superior displacement of the calcaneal tuber is a deformity seen in intra-articular calcaneus fractures that has been poorly described that warrants increased awareness and correction at the time of surgery. We propose 2 novel measurements with associated normative data that may aid surgeons in quantifying this deformity and assessing anatomic reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.

Relationship of Self-Reported Ability to Weight-Bear Immediately After Injury as Predictor of Stability for Ankle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Determining the stability of ankle fractures, particularly Weber B fibula fractures, can be challenging. Ability to weight-bear after injury may be predictive of stability. We sought to determine whether patients' ability to weight-bear immediately after injury was an effective indicator for ankle stability following fracture. METHODS: A prospective review was conducted of patients sustaining ankle fractures. Patients' ability to weight-bear after injury was elicited and correlated with ankle radiographs, which were deemed stable or unstable based on commonly used indices to assess stability. RESULTS: For the entire cohort (n = 121), patients who were able to weight-bear immediately after injury were over 8 times more likely to have a stable fracture than those who could not (odds ratio [OR] = 8.6, P < .001). Positive predictive value (PPV) for being able to fully weight-bear as it related to stability was 73%. Inability to weight-bear was 85% specific among patients with an unstable fracture. When analyzing patients with radiographic isolated fibula fractures (n = 67), PPV = 82%, negative predictive value [NPV] = 53%, specificity = 79%, whereas the OR was 5.0 (P = .003) for those who could weight-bear having a stable fracture. When subanalyzing patients who presented with isolated fibula fractures and anatomic mortises (n = 43), PPV = 74%, NPV = 52%, specificity = 62%, whereas the OR was 3.6 (P = .07) for those who could weight-bear having a stable fracture. CONCLUSION: Patients' ability to weight-bear immediately after injury was a specific and prognostic indicator for stability across a range of ankle fracture subtypes. Patients with an isolated fibula fracture and anatomic mortise were 3.6 times more likely to have a stable fracture if they were able to fully weight-bear at the time of injury. Although a patient's history does not preclude the need for appropriate imaging studies and clinical judgment, it may aid in the assessment of ankle stability following fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, clinical diagnostic.