Intra- and Interobserver Agreement in Hallux Valgus Angle Measurements on Weightbearing and Non-Weightbearing Radiographs.

The choice of treatment of hallux valgus deformity is influenced by angles measured on radiographs. Angles of interest are the hallux valgus angle (HVA), 1,2-intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), as well as the presence of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) subluxation. Guidelines for measuring those angles have been distributed by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), although the influence of weightbearing on these angles and its clinical relevance is not clear. We conducted a study to determine the influence of weightbearing and the inter- and intraobserver agreement in the measurement. A total of 104 patients were enrolled in this study. Both weightbearing and non-weightbearing radiographs were obtained. In 2 rounds, 2 orthopedic surgeons and 2 musculoskeletal radiologists measured the angles in blinded digital radiographs according to AOFAS guidelines. Agreement on measurement of HVA, IMA, and DMAA in both weightbearing and non-weightbearing radiographs, as well as the presence of MTPJ subluxation, was calculated using the linear-weighted kappa coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Examiner agreement strength was defined according to the guidelines of Landis and Koch. HVA decreases significantly with weightbearing, whereas IMA significantly increases. The change in magnitude was 1° to 2° on average. No significant influence on DMAA could be noted. Interobserver agreement was excellent in both weightbearing and non-weightbearing radiographs for HVA (ICC 0.99 and ICC 0.99, respectively), IMA (ICC 0.98 and ICC 0.86, respectively), and DMAA (ICC 0.95 and ICC 0.97, respectively). The agreement on presence of subluxation was moderate to good (Fleiss kappa 0.50 to 0.63). Weightbearing alters forefoot geometry significantly. Adhering to AOFAS guidelines yields excellent interobserver agreement on HVA, IMA, and DMAA. First MTPJ subluxation presence is not an alternative for DMAA. The magnitude of change in IMA and HVA is small and therefore not clinically important. Both weightbearing and non-weightbearing radiographs can be used for determination of the correct treatment of hallux valgus deformity.

Short-Term Clinical Outcome of Hemiarthroplasty Versus Arthrodesis for End-Stage Hallux Rigidus.

Few data are available to compare the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis. We included 46 patients who had undergone BioPro(®) first MTPJ hemiarthroplasty and 132 who had undergone arthrodesis, with a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction, which was determined using binominal questions. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, Foot Function Index, and Numerical Rating Scale for pain and limitations questionnaires were also used. The secondary outcome was treatment failure. No differences were found in the satisfaction rate (p = .54) after a median period of 38.4 (range 12 to 96) months and 39.8 (range 12 to 96) months in the hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis patients, respectively. Furthermore, no differences were found in the failure rates (p = .93) or the interval to failure (p = .32).The results of the present study showed no significant differences in the short-term clinical outcomes and failure rates for BioPro(®) first MTPJ hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis. Prospective comparative studies are required to determine whether BioPro(®) first MTPJ hemiarthroplasty is a good alternative for first MTPJ arthrodesis in the long term.

Safety of blood reinfusion after local infiltration analgesia with ropivacaine in total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The authors hypothesized that it is safe to combine local infiltration analgesia (LIA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a retransfusion drain since ropivacaine concentrations would not exceed the arterial toxicity threshold concentrations of 4.3 mg/L for total and 0.56 mg/L for unbound ropivacaine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 22 patients scheduled for primary TKA were included. During surgery three peri-articular injections with ropivacaine (300 mg) were given. Plasma and shed blood samples were taken at 0, 1, 3, 6, 7, and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 hours postoperatively, the total ropivacaine plasma concentration ranged from 0.26 to 1.53 mg/L and unbound ropivacaine from 0.03 to 0.12 mg/L. At 7 hours, the total ropivacaine plasma concentration ranged from 0.19 to 1.71 mg/L and unbound ropivacaine from 0.02 to 0.09 mg/L. In the collected shed blood, a total of 0.27 to 12.8 mg (median 3.73 mg) unbound ropivacaine was present. Reinfusion would lead to an addition of 3.73 mg (median) unbound ropivacaine that would be reinfused into the patient. The calculated (modeled) estimation regarding the maximum unbound ropivacaine plasma concentration showed a median value of 0.114 mg/L (IQR: 0.09, 0.12 mg/L). All concentrations were well below reported toxicity thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of LIA and reinfusion presented herein are considered safe. However, differences in pain protocol lead to changes in the safety evaluation. Compared with previous studies, the technique of administration is of greater importance for the effect on unbound ropivacaine because of unknown mechanisms.

[A man with a contorted knee]. / Een man met een verdraaide knie.

A patient presented with an isolated anterolateral dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Closed reduction under general anaesthesia was performed by external rotation of the lower leg with the knee in 90 degrees of flexion and the ankle dorsiflexed with an audible pop.