ABSTRACT
Background The Lapidus procedure has become a popular procedure in correcting hallux valgus deformities and has undergone several modifications in an effort to improve the efficacy of the procedure. The senior author modifies this procedure with the addition of an intermetatarsal and intercuneiform fusion. Our hypothesis is that this will improve the procedure outcomes and decrease deformity recurrence. Methods We reviewed patient charts who underwent the procedure between 2014 and 2017 performed by the senior author. This yielded 47 reviewable cases, with 34 meeting study criteria. The cases were analyzed for standard hallux valgus measurements (intermetatarsal angle [IMA], hallux valgus angle [HVA]) and fusion on X-ray. Results The results of the study showed partial intermetatarsal and intercuneiform fusion failure in seven (20%) cases, and one case where the great toe fell into varus. These cases were excluded. In the remaining cases, there was a statistically significant improvement in the HVA and IMA between the preoperative X-ray and first postoperative X-ray. Additionally, there was no significant difference between HVA and IMA between first and final postoperative radiographs. There was a significant increase in IMA for the fusion failure cases (p=0.001). Conclusion Clinically, our findings demonstrate that successful union is possible with low recurrence and complication rates when using this modification of the Lapidus procedure in patients with hallux valgus deformity.
ABSTRACT
Background Foot and ankle surgeries are frequently accompanied by a peripheral nerve block in order to reduce postoperative pain. Higher than expected complication rates with peripheral nerve blocks have led to increased concern among surgeons and patients. To our knowledge, no study conducted by the treating surgeon has identified risk factors that may predispose a patient to complications. Our goal was to attempt to identify those risk factors. Methods We reviewed patient charts of those who underwent an orthopedic foot and ankle procedure between 2013 and 2018, as performed by the senior author. This yielded 992 procedures performed across four surgical locations. Of these procedures, 137 procedures were removed because no block was used. The remaining cases were analyzed for nerve complications, defined as sensory or motor deficits along the distribution of a nerve. The patients were divided into those with and without complications and were evaluated for differences. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS® software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, North Carolina, USA). Results The overall short-term complication rate was 10.1% and the long-term complication rate was 4.3%, with a total of 855 blocks given. Electromyographies (EMGs) were performed on 24.4% of the patients with a complication. Of the EMGs, 95.2% confirmed nerve complications in the distribution of the blocked nerve. The significant factors associated with complications were age, BMI, location, and smoking status. A regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratio for individual factors. Those with significantly higher odds ratio were between 40 and 65 years of age, had normal or underweight BMI, underwent surgery at an outpatient surgery center, and were current smokers. Conclusions Our study suggests that there are significant epidemiological factors in predicting postoperative complications related to a peripheral nerve block. The study also shows a similar short-term complication rate but a higher long-term complication rate than other studies. This data are important because it allows for an informed decision to be made between a surgeon, anesthesiologist, and the patient regarding the safety and necessity of delivering a preoperative peripheral nerve block based on patient risk factors.
ABSTRACT
The inhibition of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) may be an effective treatment of hypertension and heart failure, among other ailments. Previously reported benzimidazole CYP11B2 inhibitors led the way for bioisosteric imidazopyridines that are both potent and selective over CYP11B1.
