Crossed Screw Fixation Versus Dorsal Plating for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Multiple fixation techniques for first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis have been described with an average fusion rate of 93.5%. This retrospective cohort study assesses the association between crossed screws (vs dorsal plating) and medical comorbidities and the outcome radiographic union. Bivariate tests of association and multivariable logistic regression were employed to assess differences across fixation type and outcomes. We identified 305 patients who underwent a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis during the study period. Crossed screw fixation was used in 158 (51.8%) patients while dorsal plating (tubular or anatomic locking plate) was used in 147 (48.2%) patients. Dorsal plating was utilized more often in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (p = .019) and history of smoking (p = .044). At 12 weeks post-operatively there were no significant differences in fusion rates between the two groups (crossed screw group = 95.3% vs dorsal plate group (referent) = 93.5%, Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-4.26). Not smoking was associated with a greater odds of fusion at 12 weeks (96.2% for nonsmokers vs 75.0% for smokers (referent), AOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.28). Lower body mass index was associated with a greater odds of fusion at 12 weeks (AOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99). Surgeons allowed weightbearing earlier with dorsal plate fixation (2 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 2.6) versus 5 weeks (IQR 2.6) for crossed screw fixation, p = .001). Patients with multiple medical comorbidities were more likely to require revision surgery than patients having 0-1 comorbidities (p < .05). Crossed screws can provide an inexpensive yet effective option for first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis.

Early Protected Weightbearing After Ankle Fractures in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus.

The traditional protocol for treatment after ankle fracture in the diabetic patient involves a period of prolonged non-weightbearing to reduce the incidence of complications. The goal of the present study was to identify the risk factors and complications associated with early protected weightbearing after closed ankle fractures in patients with diabetes. The data from 73 diabetic patients with operatively and nonoperatively treated ankle fractures were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were allowed to begin protected weightbearing in a cast or removable boot at 2 weeks after the index injury or surgery. The mean follow-up period was 51 (range of 26 to 480) weeks. Complications occurred in 25% of the operative cases and 8% of the nonoperative cases. In both categories, the complication rate was less than that from existing reports using prolonged non-weightbearing. Wound dehiscence was the most common complication in the operatively treated patients (18.8%). A statistically significant difference was found in the complications rates for the patients aged >60 years (p = .0403). No statistically significant differences were identified according to hemoglobin A1c, the presence of peripheral neuropathy, smoking status, fracture type, or the presence of end-stage renal disease. The results of the present study suggest that early protected weightbearing after closed ankle fractures in diabetic patients is fairly safe, with an acceptable complication rate. However, the patients selected for early weightbearing had low comorbidity profiles, which might have accounted, in part, for the low complication rate.