Return-to-work following shoulder arthroplasty in adults with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) have demonstrated significant improvement in shoulder function and pain relief. Work-related outcomes have become increasingly important, while the current literature lacks evidence related to return-to-work (RTW) and which factors might have an influence on it. AIMS: This study aimed to assess RTW in patients who have received aTSA or HA at a minimum of 1-year follow-up after surgery, and secondary to evaluate possible prognostic factors associated with RTW. METHODS: We performed a retrospective query in employed patients diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder, who received either an aTSA or HA between February 2006 and February 2021. Preoperative and post-operative work and sports participation were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-four patients participated in this study (98% compliance), of which 40 patients (91%) were able to RTW at a median time of two (interquartile range: 2-4) months post-operatively. Patients with a medium-/high-demand occupation demonstrated RTW at a significantly lower rate (79%) than those with light-demand occupations (100%; P = 0.03). There was a statistically significant association between return to full employment and patients' expectation to fully return, absence of preoperative work adjustments and preoperative sick leave (odds ratio: 16.9 [3.1-93.5]; 18.3 [2.1-160.4]; 0.1 [0.0-0.6]). CONCLUSIONS: aTSA and HA facilitate excellent RTW rates. Patients with a medium-/high-demand occupation return at a significantly lower rate. The ability to RTW seems to be multifactorial and the results found might not be attributed to shoulder arthroplasty alone.

Translation and Validation of 'Foot Health Status Questionnaire' in Dutch.

The aim of our study was to develop a Dutch version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ-NL) and evaluate its measurement properties according to the COSMIN definition (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments). After translation of the FSHQ, a group of 119 randomly selected patient who visited the outpatient clinic for conditions affecting the foot and ankle were asked to participate, of which103 patients were included in the analysis. The FHSQ-NL, a validated Dutch FAOS and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and function were used in this study as outcomes measures. Reliability was assessed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha, and the smallest detectable change (SDC). Construct validity was evaluated by use of a priori hypotheses concerning Spearman's correlation coefficient between FHSQ subscales and FAOS and VAS. All domains of the FHSQ-NL, besides 'General health,' indicated good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.61 to 0.91. Test-retest reliability of all FHSQ domains was poor with an ICC ranging from 0.47 to 0.77. At individual level, the SDC ranged from 35.1 to 60.6 and at a group level (n = 50) from 5.0 to 8.6. Construct validity was supported by confirmation of 75% of all a priori hypotheses. The FHSQ-NL has good internal consistency and smallest detectable change (SDC) at group level. However, reliability and SDC on individual level show suboptimal results. Therefore, the questionnaire is more suitable for evaluating foot complaints at group level instead of individual level.

Matching walking speed of controls affects identification of gait deviations in patients with a total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of functional recovery of patients after a total knee replacement includes the quantification of gait deviations. Comparisons to comfortable gait of healthy controls may incorrectly suggest biomechanical gait deviations, since the usually lower walking speed of patients already causes biomechanical differences. Moreover, taking peak values as parameter might not be sensitive to actual differences. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of matching walking speed and full-waveform versus discrete analyses. METHODS: Gait biomechanics of 25 knee replacement patients were compared to 22 controls in two ways: uncorrected and corrected for walking speed employing principal component analyses, to reconstruct control gait biomechanics at walking speeds matched to the patients. Ankle, knee and hip kinematics and kinetics were compared over the full gait cycle using statistical parametric mapping against using peak values. FINDINGS: All joint kinematics and kinetics gait data were impacted by applying walking speed correction, especially the kinetics of the knee. The lower control walking speeds used for reference generally reduced the magnitude of differences between patient and control gait, however some were enlarged. Full-waveform analysis identified greater deviating gait cycle regions beyond the peaks, but did not make peak value analyses redundant. INTERPRETATION: Matching walking speed of controls affects identification of gait deviations in patients with a total knee replacement, reducing deviations confounded by walking speed and revealing hidden gait deviations related to possible compensations. Full-waveform analysis should be used along peak values for a comprehensive quantification of differences in gait biomechanics.

Ceramic-on-ceramic articulation in press-fit total hip arthroplasty as a potential reason for early failure, what about the survivors: a ten year follow-up.

PURPOSE: In press-fit total hip arthroplasty (THA), primary stability is needed to avoid micromotion and hereby aseptic loosening, the main reason for early revision. High aseptic loosening revision rates of the seleXys TH+ cup (Mathys Medical) with Ceramys ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing are seen in literature. Since CoC is presumed to overcome long-term wear-related revisions, the reason for early failure of this cup is important to clarify. The aim is to investigate its ten year outcomes and differentiate between potential causes and identify risk factors for aseptic loosening. METHODS: Retrospective screening of a prospectively documented series of 315 THAs was performed. Primary outcome was cumulative incidence of cup revision due to aseptic loosening. Secondary outcomes were component revision and reoperation. Additionally, potential predictive factors for aseptic loosening were evaluated. RESULTS: At the median follow-up of 9.7 years [IQR 4.4; 10.3], 48 TH+ (15.2%) were revised due to aseptic loosening. Competing risk analysis showed a ten year cumulative incidence of cup revision due to aseptic loosening of 15.6% (95% CI 12.0-20.2). Stabilization of early revision rates was observed, following a high rate of respectively 81.3% (n = 39) and 95.8% (n = 46) within the first two and three years. No significant predictive factors for aseptic loosening were found. CONCLUSION: The ten year results of seleXys TH+ cup with Ceramys CoC bearing showed an unacceptable high aseptic loosening rate, which stabilized over time after a high early failure incidence. This could be attributed to a problem with osseointegration during the transition of primary to definitive stability.

Adequate union rates for the treatment of acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures.

PURPOSE: To compare the bone healing, clinical, and return to daily activity outcomes after either surgical or conservative management of acute zone 1, 2, and 3 fifth metatarsal fractures. METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify studies published from the earliest record to January 2019 using EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. All articles assessing clinical outcomes of acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures were included. Bone healing and clinical outcomes were thereafter calculated using a simplified pooling method. RESULTS: Thirty-two articles comprising of a total of 1,239 fractures were included, of which one was a randomized controlled trial, seven were prospective studies, and 24 were retrospective studies. 627 zone 1 fractures demonstrated union rates of 93.2% following conservative treatment and 95.1% following surgical treatment. Conservatively managed zone 1 fractures were displaced 49.5% of the time, compared to a rate of 92.8% for the surgically treated cases. For Jones' (zone 2) fractures, bone healing outcomes of conservative versus surgical treatment showed union rates of 77.4% versus 96.3%, refracture rates of 2.4% versus 2.1%, and mean time to union of 11.0 weeks versus 9.4 weeks, respectively. Only ten proximal diaphyseal (zone 3) fractures were reported, with a mean return to work of 8.2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Acute zone 1 fractures are preferably treated conservatively as similar union rates were found after both conservative and surgical management. In contradistinction, acute zone 2 fractures demonstrate higher union rates and faster time to union when treated surgically. The outcomes of acute zone 3 fractures are rarely reported in the literature, so treatment recommendations remain unclear. Further research of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures is warranted to provide more definitive conclusions, but current findings can aid surgeons during the shared clinical decision making process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Adoption of direct discharge of simple stable injuries amongst (orthopaedic) trauma surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of routine follow-up of several relatively simple stable injuries (SSIs) is questionable. Multiple studies show that direct discharge (DD) of patients with SSIs from the Emergency Department results in patient outcomes and experiences comparable to 'standard care' with outpatient follow-up. The purpose of this study was to evaluate to which extent DD of SSIs has been adopted amongst trauma and orthopedic surgeons internationally, and to assess the variation in the management of these common injuries. METHODS: An online survey was sent to members of an international trauma- and orthopaedic surgery collaboration. Participants, all trauma- or orthopaedic surgeons, were presented with eleven hypothetical cases of patients with simple stable injuries in which they were asked to outline their treatment plan regarding number of follow-up appointments and radiographs, physiotherapy and when to start functional movement. The primary outcome was the proportion of surgeons selecting direct discharge (i.e. zero scheduled appointments), per injury. Secondary outcomes included clinical agreement (>80% of respondents answering similarly) on total number of follow-up appointments (0, 1 or ≥2), radiographs (0, 1 or ≥2), routine physiotherapy referral (yes/no) and when to start functional movement (weeks). RESULTS: 138 of 667 (20.7%) surgeons completed the survey. Adoption of direct discharge ranged from 4-45% of case examples. In 10 out of 11 cases, less than 25% of surgeons selected direct discharge. Clinical agreement regarding number of appointments and when to start functional movement was not reached for any of the injuries. There was clinical agreement on number of radiographs for one injury and for four injuries regarding routine referral to a physiotherapist. DISCUSSION: Despite available evidence, DD of SSIs has not been widely adopted worldwide. Practice variation still exists even for these common injuries. This variation suggests inefficiency and consequently unnecessarily high healthcare costs. (Orthopaedic) trauma surgeons are encouraged to evaluate their current treatment protocols of SSIs.

No differences in cost-effectiveness and short-term functional outcomes between cemented and uncemented total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing debate regarding optimal fixation of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), however cost has not been addressed as profoundly. Therefore, the current study primarily aimed to compare costs and cost-effectiveness 1 year after cemented or uncemented TKA. A secondary objective was to compare short-term functional outcomes between both groups. METHODS: A posthoc prospective observational multicenter cohort study of 60 cemented and 50 uncemented Low Contact Stress (LCS) knee systems. Outcome was evaluated using the EuroQol5D-3 L (EQ5D) index, in order to calculate quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Total costs were calculated considering direct costs within the hospital setting (inpatient cost) as well as direct and indirect costs outside the hospital. Cost-effectiveness (total costs per QALY), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were compared between cemented and uncemented cases at 1 year after surgery. HealthBASKET project, a micro-costing approach, represents the Dutch costs and situation and was used to calculate hospital stay. (In) direct costs outside the healthcare (medical cost and productivity cost) were determined using two validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Median costs per QALY were similar between cemented and uncemented TKA patients (€16,269 and €17,727 respectively; p = 0.50). Median OKS (44 and 42; p = 0.79), EQ5D (0.88 and 0.90; p = 0.82) and NRS for pain (1.0 and 1.0; p = 0.48) and satisfaction (9.0 and 9.0; p = 0.15) were also comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION: For this type of knee implant (LCS), inpatient hospital costs and costs after hospitalization were comparable between groups.

Dynamic trial fitting by an expanding trial cup does not jeopardize primary acetabular component stability.

BACKGROUND: Trial fitting of the acetabular component in uncemented total hip replacement is traditionally done by trial cups. Since trial cups do not resemble the real press-fit obtained by the definitive cup, a dynamic trial inserter, called the X-pander ®, was developed to mimic the real amount of press-fit. However, the concern is raised of losing the initial press-fit by using the X-pander® due to pre-expansion of the acetabulum. The purpose of this study was to assess if there is a difference in primary stability between both methods. METHODS: A biomechanical randomized study was performed with bovine calf acetabula, with randomization between either using the X-pander® or the traditional trial cups to assess primary stability. The primary outcome was the force needed to achieve lever out of the implanted cup (Anexys, Mathys or Trident, Stryker), measured in Newton meter (Nm) with a biomechanical testing set up. FINDINGS: In total, 54 cups (19 Anexys, 35 Trident) were inserted and tested after randomized trial fitting. Overall mean lever out was 45.1 Nm (SD 14.6) for the X-pander® group and 45.0 Nm (SD 14.5) for the trial cups group. After adjustment for potential confounders (cup size and type) mixed model analysis did not reveal a significant difference in lever out force between both testing devices (mean 1.0 Nm, 95%CI (-5.9; 8.0), p = .77). INTERPRATION: Initial press-fit of the implanted cup is not lost by pre-expansion as done with dynamic trial fitting with the X-pander®.

Two-year clinical results of a novel load redistribution device for the treatment of medial knee OA.

PURPOSE: A potential method to relieve the pain from medial osteoarthritis of the knee is to offload the medial compartment. The Latella™ Knee Implant is a novel device designed to offload the medial compartment. The objective of the Cotera-1 study was to evaluate the preliminary safety and feasibility of the Latella implant to treat patients with medial OA of the knee, by a 2-year follow-up of a prospective multicenter feasibility study (Cotera-1) performed in the Netherlands and UK METHODS: In this first-in-man study, 11 participants received the Latella implant and were followed for 2 years, documenting physician assessment, Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) scoring (KOOS, IKDC, Kujala, SF-36); Patient Global Assessment (PGA), radiographic analysis and MRI analysis, complications, reoperation rate and hip-knee-ankle axis. RESULTS: The Latella Knee Implant system proved to be well tolerated and demonstrated a low-risk safety profile up to 24 months post-treatment. A responder analysis was performed of the subjects who still had the Latella implanted at 24-month time point (n = 9). Based on a MCID of eight for KOOS pain sub-scale, 78% of the subjects at the 24 month time point would be considered as responders. Similarly, based on improvement in the medial knee pain compared to baseline using the NRS scale of 1-10, 89% of the subjects at the 24-month time point would be considered as responders. Two patients were revised during follow-up: one for arthrofibrosis and one converted to TKA for progression of OA. CONCLUSIONS: The early clinical experience with the Latella Knee Implant in this pilot feasibility study has been encouraging. It appears to be a safe implant with possible effect on medial OA. Additional studies need to be performed to assess the safety and efficacy of the procedure in a larger patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Posterior malleolar fracture morphology determines outcome in rotational type ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Rotational type ankle fractures with a concomitant fracture of the posterior malleolus are associated with a poorer clinical outcome as compared to ankle fractures without. However, clinical implications of posterior malleolar (PM) fracture morphology and pattern have yet to be established. Many studies on this subject report on fragment size, rather than fracture morphology based on computed tomography (CT). The overall purpose of the current study was to elucidate the correlation of PM fracture morphology and functional outcome, assessed with CT imaging and not with -unreliable- plain radiographs. METHODS: Between January 2010 and May 2014, 194 patients with an operatively (ORIF) treated ankle fracture, were prospectively included in the randomized clinical EF3X-trial at our Level-I trauma center. The current study retrospectively included 73 patients with rotational type ankle fractures and concomitant fractures of the posterior malleolus. According to the CT-based Haraguchi fracture morphology, all patients were divided into three groups: 20 Type I (large posterolateral-oblique), 21 Type II (transverse medial-extension) and 32 Type III (small-shell fragment). At 12 weeks, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively the Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) and SF-36 scores were obtained, with the FAOS domain scores at two years postoperative as primary study outcome. Statistical analysis included a multivariate regression and secondary a mixed model analysis. RESULTS: Haraguchi Type II PM ankle fractures demonstrated significantly poorer outcome scores at two years follow-up compared to Haraguchi Types I and III. Mean FAOS domain scores at two years follow-up showed to be significantly worse in Haraguchi Type II as compared to Type III, respectively: Symptoms 48.2 versus 61.7 (p = 0.03), Pain 58.5 versus 84.4 (p < 0.01), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) 64.1 versus 90.5 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Posterior malleolar ankle fractures with medial extension of the fracture line (i.e. Haraguchi Type II) are associated with significantly poorer functional outcomes. The current dogma to fix PM fractures that involve at least 25-33% of the tibial plafond may be challenged, as posterior malleolar fracture pattern and morphology - rather than fragment size - seem to determine outcome.

Ankle fusion after failed ankle replacement in rheumatic and non-rheumatic patients.

BACKGROUND: With longer follow-up, survival rate of total ankle replacements (TAR) diminishes. It is therefore important to have a reliable fall-back option in case of failed TAR. Revision arthroplasty is often impossible because of loss of bonestock or infection. Conversion to ankle fusion is then indicated. We investigated the clinical, radiographic and patient reported results for fusion after failed TAR in a consecutive group of patients. We concentrated on the influence of inflammatory joint disease (IJD) on union rate. METHODS: Patient files and radiographic images of 46 consecutive patients (47 ankles) were reviewed. There were 22 patients with IJD. Fixation methods included; anterior plating, blade plate fixation, intramedullary nailing, compression screws and external fixation. Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) were used to determine patient related outcomes. RESULTS: Forty out of 47 ankles (85%) Fused. Union rate in the non-IJD group (96%) was significantly higher compared to the IJD-group (73%, p=0.04). Revisions and complications were more frequent in the IJD group, but numbers were too small to detect a significant difference. Mean PROM scores were: FAOS-symptoms; 68.5, FAOS-pain; 70.3, FAOS-QoL; 43.7, FAOS-ADL; 68.1 and FAAM-ADL; 52.1, with no significant difference between IJD and non-IJD patients. CONCLUSIONS: IJD-patients have a higher nonunion rate after ankle fusion for failed TAR. However, patient reported outcome is not significantly different between the two groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort.

Measurement properties of the most commonly used Foot- and Ankle-Specific Questionnaires: the FFI, FAOS and FAAM. A systematic review.

PURPOSE: In the foot and ankle literature, a wide range of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is used, however, consensus as to which PROMs are preferred is lacking. Selection of a PROM is among other reasons, often based on measurement properties without considering the methodological quality of the studies that evaluate these measurement properties. The aim of current study was first to identify the most frequently used foot and ankle-specific PROMs in recent orthopaedic foot and ankle literature, and second to conduct a systematic review to synthesize and critically appraise the measurement properties of these PROMS. METHODS: Six PubMed indexed journals focussing on foot and ankle research were screened to identify most commonly used foot and ankle-specific PROMs over a 2 year period (2015-2016). Subsequently, a systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus and Scopus to identify relevant studies on their measurement properties. Methodological quality assessment was performed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist, criteria for good measurement properties were applied, and a level of evidence was determined for the measurement properties of each domain of the questionnaires. RESULTS: The three most frequently reported PROMs were the Foot Function Index (FFI), the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Foot and Ankle Activity Measure (FAAM). Among 2046 unique citations, 50 studies were included evaluating these PROMs. Evidence to support the measurement properties of the FFI was mainly lacking due to poor methodological quality. More evidence was available for the measurement properties of the FAOS and the FAAM, but overall evidence supporting all measurement properties is not yet sufficient. CONCLUSION: The best available evidence retrieved in this review showed that the FAOS and the FAAM are promising outcome measures for evaluation of patients with foot and ankle conditions, but their shortcomings should be taken into account when interpreting results in clinical setting or trials. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Elderly patients with an atypical presentation of illness in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Very little information is available on the prevalence and clinical outcome of elderly patients with atypical presentations of illness in the emergency department. The objective was to determine the prevalence and clinical outcome of elderly patients seen in the emergency department with an atypical presentation. METHODS: A monocentric retrospective observational study on 355 elderly patients presenting to the emergency department. Patients of 80 years and older were included. Data were extracted from the electronic medical file. RESULTS: A total of 355 patients were included, with a mean age of 86 years; 53% of these elderly patients had an atypical presentation of illness. Mostly this was due to a fall (71%). A total of 15% of the patients with an atypical presentation reported no specific symptoms of the underlying disease. Patients with atypical presentation were more likely to have a longer stay in hospital (p < 0.001), to be discharged to a care institution (p = 0.000), and to have a higher delirium observation score (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in one-year survival (p = 0.056). CONCLUSION: Atypical presentation of illness in elderly patients is highly prevalent in the emergency department. Falling accidents are the most important reason for this. Patients with an atypical presentation have a worse clinical outcome. Accurate training of emergency staff is necessary to recognise this group of patients to ensure proper clinical monitoring and timely treatment.

Hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of a displaced intracapsular fracture in active elderly patients: 12-year follow-up of randomised trial.

AIMS: Our aim was to analyse the long-term functional outcome of two forms of surgical treatment for active patients aged > 70 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. Patients were randomised to be treated with either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The outcome five years post-operatively for this cohort has previously been reported. We present the outcome at 12 years post-operatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initially 252 patients with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6) were included, of whom 205 (81%) were women. A total of 137 were treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty and 115 with a cemented THA. At long-term follow-up we analysed the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS), post-operative complications and intra-operative data of the patients who were still alive. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 12 years (8.23 to 16.17, standard deviation 2.24), 50 patients (20%), 32 in the hemiarthroplasty group and 18 in the THA group, were still alive, of which 47 (94%) were women. There were no significant differences in the mean modified HHS (p = 0.85), mortality (p = 0.13), complications (p = 0.93) or rate of revision surgery (p = 1.0) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of active elderly patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip there is no difference in the functional outcome between hemiarthroplasty and THA treatments at 12 years post-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:250-4.

Return to sports after arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation of osteochondral talar defects: a 5- to 24-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Osteochondral defects (OCD) often have a severe impact on the quality of life due to deep ankle pain during and after weight bearing, which prevents young patients from leading an active life. Arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation are currently the gold standard treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the number of patients that resume and maintain sports to their pre-injury activity level after arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated patients treated with arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation between 1989 and 2008. All patients who were participating in sports before injury were included. The Ankle Activity Scale (AAS) was used to determine activity levels during specific time points (before injury, before operation, after operation and at the time of final follow-up). RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were included. Fifty-seven (76%) patients continued participating in sports at final follow-up. The median AAS before injury of 8 (range 3-10) significantly decreased to 4 (range 2-10) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: It is shown that 76% of the patients were able to return to sports at long-term follow-up after arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation of talar OCDs. The activity level decreased at long-term follow-up and never reached the level of that before injury. The data of our study can be of importance to inform future patients on expectations after debridement and bone marrow stimulation of a talar OCD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Evaluation of the Dutch version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS): Responsiveness and Minimally Important Change.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and provide data on the Minimally Important Change (MIC) in patients 1 year after hindfoot and ankle surgery. METHODS: Prospective pre-operative and 1 year post-operative FAOS scores were collected from 145 patients. A patient's global assessment and a longitudinal derived Function Change Score were used as external anchors. To assess responsiveness, effect sizes (ES) and Standardized Response Means (SRM) were calculated and hypotheses on their magnitudes were formulated. Additional ROC curve analysis was performed, and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was calculated as a measure of responsiveness. MIC values were estimated using two different methods: (1) the mean change method and (2) the optimal cut-off point of the ROC curve. RESULTS: Responsiveness was supported by confirmation of 84% of the hypothesized ES and SRM and almost all AUCs exceeding 0.70. MIC values ranged from 7 (symptoms) to 38 (sport) points. They varied between calculation methods and were negatively associated with baseline values. A considerable amount of MIC values did not exceed the smallest detectable change limit, indicating that the FAOS is more suitable at group level than for longitudinally following individual patients. CONCLUSIONS: The FAOS demonstrated good responsiveness in patients 1 year after hindfoot and ankle surgery. Due to their wide variation, MIC estimates derived in this study should be interpreted with caution. However, these estimates can be of value to facilitate sample size calculation in future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level I.

Randomized comparison of tape versus semi-rigid and versus lace-up ankle support in the treatment of acute lateral ankle ligament injury.

PURPOSE: Functional treatment is the optimal non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle ligament injury (ALALI) in favour of immobilization treatment. There is no single most effective functional treatment (tape, semi-rigid brace or lace-up brace) based on currently available randomized trials. METHODS: This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the difference in functional outcome after treatment with tape versus semi-rigid versus lace-up ankle support (brace) for grades II and III ALALIs. The Karlsson score and the FAOS were evaluated at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-three patients (52% males) were randomized, 66 patients were treated with tape, 58 patients with a semi-rigid brace and 62 patients with a lace-up brace. There were no significant differences in any baseline characteristics between the three groups. Mean age of the patients was 37.3 years (35.1-39.5; SD 15.3). Ninety-five males (49%) were included. One hundred and sixty-one (59 + 50 + 52) patients completed the study through final follow-up; 32% lost at follow-up. In two patients treated with tape support, the treatment was changed to a semi-rigid brace because of dermatomal blisters. Except for the difference in Foot and Ankle Outcome Score sport between the lace-up and the semi-rigid brace, there are no differences in any of the outcomes after 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The most important finding of current study was that there is no difference in outcome 6 months after treatment with tape, semi-rigid brace and a lace-up brace. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Guesstimation of posterior malleolar fractures on lateral plain radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of articular involvement of the posterior malleolar fracture fragments in ankle fractures is essential, as this is the leading argument for internal fixation. The purpose of this study is to assess diagnostic accuracy of measurements on plain lateral radiographs. METHODS: Quantification of three-dimensional computed tomography (Q-3D-CT) was used as a reference standard for true articular involvement (mm(2)) of posterior malleolar fractures. One-hundred Orthopaedic Trauma surgeons were willing to review 31 trimalleolar ankle fractures to estimate size of posterior malleolus and answer: (1) what is the involved articular surface of the posterior malleolar fracture as a percentage of the tibial plafond? and (2) would you fix the posterior malleolus? RESULTS: The average posterior malleolar fragment involved 13.5% (SD 10.8) of the tibial plafond articular surface, as quantified using Q-3D-CT. The average involvement of articular surface of the posterior malleolar fragment, as estimated by 100 observers on plain radiographs was 24.4% (SD 10.0). The factor 1.8 overestimation of articular involvement was statistically significant (p<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy of measurements on plain lateral radiographs was 22%. Interobserver agreement (ICC) was 0.61. Agreement on operative fixation, showed an ICC of 0.54 (Haraguchi type I=0.76, Haraguchi type II=0.40, Haraguchi type III=0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic accuracy of measurements on plain lateral radiographs to assess articular involvement of posterior malleolar fractures is poor. There is a tendency to misjudge posteromedial involvement (Haraguchi type II).

Validation of the Dutch language version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a Dutch language version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS-DLV) and evaluate its measurement properties according to the definitions of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). METHODS: After a standard forward-backward translation procedure, the Dutch version of the FAOS was evaluated for reliability and validity in 110 patients with various hind foot and ankle complaints. Reliability was evaluated by calculation of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency, and the smallest detectable change (SDC). Construct validity of the FAOS was assessed by calculation of Spearman's correlation coefficients with similar and dissimilar domains of the SF-36 health survey, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle and Hindfoot Scale, and visual analogue scales for pain and disability. Dimensionality was tested with confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: Reliability of the FAOS-DLV was good. The ICC of the subscales ranged from 0.83 to 0.88. The minimal value of Cronbach's alpha was 0.76. The SDC at individual level ranged from 18 to 21 and at group level between 2.1 and 2.5. Construct validity was supported by confirmation of 85 % of the hypothesized correlations. Unidimensionality of the FAOS-DLV domains was moderate. CONCLUSION: The Dutch version of the FAOS seems to have acceptable measurement properties. The questionnaire can be used for functional assessment of patients with varying hindfoot and ankle symptoms. It is, however, more suitable for clinical evaluation at group level than for monitoring a specific patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level I.