Intramedullary Metatarsal Fixation for Treatment of Delayed Regenerate Bone in Lengthening of Brachymetatarsia.

Delayed regenerate healing after distraction osteogenesis can be a challenging problem for patients and surgeons alike. In the present study, we retrospectively reviewed the data from a cohort of patients with delayed regenerate healing during gradual lengthening treatment of brachymetatarsia. Additionally, we present a novel technique developed by 1 of us (B.M.L.) for the management of delayed regenerate healing. We hypothesized that application of intramedullary metatarsal fixation would safely and effectively promote healing of poor quality, atrophic regenerate during bone lengthening in brachymetatarsia correction. We formulated a study to retrospectively review the data from a cohort of patients with delayed regenerate healing after gradual lengthening for brachymetatarsia. All patients underwent temporary placement of intramedullary fixation after identification of delayed regenerate healing. Patient-related variables and objective measurements were assessed. We identified 10 patients with 13 metatarsals treated with intramedullary fixation for delayed regenerate healing. All 10 patients were female, with 6 (46.2%) right metatarsals and 7 (53.8%) left metatarsals treated. No complications developed with the use of this technique. All subjects progressed to successful consolidation of the regenerate bone at a mean of 44.5 ± 30.2 days after placement of intramedullary metatarsal fixation. No regenerate fracture or reoperations were noted. In conclusion, intramedullary metatarsal fixation is a safe and effective method for managing delayed regenerate healing encountered during distraction osteogenesis correction of brachymetatarsia.

Retrospective analysis of the survivability of absorbable versus nonabsorbable subtalar joint arthroereisis implants.

Subtalar joint arthroereisis is a surgical modality that has been shown to be an effective procedure for flexible flatfoot in both pediatric and adult populations. Despite advances in understanding its mechanics and function, complication and implant removal rates remain as high as 30% to 40%. Analysis was performed to determine the survivability of 2 subtalar joint arthroereisis implants, absorbable and nonabsorbable, used alone and in combination with other procedures in both the adult and pediatric populations. The 95 total arthroereisis procedures were analyzed in several major categories: absorbable implants versus nonabsorbable implants and adult versus pediatric patients. Each major group was then further subdivided to create further subgroups: absorbable isolated procedures, absorbable combined procedures, nonabsorbable isolated procedures, and nonabsorbable combined procedures. The overall survival rates were 83% for absorbable implants and 81% for nonabsorbable implants. A total of 11 (17%) absorbable implants and 6 (19%) nonabsorbable implants were removed, respectively, at an average of 9 months and 23 months postoperatively. When used alone and in combination with other procedures, 36% and 13% of absorbable implants and 18% and 19% of nonabsorbable implants, respectively, were removed. When comparing adult versus pediatric populations, the overall survival rates of the absorbable and nonabsorbable implants were 81% for absorbable implants and 79% for nonabsorbable implants in the adult population and 85% for absorbable implants and 100% for nonabsorbable implants in the pediatric population.

Bivalved fiberglass cast compared with plaster splint immobilization for initial management of ankle fracture-dislocations: a treatment algorithm.

UNLABELLED: The initial management of ankle fracture-dislocations is the crucial step in the treatment of these emergent traumatic injuries. A stepwise approach is necessary to properly evaluate, diagnose, and treat ankle fracture-dislocations. The goal of initial management is to evaluate the vascular status of the extremity and then restore proper alignment of the talus underneath the tibia. A retrospective review was performed on 40 patients, who presented to a community-based hospital emergency room, treated by the foot and ankle service for ankle fracture-dislocation. An analysis of patient demographics, injury pattern/classification, number of reduction attempts, and immobilization method was performed and evaluated. This analysis was correlated with a review of the literature to develop an algorithm for the initial management of ankle fracture-dislocations recommending the use of a bivalved below-the-knee fiberglass cast for maintained stabilization post reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.