Differential Utilization Patterns of Total Ankle Arthroplasty vs Arthrodesis: A United States National Ambulatory Database Analysis.

Background: End-stage ankle osteoarthritis is a condition that can be treated with ankle arthrodesis (AA) or total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The goal of this study is to estimate the 2016-2017 United States' utilization of TAA and AA in specific ambulatory settings and delineate patient and hospital factors associated with the selection of TAA vs AA for treatment of ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: TAA and AA procedures performed for ankle osteoarthritis were identified in the 2016-2017 Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) Database. Notably, the NASS database only examines instances of ambulatory surgery encounters at hospital-owned facilities. As such, instances of TAA and AA performed at privately owned or freestanding ambulatory surgical centers or those performed inpatient are excluded from this analysis. Cases were weighted using nationally representative discharge weights. Univariate analyses and a combined multiple logistic regression model were used to compare demographic, hospital-related, and socioeconomic factors associated with TAA vs AA. Results: In total, 6577 cases were identified, which represents 9072 cases after weighting. Of these, TAA was performed for 2233 (24.6%). Based on the logistic regression model, several factors were associated with increased utilization of TAA vs AA. With regard to patient factors, older patients were more likely to undergo TAA, as well as females. Conversely, patients with a higher comorbidity burden were less likely to receive TAA over AA.With regard to socioeconomic factors, urban teaching and urban nonteaching hospitals were significantly more likely to use TAA compared to rural hospitals. Similarly, privately insured patients and those with a median household income of $71 000 or more were also more likely to receive TAA over AA. Private hospitals ("not-for-profit" and "investor-owned") were significantly more likely to offer TAA over AA. Conclusion: Using a large nationally representative cohort, the current data revealed that during 2016-2017, 24.6% of operatively treated cases of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis in the ambulatory setting are treated with TAA. Associations between socioeconomic and hospital-level factors with TAA utilization suggest that nonclinical factors may influence surgical treatment choice for ankle osteoarthritis. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Successful treatment of advanced Freiberg's disease with a modified Weil osteotomy, 5-year follow up: A Pilot case series with a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment for Freiberg's disease is largely conservative. For severe disease and refractory cases, there are various surgical options. The purpose of this study was to report the 5-year clinical outcomes of a modified Weil osteotomy in the treatment of advanced Freiberg's disease. METHODS: Twelve patients (12 feet), with a mean age of 30.7 years (range 17-55), were treated with synovectomy and modified Weil osteotomy of the affected distal metatarsal head. There were 10 females and 2 males. Clinical outcomes were independently evaluated pre and postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system and a subjective satisfaction score. Radiological union was evaluated postoperatively. Nine (75%) feet involved the 2nd metatarsal and 3 feet (25%) involved the 3rd metatarsal. According to the Smillie classification, 6 feet were Grade IV and 6 feet were grade V. RESULTS: No patients were lost to follow up and the mean follow-up time was 5.2 years (4-7). AOFAS scores improved from 48.1 + /- 7.4-88.9 + /- 10.1 postoperatively giving a mean improvement of 40.8 (p < 0.001). In total, 92% of patients were satisfied with their operation at latest follow-up, reporting excellent or good results. All patients had postoperative radiological union. One patient had a superficial postoperative infection that was successfully treated with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Modified Weil osteotomy is an effective treatment for advanced Freiberg's disease with good outcomes and few complications.

Metal hypersensitivity in foot & ankle orthopaedic surgery: A systematic review.

Introduction: Metal hypersensitivity affects 10-15% of individuals. Orthopaedic implants contain various metals and, therefore, metal hypersensitivity may impact patient outcomes. Purpose: We report a systematic review of the literature on metal hypersensitivity in patients undergoing foot and ankle (F&A) surgery. Our goal is to provide an overview presenting symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed from its inception (01-Jan 1966) to 23-Nov 2021. MeSH search terms on F&A were used including orthopaedic surgeries, metal types, and hypersensitivity. All full-text, English, experimental and observational studies reporting on metal hypersensitivity in the context of foot and/or ankle surgeries using metallic orthopaedic devices were included. Article screening, critical appraisal, and data extraction was performed by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: Fifteen studies were identified, reporting on 45 patients (18 male and 27 female). Median age was 58 years and mean follow-up was 20.8 months. 42 static and three arthroplasty implants were included. In total, 19 patients (42.2%) were diagnosed with metal hypersensitivity to a constituent of their implant, including two (4.4%) patients diagnosed without metal hypersensitivity testing. Twenty-six patients (57.8%) tested negative to their metal implant components. Of the 19 patients allergic to a constituent of their implant, 14 underwent hardware removal and improved. Four patients were asymptomatic and the last was symptomatic, but not revised. Of these, 23 patients retained their hardware (eight with skin reactions) and two symptomatic patients underwent hardware removal. Conclusion: Metal hypersensitivity in the context of F&A surgery is not widely reported. It should be a differential diagnosis in patients who present with hypersensitivity-type symptoms once infection and mechanical failure are ruled out. This data informs a comprehensive algorithm for identifying and treating metal hypersensitivity in F&A patients. Level of evidence: Level IV.

The association between preoperative COVID-19-positivity and acute postoperative complication risk among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the risk of postoperative complications in COVID-19-positive patients undergoing common orthopaedic procedures. Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme (NSQIP) database, patients who underwent common orthopaedic surgery procedures from 1 January to 31 December 2021 were extracted. Patient preoperative COVID-19 status, demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching was conducted between COVID-19-positive and -negative patients. Multivariable regression was then performed to identify both patient and provider risk factors independently associated with the occurrence of 30-day postoperative adverse events. Results: Of 194,121 included patients, 740 (0.38%) were identified to be COVID-19-positive. Comparison of comorbidities demonstrated that COVID-19-positive patients had higher rates of diabetes, heart failure, and pulmonary disease. After propensity matching and controlling for all preoperative variables, multivariable analysis found that COVID-19-positive patients were at increased risk of several postoperative complications, including: any adverse event, major adverse event, minor adverse event, death, venous thromboembolism, and pneumonia. COVID-19-positive patients undergoing hip/knee arthroplasty and trauma surgery were at increased risk of 30-day adverse events. Conclusion: COVID-19-positive patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery had increased odds of many 30-day postoperative complications, with hip/knee arthroplasty and trauma surgery being the most high-risk procedures. These data reinforce prior literature demonstrating increased risk of venous thromboembolic events in the acute postoperative period. Clinicians caring for patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures should be mindful of these increased risks, and attempt to improve patient care during the ongoing global pandemic.

Kinesiophobia contributes to worse functional and patient-reported outcome measures in Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of kinesiophobia or fear of reinjury on patient-reported outcome measures and physical performance measures in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT). METHODS: Three databases were systematically screened for studies from inception to May 22nd, 2023 for literature investigating the impact of kinesiophobia on PROMs or physical performance metrics in AT. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, pain, level of activity, self-reported injury severity, quality of life, single-leg hop performance, and heel-raise performance were recorded. Data was presented primarily in a narrative summary fashion. The MINORS score was used for all studies to perform a quality assessment of included studies. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 705 patients were included in this review. Variations of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 or TSK-17) were used in all studies. TSK scores were strongly correlated with the Pain Catastrophizing Score (PCS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and were correlated with decreased Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment Achilles (VISA-A) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores Quality of Life (FAOS-QoL) subscale scores. Kinesiophobia was associated with heel raise completion with conflicting evidence on correlations with hop test performance. CONCLUSION: Increased kinesiophobia scores (> 35 points), measured by TSK are associated with worse PROMs, including increased pain, decreased quality of life, increased self-reported severity, and is also associated with poorer physical performance measures in patients with AT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Injectable Synthetic Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate/Calcium Sulfate (GeneX) for the Management of Contained Defects Following Curettage of Benign Bone Tumours.

Benign and low-grade malignant bone tumours are often treated with curettage and filling of the resultant defect using any of a number of materials, including autologous bone grafts, allografts, or synthetic materials. The objective of this study was to report our experience using a synthetic bone graft substitute in these patients. Ten consecutive cases (four males, six females; mean age, 36 years) of benign bone tumours were treated surgically at a tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre, between 2019 and 2021. Following curettage, the contained defects were managed with injectable beta-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate (GeneX; Biocomposites Ltd., Keele, UK). The desired outcomes were early restoration of function and radiographic evidence of healing. No other graft materials were used in any of the patients. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range, 20-30 months). All patients in this series (100%) demonstrated radiographic evidence of healing and resumed their daily living activities. There were no tumour recurrences and no complications were encountered with the use of GeneX. In patients with contained defects following curettage of benign bone tumours, we found GeneX to be a safe and effective filling agent. These findings contrast with some existing studies that have reported local complications with the use of injectable beta-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate.

Transportal Tibiotalocalcaneal Nail Ankle Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review of Initial Series.

Background: There is currently a scarcity of information and consensus for transportal (arthroscopic or fluoroscopic) joint preparation during tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion, and therefore this review aims to summarize the available techniques and to evaluate the outcomes after this procedure. Methods: A systematic electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science was performed for all English-language studies published from their inception to April 4, 2022. All articles addressing arthroscopy in TTC nailing were eligible for inclusion. The PRISMA Checklist guided the reporting and data abstraction. Descriptive statistics are presented. Result: A total of 5 studies with 65 patients were included for analysis. All studies used arthroscopic portals for tibiotalar and subtalar joint preparation (in 4 studies) prior to TTC nailing, with 4 studies using an arthroscope and 1 study using fluoroscopy. The overall major complication rate was 13.8%; however, there was only 1 instance of deep wound infection (1.5%) and 4 instances of surgical site infections (6.2%). Full fusion was achieved in 86% of patients with an average time to fusion of 12.9 weeks. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score preoperatively was 34.0 and postoperatively was 70.5. Conclusion: Although limited by the number of studies, transportal joint preparation during TTC nail ankle fusion is associated with good rates of complications and successful fusion. Level of Evidence: Level III, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Factors Predictive of Early Complications Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Background: The safety of outpatient total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), and factors predictive of early complications are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of early complications in patients undergoing outpatient TAA compared to a matched inpatient TAA cohort. Factors predictive of early complications following TAA are elucidated. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the 2011-2018 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was performed. An unadjusted analysis comparing complication rates in outpatient, and inpatient TAA was performed followed by a propensity score-matched cohort analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model was then used to identify significant independent predictors for complications, reoperation, and readmission following TAA. Results: A total of 1487 patients (198 outpatient, 1289 inpatient) undergoing TAA were included in the study. Inpatient TAA was associated with increased 30-day readmission compared with outpatient TAA (3.54% vs 0.51%, P = .032) in a matched cohort analysis. Thirty-eight (2.6%) patients had a minor complication, with 16 (1.1%) patients having a major complication after TAR. Nineteen (1.3%) patients underwent reoperation, and 42 (2.8%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of the index TAR. Multivariate analysis identified factors predictive of early complications to include length of stay (LOS) >2 days, smoking, hypertension, bleeding disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: From this relatively limited data set, outpatient TAA appears to be safe for management of end-stage ankle arthritis in select patients. Inpatient status was associated with an increased rate of 30-day readmission following TAA. Postoperative length of stay >2 days, smoking, hypertension, bleeding disorders, and diabetes mellitus were identified to be associated with early postoperative complications following TAA in this cohort. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Offloading Plantar Pressures in Healthy Adults: Stirrup Cast vs Total Contact Cast.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers are associated with significant morbidity and mortality while posing a challenge for healthcare professionals. Offloading is considered the mainstay of treatment. Total contact casting (TCC) is widely used but does not effectively offload the hindfoot. Some studies suggest that a metal stirrup is effective at offloading midfoot and hindfoot ulcers. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the offloading mechanism of TCC to a stirrup cast. METHODS: A pilot observational study assessing 12 healthy volunteers who underwent casting with a TCC or stirrup cast. A sensor (Pedar; Novel GmbH) that measures maximum force, peak pressure, and contact time and area of each foot region, was placed inside the cast to assess the offloading mechanisms of the 2 interventions. RESULTS: We measured a reduction in all plantar foot loading parameters from the TCC to the stirrup cast. The highest reductions of 85% to 96% (±5%-13%) were noted in maximum force and peak pressure under the forefoot (P < .0001) and found reductions in maximum force, the contact area of all regions of the foot, peak pressure and contact time of the forefoot and midfoot, and contact area of the hindfoot (P < .05). CONCLUSION: In this experimental trial of healthy adults, the stirrup cast was more effective than the TCC by offloading the foot mostly in the forefoot and midfoot.

A Two-Stage Diabetic Foot Salvage Using Synthetic Bone Void Filler and Lesser Toe Fillet Flap: A Case Report.

CASE: A 54-year-old type 2 diabetic man with a diabetic forefoot ulcer and osteomyelitis successfully underwent a staged reconstruction to salvage his foot. An antibiotic-carrying bone void filler was used to decrease the infection burden after initial debridement. The fifth toe fillet flap was performed to cover the large soft-tissue defect. The patient returned to baseline ambulation at the 1-year follow-up with a well-incorporated flap. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the utility of combining an antibiotic-carrying bone void filler and a toe fillet flap in a two-stage approach to salvage complex diabetic foot ulcers.

Two-Year Outcomes After Total Ankle Replacement With a Novel Fixed-Bearing Implant.

BACKGROUND: The Integra Cadence total ankle replacement (TAR) is a fourth-generation anatomic, fixed-bearing implant requiring minimal tibial and talar resection, which has been in clinical use since June 2016. The primary purpose of this study is to assess its short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after TAR using this prosthesis. METHODS: This is a prospective case series of consecutive patients that underwent TAR using this novel fourth-generation prosthesis between June 2016 and November 2017. The primary outcome of interest was the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS). Secondary outcomes included Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) scores, radiographic alignment, complications, reoperations, and revisions. RESULTS: In total, 69 patients were included in our study. Fifty-one patients (73.9%) required a total of 91 ancillary procedures. Postoperatively, AOS pain scores decreased significantly by an average of 17.8±30.1 points from 45.9±18.2 to 28.4±27.3 (P < .001). AOS disability scores also decreased significantly following surgery by an average of 22.0±30.5 points from 53.9±18.5 to 32.5±27.9 (P < .001). The SF-36 physical component summary score improved 10.4±9.8 points from 33.1±9.1 to 42.6±9.1 (P < .001). Radiographic analysis demonstrated significant improvement to neutral coronal plane alignment, which was achieved in 97% of patients (P < .01) with no cyst formation at 2 years. There was 1 reported complication, 9 reoperations, and no metal or polyethylene component revisions. Overall, the 2-year implant survivorship was 100% in our cohort. Eighteen patients (26.1%) demonstrated fibrous ingrowth of the tibial component. However, outcome scores for these patients did not demonstrate any negative effects. CONCLUSION: In our hands, this TAR system demonstrated excellent early clinical and radiographic outcomes. Patients reported improved physical health status, pain, and disability in the postoperative period. Total ankle instrumentation allowed for accurate and reproducible implantation with correction of coronal and sagittal plane deformities. Early results for the clinical use of this TAR system are promising, but further long-term prospective outcome studies are necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Opportunities and challenges of using augmented reality and heads-up display in orthopaedic surgery: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Utilization of augmented reality (AR) and heads-up displays (HUD) to aid orthopaedic surgery has the potential to benefit surgeons and patients alike through improved accuracy, safety, and educational benefits. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity for adoption of novel technology is more relevant. The aims are to assess the technology available, to understand the current evidence regarding the benefit and to consider challenges to implementation in clinical practice. METHODS & RESULTS: PRISMA guidelines were used to filter the literature. Of 1004 articles returned the following exclusion criteria were applied: 1) reviews/commentaries 2) unrelated to orthopaedic surgery 3) use of other AR wearables beyond visual aids leaving 42 papers for review.This review illustrates benefits including enhanced accuracy and reduced time of surgery, reduced radiation exposure and educational benefits. CONCLUSION: Whilst there are obstacles to overcome, there are already reports of technology being used. As with all novel technologies, a greater understanding of the learning curve is crucial, in addition to shielding our patients from this learning curve. Improvements in usability and implementing surgeons' specific needs should increase uptake.

Living With Both a Total Ankle Replacement and an Ankle Fusion: A Qualitative Study From the Patients' Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion are effective treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis. Comparative studies elucidate differences in treatment outcomes; however, the literature lacks evidence demonstrating what outcomes are important to patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients' experiences of living with both a TAR and ankle fusion. METHODS: This research study used qualitative description. Individuals were selected from a cohort of patients with TAR and/or ankle fusion (n = 1254). Eligible patients were English speaking with a TAR and contralateral ankle fusion, and a minimum of 1 year since their most recent ankle reconstruction. Surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon, and semistructured interviews were conducted by a single researcher in a private hospital setting or by telephone. Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores, radiographs, and ancillary surgical procedures were collected to characterize patients. Themes were derived through qualitative data analysis. RESULTS: Ten adults (8 men, 2 women), ages 59 to 90 years, were included. Average AOS pain and disability scores were similar for both surgeries for most patients. Participants discussed perceptions of each reconstructed ankle. Ankle fusions were considered stable and strong, but also stiff and compromising balance. TARs were considered flexible and more like a "normal ankle," though patients expressed concerns about their TAR "turning" on uneven ground. Individuals applied this knowledge to facilitate movement, particularly during a first step and transitioning between positions. They described the need for careful foot placement and attention to the environment to avoid potential challenges. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the experiences of individuals living with a TAR and ankle fusion. In this unusual but limited group of patients, we found that each ankle reconstruction was generally perceived to have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Most participants articulated a preference for their TAR. These findings can help clinicians better counsel patients on expectations after TAR and ankle fusion, and improve patient-reported outcome measures by better capturing meaningful outcomes for patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Partial Calcaneus Reconstruction using 'Opportunistic Grafts': A Case Report.

Although replantation of an amputated extremity has been successfully performed, occasionally the surgeon is forced to amputate in the case of an unsalvageable open fracture. These appendages can theoretically act as an autologous 'bone and tissue bank' for patients if they have reconstructable contralateral injuries. We present a case of an athlete who sustained a Gustilo and Anderson IIIC injury on 1 leg resulting in a below knee amputation. Her other lower leg had a traumatic amputation of the heel pad, partial amputation of the calcaneus, and complete Achilles tendon loss. Tissues from this amputated appendage were utilised to restore the anatomy of the contralateral extremity. The distal tibia and the tibialis anterior from the amputated limb were used to reconstruct the missing posterior tuberosity of the calcaneus and the Achilles tendon respectively. The soft tissue deficiency of the heel pad was restored with an anterolateral thigh free flap. At 2-year follow-up, the patient is pain free and back to playing soccer. This case highlights the opportunistic use of amputated parts to reconstruct a calcaneus and Achilles tendon. A multidisciplinary approach with plastic surgeons is required. The main advantage of this 'Spare Part Surgery' philosophy is to provide autologous graft of a similar geometry and to avoid harvesting tissues from an additional donor site.