Foot and Ankle Patient Education Materials and Artificial Intelligence Chatbots: A Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of foot and ankle patient education material generated by the AI chatbots, as they compare to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)-recommended patient education website, FootCareMD.org. METHODS: ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing AI were used to generate patient educational materials on 10 of the most common foot and ankle conditions. The content from these AI language model platforms was analyzed and compared with that in FootCareMD.org for accuracy of included information. Accuracy was determined for each of the 10 conditions on a basis of included information regarding background, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, surgical options, recovery procedures, and risks or preventions. RESULTS: When compared to the reference standard of the AOFAS website FootCareMD.org, the AI language model platforms consistently scored below 60% in accuracy rates in all categories of the articles analyzed. ChatGPT was found to contain an average of 46.2% of key content across all included conditions when compared to FootCareMD.org. Comparatively, Google Bard and Bing AI contained 36.5% and 28.0% of information included on FootCareMD.org, respectively (P < .005). CONCLUSION: Patient education regarding common foot and ankle conditions generated by AI language models provides limited content accuracy across all 3 AI chatbot platforms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Opioid Consumption Patterns and Prolonged Opioid Use Among Opioid-Naïve Ankle Fracture Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Previous literature has demonstrated an association between acute opioid exposure and the risk of long-term opioid use. Here, the investigators assess immediate postoperative opioid consumption patterns as well as the incidence of prolonged opioid use among opioid-naïve patients following ankle fracture surgery. METHODS: Included patients underwent outpatient open reduction and internal fixation of an ankle or tibial plafond fracture over a 1-year period. At patients' first postoperative visit, opioid pills were counted and standardized to the equivalent number of 5-mg oxycodone pills. Prolonged use was defined as filling a prescription for a controlled substance more than 90 days after the index procedure, tracked by the New Jersey Prescription Drug Monitoring Program up to 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: At the first postoperative visit, 173 patients consumed a median of 24 out of 40 pills prescribed. The initial utilization rate was 60%, and 2736 pills were left unused. In all, 32 (18.7%) patients required a narcotic prescription 90 days after the index procedure. Patients with a self-reported history of depression (P = .11) or diabetes (P = .07) demonstrated marginal correlation with prolonged narcotic use. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that, on average, patients utilize significantly fewer opioid pills than prescribed and that many patient demographics are not significant predictors of continued long-term use following outpatient ankle fracture surgery. Large variations in consumption rates make it difficult for physicians to accurately prescribe and predict prolonged narcotic use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Total Ankle Replacement Outcome in Patients With Inflammatory Versus Noninflammatory Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The decision regarding total ankle replacement (TAR) is challenging in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) regarding more inferior bone quality, large bone cysts, and increased risk of infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the functional outcome, revision rate, complication rate, and survival rate of TAR between IA (including rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) and noninflammatory arthritis (NIA) (primary and posttraumatic). METHODS: After reviewing the full texts, 30 articles fulfilled all inclusion criteria from 1985 until 2021, comparing TAR results. The eligible studies included 5508 patients, of whom 1565 patients had IA and 3943 patients had NIA. At the time of surgery, the average age was 58 years in the IA group and 63 in the NIA group. The average follow-up was 67.2 months in the IA group and 67 months in the NIA group. The outcome measures were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the rate of complications, revisions, and survival. RESULTS: The mean final AOFAS score was 82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78-86) in the IA group and 83 (95% CI: 78-88) in the NIA group, with no significant difference. There was no significant difference in the mean preoperative to postoperative AOFAS score change between the IA and the NIA. The complication rate was 16% (95% CI: 9%-27%) in the IA group and 15% (95% CI: 8%-27%) in the NIA group with no significant difference. The revision rate was 12% (95% CI: 10%-15%) in the IA group and 13% (95% CI: 10%-18%) in the NIA group, which was significant (P = .04). There was no significant difference in the survival rate between IA and NIA. CONCLUSION: Total ankle replacement is a safe procedure in inflammatory ankle arthritis, specifically in RA patients with relatively minor and major complications close to other reasons for ankle replacement. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: prognostic.

Perspectives of Orthopedic Patients on Medical Cannabis: A Survey of More Than 2500 Patients.

Nationwide perspectives on cannabis have changed dramatically over recent decades. Although cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, medical cannabis (MC) is now legal in most states, and research has continued to show its effectiveness in a variety of medical conditions. However, both perception and acceptance of MC by the general public are evolving and remain poorly understood. Treating patients effectively with these novel therapeutics requires an understanding of the complex interplay of social and legal factors that could affect patient use. This cross-sectional survey study of more than 2500 patients sought to assess current patient perspectives on MC and to investigate factors related to its use that may represent barriers to broader patient use. Most respondents would consider using MC for chronic pain or other medical conditions. Most respondents were aware of the legal status of MC in their state, and 9 of 10 respondents believed that MC should be legal throughout the United States. General public knowledge of the utility of MC is an area needing improvement because older patients were significantly less likely to believe that MC is safe to use or that MC is safer than prescription opioids. As has been reported in previous literature, social stigma and cost appear to remain barriers for patient use of MC. Our findings provide further insight into current patient perspectives on MC, aiding both medical providers and researchers as we continue to provide access to and research MC. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):e309-e314.].

How Patients Dispose of Unused Prescription Opioids: A Survey of over 300 Postoperative Patients.

Introduction Diversion of unused prescription opioids is a common source of opioid sensitization in the community. Educating patients about safe opioid use has been shown to be effective in decreasing opioid use. However, decreasing diversion will also require educating patients on proper opioid disposal. A survey was administered to better understand patients' habits with opioid disposal for opioids prescribed after orthopedic surgery. Methods A cross-sectional survey study of 469 patients who had undergone orthopedic surgery was conducted to learn their preferences and habits regarding the disposal of unused prescription opioids received after orthopedic surgery. Results The survey respondents consisted of 48.8% female and 51.2% male patients. Ninety-four point two percent (94.2%) of those receiving opioid prescriptions reported having leftover unused opioids. In terms of voluntary disposal, 68.8% claimed to dispose of their prescription opioids while 31.2% did not. Gender, but not age, had a significant effect on plans for opioid disposal and how seriously respondents viewed issues of opioid misuse. When asked their preferred location for prescription opioid disposal, the most common preference was a local pharmacy. Discussion This survey identified that most patients do not store their prescription opioids in a locked location, claim to dispose of their unused prescription opioids, and would prefer to dispose of them at a pharmacy if possible. This information points to the need for close prescriber-to-pharmacy collaboration to promote the safe disposal of prescription opioids and mitigate drug diversion.

Incidental Finding of Plantar Plate Pathology on Routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Foot and Ankle.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that there would be a comparable and high incidence of an incidental torn plantar plate on routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in asymptomatic patients. METHODS: We included adult patients undergoing a foot MRI from 2019 to 2020. Based on the documented reason for MRI, patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic. A separate musculoskeletal radiologist re-evaluated MRI images. Findings were categorized as "torn vs intact." We also used the anatomical grading system (AGS). RESULTS: We reviewed 218 records, including 165 asymptomatic and 53 symptomatic patients. The chance of finding a plantar plate (PP) tear on MRI of symptomatic patients was 28% (21% in PP2, 5.7% in PP3, 5.7% in PP4, and 2% in PP5), while PP tear in asymptomatic patients was only apparent in 2% of MRIs (1.5% in PP2, 0 in PP3, 0 in PP4, and 0.6% in PP5). Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.92, showing excellent agreement between the radiologists. Odds calculation revealed that the chance of finding a torn PP in an asymptomatic patient is 2.5%. In comparison, the chance of finding an intact PP in a symptomatic patient is 72%, showing 2.5 times more likely to find an intact PP than a torn PP in symptomatic individuals. CONCLUSION: Interestingly, there was a low rate of abnormal PP appearance on MRI in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, which suggests that the chance of finding a false-positive PP tear in an asymptomatic patient is minimal and probably negligible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV diagnostic.

Comparison Between Closed Suction Drainage and No Drainage Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of closed suction drains after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is associated with lower wound complications in the first postoperative year as compared to no drain usage. METHODS: A total of 324 TAA were reviewed and included for analysis. One hundred forty-four did not have a postoperative drain placed, whereas 180 did have a postoperative drain. Demographic data, including age, sex, tobacco or alcohol use, and various medical comorbidities, were obtained. Follow-up data were collected and reviewed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks; 6 months; and 1 year postoperatively for minor and major wound complications, as well as wound-related reoperations. RESULTS: At the 2-week mark, the use of a drain demonstrated a significant increase in wound complications. No significant difference in wound complications was found at each subsequent follow-up visit. Within the first postoperative year, a total of 46 patients (31.9%) without drains and 69 patients (38.3%) with drains had a wound complication. This was not statistically significant. Most wound complications were minor, and no significant difference in reoperation rates occurred between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: A postoperative closed suction drain may increase wound complications in the first 2 weeks after TAA and should therefore be used with caution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Use of Triggers to Detect Adverse Events After Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery at a Single Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Literature on adverse events (AEs) after outpatient orthopedic surgery is relatively sparse, and efforts to detect, measure, and track AEs after outpatient surgery lag behind those for the inpatient setting. Detection of AEs has traditionally relied on patient safety indicators (from billing data) and self-reporting, but these methods have been shown to have low sensitivity, missing up to 90% of AEs. There is growing recognition that the trigger method, which uses "triggers" as red flags to initiate more detailed chart audits, can serve as a more sensitive alternative to detect AEs. Moreover, the recent widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) can provide faster automated methods for identifying triggers and estimating AE rates. This study evaluates the ability of 6 separate EHR-based triggers to predict AEs after outpatient orthopedic surgery and compares this trigger method with AE self-reporting. Triggers have the potential to decrease postoperative morbidity after outpatient orthopedic surgery and may lead to quality improvement. Further research is needed to qualify triggers as screening tools in the outpatient setting. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(2):116-121.].

Self-Reported Pain Tolerance and Opioid Pain Medication Use After Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgeons must consider their postoperative pain management strategies to minimize harm from prescription opioid use. Patients often reference their pain threshold to predict how they will tolerate surgical pain and the need for postoperative analgesia, but the direct relationship between these factors has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between patients' self-reported pain tolerance and prescription opioid usage after foot and ankle surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective follow-up of a prospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent outpatient foot and ankle surgeries. Patient and procedural demographics, opioid pills dispensed, and opioid pills consumed by the first postoperative visit were obtained. Patients were contacted at a mean of 13.1 ± 4.0 months postoperatively and asked to respond to the qualitative statement "Pain doesn't bother me as much as it does most people." Patients were also asked their quantitative pain threshold (0-100), with 0 being "very pain intolerant" and 100 being a "very high pain tolerance," as well other questions regarding past surgical and narcotic consumption history. RESULTS: Of the 700 survey respondents, the average age was 50.9 years and 34.7% were male. Bivariate analysis determined that predictors of lower postoperative opioid consumption included higher quantitative (P = .047) and qualitative (P = .005) pain tolerance scores. Multivariate analysis for the entire cohort demonstrated that higher qualitative pain threshold was associated with lower postoperative opioid consumption (P = .005) but this did not meet statistical significance as an independent predictor of the top quartile of pill consumers. CONCLUSION: Assessment of both qualitative and quantitative score of patients' pain threshold prior to surgery may assist the surgeon in tailoring postoperative pain control. Additionally, asking this question can create an opportunity for educating patients regarding responsible utilization of narcotic medication. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Short-Term Complications and Outcomes of the Cadence Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly popular option for the operative treatment of ankle arthritis. The Cadence TAA entered clinical use in 2016 and was designed to address common failure modes of prior systems. We report early complications and radiographic and clinical outcomes of this total ankle system at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing primary Cadence TAA by a single surgeon from 2016 to 2017. Complications and reoperations were documented using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) TAA reoperation coding system. Patients completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport subscales, SF-12 Mental (MCS) and Physical (PCS) Component Summaries, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain rating (0-100). Radiographic evaluation was performed to assess postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the sole of the foot relative to the long axis of the tibia, alignment, and implant complications. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with a mean age of 63.3 years and mean body mass index of 31.9 kg/m2 were included. Twelve of 58 patients (20.7%) underwent an additional procedure(s) within 2 years, including 3 (5.2%) who required removal of one or both components, 2 for infection and 1 for osteolysis. Forty-three patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years with radiographic imaging; 1 patient's (2.3%) radiographs had signs of peri-implant osteolysis, with no cases demonstrating loosening or subsidence. FAAM-ADL, FAAM-Sport, SF-12 PCS, and VAS pain scores all improved at a mean of 27.4 months postoperatively, with mean score changes (± SD) of 16.3 (± 22.0), 25.3 (± 24.5), 6.0 (± 11.1), and -32.3 (± 39.8), respectively. Radiographic analysis revealed that average coronal alignment improved from 6.9 degrees from neutral preoperatively to 2.3 degrees postoperatively. The average ROM of the foot relative to the tibia was 36.5 degrees total arc of motion based on lateral radiographs. CONCLUSION: Early experience with this 2-component total ankle replacement was associated with a high component retention rate, improved coronal plane alignment, good postoperative ROM, radiographically stable implants, and improved patient function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Prospective Randomized Study Evaluating the Effects of Preoperative Opioid Counseling on Postoperative Opioid Use after Outpatient Lower Extremity Orthopaedic Surgery.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of standardized preoperative opioid counseling on postoperative opioid consumption for patients undergoing outpatient lower extremity orthopaedic surgery. Participating patients undergoing elective outpatient lower extremity orthopaedic surgery were randomized to either receive preoperative opioid counseling or not receive counseling (control group). Counseling was delivered via a five-minute pre-recorded standardized video preoperatively. Postoperatively, patients in both groups were queried for their postoperative pain experience, opioid consumption, non-opioid medication consumption, and any adverse effects related to their pain management experience. A total of 107 patients were studied, with 45 in the counseling group and 62 in the control group. Patients that received preoperative opioid counseling consumed on average 6.5 opioid pills postoperatively; the control group consumed 12.4 opioid pills (p = 0.008). Preoperative opioid counseling resulted in a statistically significant reduction in postoperative opioid consumption after outpatient lower extremity orthopaedic surgery. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(1):002-006, 2021).

Return to Driving After Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Novel Survey to Predict Passing Brake Reaction Time.

Introduction. Brake reaction time (BRT) is an accepted method for establishing recommendations for safe return to driving by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Other than performing a BRT test in clinic, there is no established clinical tool to help physicians differentiate safe from unsafe drivers once patients reach general recovery milestones. The purpose is to present individual recommendations to the patient through a novel, validated survey evaluating safe return to driving after orthopaedic surgery of the right foot and ankle. Methods. A total of 171 patients undergoing 1 of 3 specific foot and ankle procedures were prospectively enrolled. A 4-question survey and BRT were completed 6 weeks postoperatively. The following questions were asked: (1) "I think my brake reaction time is slower than most drivers my age," (2) "I think my brake reaction time is faster than most drivers my age," (3) "I think my brake reaction time is about the same as most drivers my age," (4) "Based on what I think my brake reaction time is, I think I am ready to drive." Internal consistency was determined with Cronbach's α and item total correlation. External validity was determined by Spearman's correlation coefficient. A BRT less than 0.850 s was considered as a pass. Results. Of 171 patients, 162 (95%) with ages ranging from 21 to 83 years achieved a passing BRT by 7.6 weeks. After removing 1 question because of internal inconsistency, the optimal threshold for predicting passing BRT was 10/15 points or higher, which had 99% probability of success that a patient would pass the BRT (95% CI = 96%, 100%). Conclusion. This novel, 3-question driving readiness survey can accurately predict a passing BRT Achilles rupture repair, total ankle arthroplasty, and hallux valgus correction performed in the right foot and ankle as early as 6 weeks postoperatively.Level of Evidence: Level II: Comparative study.

High Prevalence of Degenerative Changes at the Metatarsal Head Sesamoid Articulation Found During Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery.

Background. Despite the absence of complications and a restoration of normal hallux alignment, some patients have suboptimal outcomes from hallux valgus correction surgery. One risk factor for persistent pain may be the presence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids, an area not easily assessed with standard radiographs unless dedicated sesamoid views are obtained. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the metatarsal head for degenerative changes during hallux valgus correction surgery and identified preoperative risk factors associated with these changes. Methods. We prospectively evaluated 200 feet in 196 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery intraoperatively for the pattern and severity of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head. Mann-Whitney U testing was implemented to compare differences in arthritic scores between preoperative deformity groups. The Spearman correlation test was used to determine the association between age and preoperative deformity with the severity of degenerative changes. Results. More than half of all feet assessed had severe arthritic changes at the plantar medial aspect of the metatarsal head and 40% of feet at the plantar lateral aspect. Age and intermetatarsal angle were found to be positively correlated with arthritis in this area. Conclusion. Our prospective study has demonstrated the high prevalence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head sesamoid articulation and the positive influence of age and severity of deformity on metatarsal head arthritic changes seen during hallux valgus correction surgery. Furthermore, these arthritic changes were found to have no significant influence on preoperative functional and pain levels.Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series.

Coding Education in Residency and in Practice Improves Accuracy of Coding in Orthopedic Surgery.

The goal of training in orthopedic residency is to produce surgeons who are proficient in all aspects of the practice of orthopedic surgery; however, most residents receive either inadequate or no training in medical coding. The purpose of this study was to determine how well orthopedic residents code when compared with practicing surgeons and to identify whether coding education improves accuracy in medical coding. A mock coding survey was developed using commonly encountered orthopedic clinical scenarios. The survey was distributed to orthopedic trainees post-graduate years (PGY) 1 to 6 at 2 training programs and to attending surgeons. Results were analyzed in 3 groups: junior residents (PGY 1-3), senior residents (PGY 4-6), and attending surgeons. Overall and subcategory scores of (1) type of visit, (2) modifiers, (3) Evaluation and Management (E/M), and (4) Current Procedural Terminology code identification were recorded. Participants were also asked if they had ever received various forms of coding education. Sixty-seven total participants were enrolled, including 28 junior residents, 24 senior residents, and 15 attendings. Practicing surgeons performed significantly better than both senior (P<.027) and junior (P<.001) residents in all categories, with a mean overall correct response rate of 72.8%, 51.0%, and 47.4%, respectively. Any form of coding education was associated with a significantly improved overall score for residents (P=.013) and a nonsignificant increase for attending surgeons (P=.390). This study demonstrates that residents performed poorly when identifying proper billing codes for common procedures and encounters in orthopedic surgery. Further, those participants who received coding education did better than those who did not. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(6):380-383.].

Ankle and Lower Leg Injuries in Professional Baseball Players.

BACKGROUND: Ankle and lower leg injuries are very common in sports, and numerous studies have discussed their diagnosis and management. Our study differs in that we report lower leg injuries in professional baseball players spanning the 2011-2016 seasons by utilizing a comprehensive injury surveillance system developed by Major League Baseball (MLB). PURPOSE: To determine the injury characteristics of ankle and lower leg injuries in professional baseball players during the 2011-2016 seasons by utilizing the MLB injury surveillance system. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Our study is a descriptive epidemiological evaluation through a retrospective review of injury data from the MLB Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) since its implementation in 2010. We included any professional baseball player (MLB and Minor League Baseball [MiLB]) who was identified as having an ankle or lower leg injury between January 1, 2011, and February 28, 2017. RESULTS: Over the study period, there were a total of 4756 injuries, of which 763 (16%) occurred in MLB players and 3993 (84%) occurred in MiLB players. The mean number of days missed for all players was 27.8 ± 141.4 days, with a median of 3 days. From 2011 through 2016, it was estimated that there were 414,912 athlete exposures (AEs) in MLB and 1,796,607 AEs in MiLB. Of the 4756 injuries recorded, 550 (12%) took place during the MLB regular season, and 3320 (70%) took place during the MiLB regular season. Injuries in MLB players, however, were 1.7 times more likely to require surgery (P < .001). Additionally, rates of injury to the lower leg were stratified by position, with infield players experiencing injuries at a 1.6 times greater rate than any other position (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this is the only epidemiological study to focus primarily on ankle and lower leg injuries in professional baseball players, utilizing an injury surveillance system developed by MLB.

Postoperative Considerations in the Management of Hallux Valgus.

Postoperative management of hallux valgus varies widely. Setting preoperative expectations is an important aspect of attaining a successful outcome, but this is not routinely reviewed in the literature. This chapter offers suggestions on successfully navigating this area of patient care. Current concepts focus on pain control, immobilization, and return to activities. This chapter also reviews the current literature in these areas and sets out the authors' preferred management in the postoperative setting.

Brake Response Time Recovery After Achilles Tendon Repair.

Background. This study evaluated when patients' brake response time (BRT) recovers after right Achilles repair. Methods. Institutional review board-approved prospective study of 60 patients. Assessments included visual analogue scale pain (VAS) score, Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and a driver readiness survey. Emergent brake pedal operation was simulated at 6 weeks postoperatively and repeated until patients achieved a passing BRT. Results. Fifty-seven patients completed the study. At 6 weeks, 54 of 59 (91.5%) patients had a passing BRT with a mean of 0.60 seconds (SD 0.08 seconds). Five (8.5%) patients had a failing BRT with a significantly higher mean of 0.95 seconds (SD 0.13 seconds, P = .01). At first testing, all patients were ambulating in a walking boot with removable heel wedges. Those who passed were using significantly fewer wedges (mean 1.9 vs 2.6 wedges, P = .04). Mean VAS pain scores (Passed: 1.1, SD 1.57, vs Failed: 2.8, SD 3.35, P = .32) were not significantly different. The mean ATRS was significantly lower among those who passed (63.7, SD 16.7, vs 85.4, SD 11.1, P = .01. Three patients repeated testing at a mean 7.3 weeks (range 6.7-8). All achieved passing times (mean 0.68 seconds, range 0.55 to 0.77 seconds). The driving readiness survey was 100% sensitive but 31.3% specific for passing BRT. Its positive predictive value was 80%, and its negative predictive value was 100%. Conclusion. BRT normalizes around 6 to 7 weeks after open right Achilles tendon repair. The ATRS and driver readiness questionnaire corresponded to achieving a passing BRT. Levels of Evidence: Prognostic Level II: Prospective Cohort Study.

When is it Safe to Drive After Total Ankle Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: With the increase in the number of total ankle arthroplasties (TAA), guidelines on when physicians should begin to consider patients' return to driving are valuable. Further, due to sagittal motion strength, the ankle is the most important mover in braking motions over the knee and hip. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does brake-reaction time return to a safe value within 6 weeks of TAA? (2) Are there factors associated with a delay of return of brake-reaction time to safe values after TAA? METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval for the study, we prospectively recruited 60 patients undergoing right TAA. A large proportion of the patients undergoing TAA during the period were recruited. Patients who had extensive concomitant surgery, such as triple arthrodesis or tibial osteotomy, were excluded from the study. Patients were between 43 and 83 years old (median, 63 years), and 35 (59%) were men. Brake-reaction time was tested at 6 weeks postoperatively and repeated weekly until patients achieved a passing brake-reaction time. A control group of 20 volunteer participants matched for age and sex who did not have right lower-extremity pathology or pain were used to establish a passing brake-reaction time of 0.850 seconds. Patients were given a novel driver-readiness survey to complete; a score of 10 of 15 points or higher was considered a passing score. The following factors were explored for their association with brake-reaction time: age, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)-Hindfoot assessment and VAS for pain via a patient-reported survey, and ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion via dedicated weightbearing lateral radiographs made with the ankle in maximum plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. RESULTS: At 6 weeks postoperatively, 92% of patients (54 of 59) achieved a passing brake-reaction time and were considered able to drive safely, and the mean brake-reaction time of the patients with a passing brake-reaction time was 0.626 seconds (± 0.111). At 9 weeks, all patients who completed the study achieved a passing brake-reaction time. Patients with a failed brake-reaction time at 6 weeks had greater median VAS scores for pain (3 [interquartile range 2 to 7] versus 1 [IQR 0 to 3]; p = 0.022) and diminished ankle plantarflexion (14° [± 5°] versus 24° [± 10°]; p = 0.037) compared with those with a passing brake-reaction time at that time point. All five patients with a failed brake-reaction time also had a failing score for the driver-readiness survey. CONCLUSIONS: More than 90% of patients in this series achieved a safe brake-reaction time within 6 weeks of TAA, and those who did not were more likely to have had more pain and a stiffer ankle. Surgeons might counsel patients with persistent pain and stiffness at 6 weeks to delay driving for an additional 3 weeks, since by 9 weeks after TAA, all patients in this series had a brake-reaction time comparable with patients who had not undergone surgery. Future studies might elucidate what key gaps in knowledge remain and determine a practical way to answer these questions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

How Does Perioperative Ketorolac Affect Opioid Consumption and Pain Management After Ankle Fracture Surgery?

BACKGROUND: The investigation of nonnarcotic drug regimens for postoperative pain management is important in addressing the opioid epidemic. NSAIDs can be a powerful adjunct in managing postoperative pain, but the possibility of delayed bone healing is a major concern for orthopaedic surgeons. Our recent retrospective study on ketorolac administration demonstrated that the NSAID is not associated with an increased risk of delayed union or nonunion after ankle fracture surgery. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To determine whether postoperative ketorolac (1) reduces opioid consumption, (2) improves VAS pain control, and (3) affects fracture healing after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. METHODS: Between August 2016 and December 2017, 128 patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of an acute ankle fracture were randomized before surgery via simple randomization to treatment with or without ketorolac. No patients changed treatment regimen groups or opted out of randomization. All other aspects of perioperative care were treated identically. A once-daily survey was distributed via email on postoperative Days 1 to 7. Unblinded participants were asked to report their daily opioid consumption, pain level, and sleep interference using the VAS, and pain frequency using a five-point Likert scale, and side effects with the VAS. For VAS pain, > 20 mm/100 mm on the VAS scale was required to be considered "improved." In all, 83% (106 of 128) patients completed all seven postoperative surveys with 14 in the control group and eight in the ketorolac group lost to follow-up. Fifty-six patients were administered ketorolac with opioid medication (treatment group) and 50 were administered opioids alone (control group). Participants were comprised of 42% men (44), and 58% women (62); mean age was 48 years. The treating surgeon assessed clinical healing based on the patient's ability to ambulate comfortably at 12 weeks postoperatively. Radiographic healing was assessed by two fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons blinded to the patient's name and time since surgery. The surgeons evaluated randomized standard ankle series (anteroposterior, mortise, and lateral) radiographs for resolution of each fracture line to determine fracture union, with delayed union being defined as fracture lines present on radiographs taken at 12-week postoperative visits. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. RESULTS: Patients in the treatment group consumed a mean of 14 opioid pills, which was less than the mean of 19.3 opioids pills consumed by patients in the control group (p = 0.037). Patients with ketorolac had lower median VAS scores for pain (p < 0.035) postoperatively on postoperative Days 1 and 2 than did control patients. By contrast, patient-reported pain scores and scores for sleep did not convincingly show a benefit to the use of ketorolac. For patients whose ankle fractures healed at 12 weeks, there was no difference between the groups in terms of clinical healing (p = 0.575) and radiographic healing (p = 0.961). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized study, adding ketorolac to the postoperative drug regimen decreased the use of opioid medication after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures in the early postoperative period, and there were mixed, small effects on pain reduction. This NSAID is a valuable tool in helping patients manage postoperative pain with less use of narcotic analgesia. However, our study was underpowered to determine the true safety of this drug in terms of fracture healing and side effects and these questions warrant higher-powered randomized study investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Opioid-Naïve Patients Undergoing Hallux Valgus Correction.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain management following orthopedic surgeries can be challenging, and the opioid epidemic has made it essential to better individualize opioid prescriptions by patient and procedure. The purpose of this subgroup analysis of a prospective study was to investigate immediate postoperative opioid pill consumption and prolonged use in patients undergoing operative correction of hallux valgus (HV). METHODS: Patients undergoing outpatient HV correction procedures with 5 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons over a 1-year period were included. Patients were excluded if they were being prescribed chronic opioid analgesics for an underlying condition prior to the date of initial injury or if they underwent concomitant nonforefoot procedures. At the patient's first postoperative visit, opioid pills were counted, and these were standardized to the equivalent number of 5-mg oxycodone pills. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine if any of the procedure categories or patient factors were independently associated with postoperative opioid consumption. Prolonged use of opioids 90 to 180 days after the procedure was also examined using our state's online Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). One-hundred thirty-seven patients (86% female) were included. Thirty-six patients (26%) underwent primary chevron osteotomies, 78 (57%) underwent primary proximal osteotomies (Ludloff, scarf), 10 (7%) underwent soft tissue-only procedures with or without a first proximal phalanx osteotomy (modified McBride, Akin), and 13 (9%) underwent first metatarsophalangeal arthrodeses. RESULTS: Overall, patients consumed a median of 27 pills. There was no significant difference in postoperative opioid intake between the 4 procedures, including when subdivided into those with and without lesser toe procedures. Higher preoperative visual analog scale pain levels (P = .028) and younger patient age (P = .042) were associated with higher opioid pill consumption. A total of 1.5% of patients demonstrated prolonged opioid use. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated a lack of difference between HV procedures in terms of postoperative opioid consumption and an overall low rate of prolonged use in opioid-naïve patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.