Management of non-unions of the malleolar fractures- Current Evidence.

Although malleolar non-union is uncommon, it is associated with significant morbidity. Managing this problem requires understanding ankle fracture biomechanics and bone healing. We present in this article the pertinent points to be considered in evaluating and managing patients with malleolar non-union. Our discussion will focus on the important risk factors contributing to this problem, and the need to carefully consider the biomechanical stability and the biological environment to ensure successful bony unions.

Overcoming the Barriers to Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Global Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Diversity in orthopaedics continues to lag behind that in other surgical specialties. This pattern exists globally and is not unique to gender or race. This review offers a global perspective on overcoming the barriers to diversity in orthopaedics. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted and a narrative review was undertaken. Publications that discussed any aspect of diversity or solutions to diversity within orthopaedics or academic orthopaedics were identified. RESULTS: A total of 62 studies were included. Studies showed that diversity in orthopaedic training is limited by structural barriers such as long hours, requirements to relocate during training, training inflexibility, and a lack of exposure to orthopaedics. Implicit bias during the selection process for training, discrimination, and a lack of role models are additional barriers that are experienced by both minority and female surgeons. The global lack of diversity suggests that there are also inherent "cultural barriers" that are unique to orthopaedics; however, these barriers are not uniformly experienced. Perceptions of orthopaedics as promoting an unhealthy work-life balance and the existence of a "boys' club" must be addressed. Strong, committed leaders can embed cultural norms, support trainees, and act as visible role models. Targeted efforts to increase diverse recruitment and to reduce bias in selection processes for medical school and specialty training will increase diversity in the "training pipeline." CONCLUSIONS: Diversity in orthopaedics continues to lag behind that in other specialties. Increasing diversity is important for providing a more inclusive training environment, improving patient care, and reducing health disparities. Structural and cultural barriers need to be addressed to improve diversity in orthopaedics. Promoting a culture supportive of all surgeons is essential to reframing perceptions that may prevent individuals from even considering a career as an orthopaedic surgeon. Changing attitudes require focused efforts from committed leadership in a "top-down" approach that prioritizes diversity. The efforts from national bodies seeking to tackle the lack of diversity, as well as the establishment of organizations committed to diversity, such as the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance, provide reasons to be optimistic for the future.

Subtalar instability.

Subtalar instability is a confusing yet important condition in patients with lateral ankle instability. The author will explore subtalar kinematics, and how they are closely related to the joint stability of the subtalar joint, both with respect to its intrinsic ligaments and its extrinsic ligaments. As subtalar instability is difficult to diagnose, this article will provide readers with a better understanding of its clinical presentation. Discussions will also include useful radiographic modalities and the most recent evidence regarding their accuracy. The last section discusses surgical options and what the readers need to know in order to make a decision.

Perspectives and trends for minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus deformity in the Asia Pacific region.

BACKGROUND: Evolving evidence and improved instrumentation have led to increasing importance of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) surgery in the treatment of hallux valgus deformity. This study aims to investigate the current trends of the practice of MIS hallux valgus surgery in the Asia Pacific region. METHOD: A survey was sent via email to 30 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons in 11 Asia Pacific countries, all registered with their respective national orthopaedic societies. The survey consisted of 8 questions and was designed to assess surgeon experience with MIS hallux valgus surgery, including common contraindications, satisfaction levels, learning curves and post-operative rehabilitation after MIS hallux valgus surgery. RESULTS: The vast majority of surgeons (63%) performed MIS hallux valgus surgery. However, only 18% of surgeons performed MIS surgery in more than half of their hallux valgus cases. A severe deformity was the most common contraindication (81%), followed by the instability of the first tarsometatarsal joint (50%), and abnormal DMAA (Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle) (38%). There was no statistically significant difference between the satisfaction score of MIS versus open surgery (p-value 0.1). The median number of cases the surgeons needed to perform before they considered themselves comfortable performing the surgery was 10 cases (range 1-100). Most surgeons allowed full weight bearing at 4-6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: MIS hallux valgus surgery is gaining popularity in the Asia Pacific region, with the majority of surgeons adopting this practice. The fact that severe deformity is seen as the most frequent contraindication and that MIS surgery is still not the most popular alternative demonstrates that surgeons are still circumspect when it comes to MIS surgery. Surgeons can use the findings of this study to guide their adoption of MIS practices in hallux valgus surgery and gauge well they perform in comparison to their counterparts in the Asia Pacific region.

Rising within the leadership of an orthopaedic society: learning from the presidents.

Orthopaedic societies, with their diverse membership from across the world, serve a mission to endorse the progress and innovation in the field of orthopaedics and traumatology with a focus on improving patient care, as well as to encourage and develop education, teaching and research. Such organizations, whether small or large, have been successful in meeting the professional, educational and training needs of its members. The past and future presidents of these societies share insights addressing their professional experiences, lessons learnt and their vision for future leaders of the field. The objective of this article is to summarize the thoughts of presidents of orthopaedic societies from around the globe and to inspire younger and aspiring members of the global orthopaedic fraternity.

Acute foot and ankle injuries and time return to sport.

Foot and ankle sports injuries encompass a wide spectrum of conditions from simple contusions or sprains that resolve within days to more severe injuries that change the trajectory of an athlete's sporting career. If missed, severe injuries could lead to prolonged absence from the sport and therefore a catastrophic impact on future performance. In this article, we discuss the presentation of the commonest foot and ankle sports injuries and share recent evidence to support an accurate diagnosis and best management practice.

The experience of contact tracing in Singapore in the control of COVID-19: highlighting the use of digital technology.

PURPOSE: Containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic would require aggressive contact tracing and isolation of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Models in published literature have suggested that digital rather than manual contact tracing might be more effective in containing the pandemic. This article seeks to examine the forms of contact tracing that Singapore, a highly dense city-state, adopts with a focus on new innovations including the use of digital technology. METHODS: An exploratory literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies reviewing technological approaches and responses to COVID-19 was performed. Information published by national agencies was also analysed to ascertain how technology was utilised in contact tracing. RESULTS: Contact tracing in Singapore is overseen by the Ministry of Health (MOH). COVID-19 cases are interviewed on their whereabouts during a backward and forward activity mapping process to identify close contacts. Extensive contact tracing even involving the police and serological tools have helped to establish links between cases and closed several local clusters. Examination of patient's digital footprint has helped in contact tracing. Other digital technology introduced includes SafeEntry and TraceTogether. SafeEntry is a cloud-based visitor registration system while TraceTogether is a mobile phone application which operates by exchanging anonymised identifiers between nearby phones via Bluetooth connection. CONCLUSION: Digital contact tracing is likely to expand and continue to complement human-based contact tracing for the current and future pandemics. However, at this juncture, it is not ready to replace the manual and meticulous work that only Singapore contact tracers can achieve.

Protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19: learning from variation in practice and policy identified through a global cross-sectional survey.

AIMS: The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented burden on global healthcare systems, and existing infrastructures must adapt and evolve to meet the challenge. With health systems reliant on the health of their workforce, the importance of protection against disease transmission in healthcare workers (HCWs) is clear. This study collated responses from several countries, provided by clinicians familiar with practice in each location, to identify areas of best practice and policy so as to build consensus of those measures that might reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to HCWs at work. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was designed with ten open and closed questions and sent to a representative sample. The sample was selected on a convenience basis of 27 senior surgeons, members of an international surgical society, who were all frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist. RESULTS: Responses were received by all 27 surgeons from 22 countries across six continents. A number of the study respondents reported COVID-19-related infection and mortality in HCWs in their countries. Differing areas of practice and policy were identified and organized into themes including the specification of units receiving COVID-19 patients, availability and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), other measures to reduce staff exposure, and communicating with and supporting HCWs. Areas more specific to surgery also identified some variation in practice and policy in relation to visitors to the hospital, the outpatient department, and in the operating room for both non-urgent and emergency care. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 presents a disproportionate risk to HCWs, potentially resulting in a diminished health system capacity, and consequently an impairment to population health. Implementation of these recommendations at an international level could provide a framework to reduce this burden.

Surgical Management of Symptomatic Adult Pes Planovalgus Secondary to Stage 2B Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: A Comparison of Two Different Surgical Treatments.

BACKGROUND: This study compares radiological and functional outcomes of patients with symptomatic Adult Acquired Flat Foot Deformity (AFFD) secondary to stage 2B Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) treated with either a Subtalar Arthroereisis (SA) implant or a Lateral Column Lengthening (LCL) procedure. The aim of the study is to determine if the Subtalar Arthroereisis procedure is an acceptable surgical adjunct in our treatment armamentarium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 patients (22 feet) were evaluated. 12 consecutive patients (n = 12) underwent a Subtalar Arthroereisis procedure while 9 patients (n = 10) underwent a Lateral Column Lengthening procedure. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) midfoot score, Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Visual Analog of Pain Scale (VAS), preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. 10 radiological parameters were analyzed. All complications were tabulated. RESULTS: Significant improvements in functional outcomes were noted in both groups of patients. Radiographically, some loss of correction was noted in the SA group and no loss of correction in the LCL group, respectively. In the SA group, 6 patients complained of sinus tarsi pain in the postoperative period and 4 required removal of implants. No implants were removed in the LCL group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that subtalar arthroereisis may be a reasonable procedure to utilize in the treatment of AAFD, albeit with a relatively high implant-removal rate.

Magnesium-based bioabsorbable screw fixation for hallux valgus surgery - A suitable alternative to metallic implants.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this pilot study was to prospectively evaluate outcomes of the MgYREZr bioabsorbable screw in the setting of hallux valgus corrective surgery. The secondary aim was to compare the outcomes against a control group treated with conventional titanium screws. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with hallux valgus deformity (n=24) underwent forefoot reconstruction surgery with a scarf osteotomy to the first metatarsal using MgYREZr screws. Functional scores, radiological outcomes, and complication profile were recorded over 12 months. Results were compared against a control group of patients (n=69) using titanium alloy screws. RESULTS: At 1-year post-operative, both functional and radiological outcomes showed significant improvements. Compared to the control group, there was no significant difference in functional outcomes, yet radiological improvements were significantly better in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The MgYREZr bioabsorbable screw is a suitable alternative to titanium alloy screws for hallux valgus corrective surgery.

Preoperative Mental Health Score and Postoperative Outcome After Hallux Valgus Surgery.

BACKGROUND:: Preoperative mental health status as a predictor of operative outcome has been a growing area of interest. In this paper, the correlation between preoperative mental health status and postoperative functional outcome following scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction was explored. METHODS:: Parameters were tabulated preoperatively and postoperatively at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. They included the Short Form 36 (SF-36), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) measurements and the visual analog score (VAS) to quantify pain. SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) score was used as a surrogate for patient's mental health status. Seventy-six consecutive cases were analyzed at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. RESULTS:: There were significant improvements in all 8 domains of the SF-36, with the mean MCS score increasing from 52.3 ± 7.6 preoperatively to 55.7 ± 6.8 postoperatively. Preoperative MCS scores were not correlated to changes in AOFAS score, PCS score, VAS pain score, HVA or IMA. Preoperative MCS was observed to be correlated to postoperative AOFAS ( r = 0.381, P = .001) and PCS score ( r = 0.315, P = .006). Patients with a preoperative MCS score ⩾50 had a statistically higher postoperative AOFAS and PCS score than patients with MCS score <50. There was no correlation between preoperative MCS scores and improvements in radiologic parameters. There was also no correlation between the improvements in radiologic parameters and improvements in both the AOFAS and VAS pain scores. CONCLUSION:: Preoperative mental health (as measured by the MCS score) was only correlated to postoperative functional outcome (as measured by the postoperative AOFAS and PCS score), but not other postoperative outcomes (VAS pain score, radiologic parameters). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level III, comparative study.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With the Hindfoot Arthrodesis Nail: A Prospective Consecutive Series From a Single Institution.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is a salvage procedure. We report a series of 20 patients who underwent TTCA using an intramedullary nail. Of the 20 patients, 7 (35%) had diabetes mellitus. The patient experiences and outcomes were analyzed. Their mean age was 61.1 (range 39 to 78) years. The minimum follow-up period was 13 (mean 28, range 13 to 49) months. Surgical indications included diabetic Charcot arthropathy in 7 (35%), hindfoot osteoarthritis in 10 (50%), and severe equinovarus deformity in 3 (15%). A calcaneal spiral blade was used in 2 patients (10%). Significant improvements (p < .05) were observed in 5 of 8 Short-Form 36-item Health Survey components, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale (p < .001), and visual analog scale for pain (p < .001). The mean length of the hospital stay was 6.7 (range 1 to 27) days. Of the 20 patients, 76.9% had improvement in their activity postoperatively. Also, 81.8% were able to resume their preoperative work after a mean of 7.89 (range 3 to 24) months. Overall, 19 patients (95%) reported favorable outcomes. Superficial wound infection (n = 4; 20%) and deep wound infection (n = 3; 15%) were the most common complications (35%), with 1 case (5%) culminating in a below-the-knee amputation. Radiographic union was achieved in 16 of the tibiotalar joints (80%), 16 subtalar joints (80%), and 4 tibiocalcaneal fusions (20%). In a subgroup analysis of 7 patients with diabetes mellitus (35%), the incidence of wound complications and fusion was comparable to that of the primary cohort. TTCA performed with an intramedullary nail appears to offer a reliable and safe alternative for patients with severe ankle and hindfoot pathologic entities, including those with diabetes mellitus.

The role of orthobiologics in foot and ankle surgery: Allogenic bone grafts and bone graft substitutes.

Orthobiologics are biological substances that are used therapeutically for their positive effects on healing skeletal and soft-tissue injuries. The array of orthobiological products currently available to the foot and ankle surgeon is wide, and includes bone allografts, bone substitutes, growth factors, and chondral scaffolds. Nonetheless, despite the surge in interest and usage of orthobiologics, there remains a relative paucity of research addressing their specific applications in foot and ankle surgery. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview of the literature on commonly available allogenic bone grafts and bone substitutes.There is Level II, III and IV evidence addressing allogenic bone grafts in primary arthrodesis and osteotomy procedures in foot and ankle surgery, which compares favourably with autogenic bone grafts in terms of fusion rates and clinical outcomes (often with fewer complications), and supports a Grade B recommendation for its use.Pertaining to bone substitutes, the multiplicity of products, coupled with a lack of large prospective clinical trials, makes firm recommendations difficult. Level II and IV studies of calcium phosphate and calcium sulphate products in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures have found favourable results in addressing bone voids, maintaining reduction and promoting union, meriting a Grade B recommendation. Evidence for TCP is limited to level IV studies reporting similarly good outcomes in intra-articular calcaneal fractures, warranting a Grade C recommendation. The use of demineralised bone matrix products in hindfoot and ankle fusions has been described in Level II and III studies, with favourable results in achieving fusion and good clinical outcomes, supporting a Grade B recommendation for these indications.Overall, despite the general lack of high-level evidence in foot and ankle surgery, allogenic bone grafts and bone substitutes continue to hold front-line roles in treating the bone defects encountered in trauma, tumour, and deformity correction surgery. However, more investigation is required before firm recommendations can be made. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:272-280. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160044.

Perceived risk factors for nonunion following foot and ankle arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: A major complication of foot and ankle arthrodesis is nonunion, which occurs in approximately 12% of cases. Various factors influence a patient's risk for nonunion following foot and ankle arthrodesis. We surveyed international foot and ankle surgeons to determine (1) risk factors perceived most important for nonunion, (2) factors considered absolute contraindications for arthrodesis, and (3) differences among expert groups regarding perceived risk factors and their stratification. METHODS: A questionnaire was e-mailed to members of a major foot and ankle journal editorial board and four foot and ankle society executive committees. The relative risk of 18 potential nonunion risk factors was rated from 1 to 10, using smoking 1 pack/day as a benchmark score of 5.00. RESULTS: The response rate was 72% (100/139); 81% declared foot and ankle surgery encompasses >90% of their practice. The highest perceived risk factors ( p < 0.001) were smoking 2 packs/day (mean score 8.69), lack of fusion site stability (8.66), and poor local vascularity (7.66). The least important risk factors ( p < 0.001) were perceived to be age >60 years (mean score 2.54), rheumatoid arthritis (3.05), and osteoporosis (3.56). The most frequently cited absolute contraindications to arthrodesis surgery were local infection (46%), poor local vascularity (41%), and smoking (32%). CONCLUSION: To improve arthrodesis outcomes, resource allocation and patient and surgeon education should focus on smoking, construct stability, and local vascularity. Development of an objective nonunion risk assessment tool to identify patients at risk for nonunion using these results could help maximize the efficiency of available resources.

Return to physical activity after gastrocnemius recession.

AIM: To prospectively investigate the time taken and patients' ability to resume preoperative level of physical activity after gastrocnemius recession. METHODS: Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession (EGR) was performed on 48 feet in 46 consecutive sportspersons, with a minimum follow-up of 24 mo. The Halasi Ankle Activity Score was used to quantify the level of physical activity. Time taken to return to work and physical activity was recorded. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the short form 36 (SF-36), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot score and modified Olerud and Molander (O and M) scores respectively. Patient's satisfaction and pain experienced were assessed using a modified Likert scale and visual analogue scales. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent (n = 42) of all patients returned to their preoperative level of physical activity after EGR. The mean time for return to physical activity was 7.5 (2-24) mo. Ninety-eight percent (n = 45) of all patients were able to return to their preoperative employment status, with a mean time of 3.6 (1-12) mo. Ninety-six percent (n = 23) of all patients with an activity score > 2 were able to resume their preoperative level of physical activity in mean time of 8.8 mo, as compared to 86% (n = 19) of patients whose activity score was ≤ 2, with mean time of 6.1 mo. Significant improvements were noted in SF-36, AOFAS hindfoot and modified O and M scores. Ninety percent of all patients rated good or very good outcomes on the Likert scale. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients were able to return to their pre-operative level of sporting activity after EGR.

Clinical Outcomes of Nonunions of Hindfoot and Ankle Fusions.

BACKGROUND: While nonunion after foot and ankle fusion surgery has been associated with poor outcomes, we are not aware of any longitudinal study on this subject. Thus, we prospectively evaluated the impact of nonunion on clinical outcomes of foot and ankle fusions and identified potential risk factors for nonunion after these procedures. METHODS: Using data from a randomized clinical trial on recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB; Augment Bone Graft, BioMimetic Therapeutics), union was defined either by assessment of computed tomography (CT) scans at 24 weeks by a reviewer blinded to the type of treatment or by the surgeon's composite assessment of clinical and radiographic findings at 52 weeks and CT findings at 24 or 36 weeks. The nonunion and union groups (defined with each assessment) were then compared in terms of clinical outcome scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS-AHS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) as well as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, diabetes status, work status, and arthrodesis site. RESULTS: Blinded CT assessment identified nonunion in 67 (18%) of 370 patients, and surgeon assessment found nonunion in 21 (5%) of 389 patients. Postoperatively, the nonunion group scored worse than the union group, regardless of the method used to define the nonunion, on the AOFAS-AHS and FFI, with mean differences of 10 and 12 points, respectively, when nonunion was determined by blinded CT assessment and 19 and 20 points when it was assessed by the surgeon. The nonunion group also had worse SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores. Differences between the union and nonunion groups were clinically meaningful for all outcome measures, regardless of the nonunion assessment method. The concept of an asymptomatic nonunion (i.e., imaging indicating nonunion but the patient doing well) was not supported. Patients with nonunion were more likely to be overweight, smokers, and not working. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective longitudinal study demonstrated poorer functional outcomes in patients with a nonunion after foot and ankle fusion, regardless of whether the diagnosis of nonunion was based on CT only or on combined clinical, radiographic, and CT assessment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Return to Sport and Physical Activity After Calcaneoplasty for Insertional Achilles Tendinosis.

The primary aim of the present study was to examine the time required and the ability of a consecutive series of patients undergoing open calcaneoplasty with reattachment of the Achilles tendon to return to their preoperative level of sporting activity. The secondary aim was to evaluate the functional outcomes and complication profile of this procedure. Open calcaneoplasty was performed on 22 feet (14 left [63.6%] and 8 right [36.4%]) in 22 consecutive patients, with a mean age of 55.28 ± 9.17 years. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 21.5 ± 8.2 months. The time required to return to work and sports and the functional outcomes were recorded. Of the 22 patients, 70% were able to return to their preoperative level of sporting activity after open calcaneoplasty with Achilles tendon reattachment at a mean of 5.14 ± 3.76 (range 2 to 12) months postoperatively. All the patients were able to resume their preoperative employment status at a mean of 3.30 ± 1.73 (range 0.5 to 6) months. Statistically significant improvements were found in the short-form 36-item questionnaire, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale, and visual analog scale for pain scores postoperatively. Most patients (72.8%) subjectively scored excellent or very good outcomes on a Likert scale for patient satisfaction. Most patients were able to return to their preoperative level of sporting activity after open calcaneoplasty with Achilles tendon reattachment, and they were all able to resume their preoperative employment status. In the present series of patients, the procedure resulted in satisfactory outcomes with statistically significant improvements in patient-reported functional scores and pain relief after surgery.

Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Treatment of the Foot and Ankle: What Is New and Current in Singapore.

Foot and ankle abnormalities are common in Singapore because of the compulsory conscription, the slipper-wearing culture, and the promotion of healthy living through exercise. The rapidly aging population, lack of elite sportsmen, and social and cultural norms pose unique challenges to foot and ankle surgery. Orthopedic surgery in Singapore has progressed because of the good infrastructure and modern practices executed by fellowship-trained surgeons. Evolving local practices are polarized by practice trends emulated from North America and Europe. The small community of foot and ankle surgeons currently practicing in Singapore allows for easier communication, corroborative educational events, and research initiatives.

Hallux Rigidus: Nonoperative Treatment and Orthotics.

Hallux rigidus, the most common degenerative disorder of the foot, is accountable for abnormality of gait and restriction of activity levels and daily function. This article describes and reviews the available literature on nonoperative modalities available in the treatment of hallux rigidus, including manipulation and intra-articular injections, shoe modifications and orthotics, physical therapy, and experimental therapies.