Diagnostic knee arthroscopy: a pilot study to evaluate surgical skills.

PURPOSE: To develop a scoring system to evaluate individual proficiency at diagnostic knee arthroscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective blinded study. Subjects included residents in postgraduate year (PGY) 1 through PGY 5 (n = 20) and staff surgeons (n = 10). All subjects performed a diagnostic arthroscopy on a cadaveric knee. Subjects were evaluated on both completeness and time required to complete the arthroscopy. The examiner viewed the arthroscopy from a remote location and was blinded to the level of training of the subjects. During the arthroscopy, 15 areas required assessment to achieve a score of 75 points. An additional 25 points were awarded depending on the time it took to complete the arthroscopy. A maximum of 100 points were available (Total score = Arthroscopy score + Time score). RESULTS: Thirty subjects were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (PGY 1 or 2) (n = 12), group 2 (PGY 3, 4, or 5) (n = 8), and group 3 (staff) (n = 10). In group 1 the mean total score was 28.25 points, the mean time to complete arthroscopy was 11.9 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was 8.67. In group 2 the mean total score was 76 points, the mean time to complete arthroscopy was 8.2 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was 1.75. In group 3 the mean total score was 100 points, the mean time to complete arthroscopy was 4.6 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was 0. Statistically significant differences by use of an analysis of variance test were noted for the total score, total time, and number of missed structures (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Using our skills assessment tool, we were able to evaluate subjects and determine their relative technical skill level in performing a diagnostic arthroscopy. This tool was able to distinguish among the novice, experienced, and expert levels in performing diagnostic arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of consecutive subjects.

Acute compartment syndrome of the foot following fixation of a pilon variant ankle fracture.

Acute traumatic compartment syndrome of the foot is a serious potential complication after fractures, crush injuries, or reperfusion injury after vascular repair. Foot compartment syndrome in association with injuries to the ankle is rare. This article presents a case of acute compartment syndrome of the foot following open reduction and internal fixation of an ankle fracture. A 16-year-old girl presented after sustaining a left ankle injury. Radiographs demonstrated a length-stable posterior and lateral malleolar ankle fracture. Initial treatment consisted of a bulky splint and crutches pending the improvement of her swelling. Over the course of a week, the soft tissue environment of the distal lower extremity improved, and the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation of both her fibula and distal tibia through 2 approaches. Approximately 2 hours from the completion of surgery, the patient reported worsening pain over the medial aspect of her foot and into her calcaneus. Physical examination of the foot demonstrated a swollen and tense abductor hallicus and heel pad. Posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses were palpable and her sensation was intact throughout her foot. Emergently, fasciotomy of both compartments was performed through a medial incision. Postoperatively, the patient reported immediate pain relief. At 18-month follow-up, she reported no pain and had returned to all of her preinjury athletic activities.