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Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Despite advancements in surgical techniques, implants, and biologics, nonunion remains the most common major complication of ankle arthrodesis. While previous studies have reported delayed union or nonunion rates, few have elaborated on the clinical course of patients experiencing delayed union. We sought to better understand the trajectory of patients with delayed union by determining the rate of clinical success and failure and whether the extent of fusion on computed tomography (CT) was associated with outcomes. Methods: Delayed union was defined as incomplete ( < 75%) fusion seen on CT scan between 2 and 6 months postoperative. A total of 36 patients met inclusion criteria: isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis with delayed union. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained and patients were asked about satisfaction with their fusion. Success was defined as patients who were not revised and reported satisfaction with the procedure. Failure was defined as patients who progressed to revision or reported being not satisfied. Fusion was assessed by measuring the percent of osseous bridging across the joint on CT scan. The extent of bony bridging was categorized as absent (0%-24%), minimal (25%-49%), or moderate (50%-74%). Results: We determined the clinical outcome in 28 of the 36 eligible patients (78%) with mean follow-up of 5.6 years (range, 1.3 to 10.2 years). The majority (71%) of patients failed. A mean of 3.9 months (standard deviation, 1) elapsed between time of surgery and CT scan. Patients with minimal or moderate fusion on CT were more likely to succeed clinically than those with ‘absent’ fusion (X2 = 4.215, p = 0.040). Of those with absent ( < 25%) fusion, 11 of 12 (92%) failed. In patients with minimal or moderate fusion, 9 of 16 (56%) failed. Conclusion: We found that 71% of patients with a delayed union at roughly 4 months after ankle fusion required revision or were not satisfied. Patients with less than 25% osseous bridging on CT had an even lower rate of clinical success. These findings may help surgeons in counseling and managing patients experiencing a delayed union after ankle fusion.

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Early revision rates within 12 months after ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) are fairly low, however remain relevant given the sheer volume of ankle fractures which occur each year. Understanding these rates is complex because reoperation due to technical or mechanical complications - such as malunion, inadequate reduction or fixation failure - are typically reported alongside returns to the operating room for soft-tissue related problems like wound dehiscence or infection. There is limited data identifying risk factors specifically for revision of ankle fracture fixation in the absence of soft-tissue complications. Understanding variables which predispose to aseptic technical and mechanical failure without this confounder may provide insight and improve patient care. Methods: The purpose was to identify risk factors for aseptic revision of ankle fracture within ORIF 1 year of primary operation. A retrospective cohort study was performed at two large academic medical centers. Research Patient Data Registry (RPDR) data available from 2002-2019 was used to identify patients who underwent aseptic revision of ankle fracture ORIF within 12mo of their primary ORIF. Patients were excluded if SCS) on immediate post- operative imaging (aOR=28.4; 95% CI: 5.53, 267; P SCS) on immediate post- operative imaging (aOR=28.4), more severe initial fracture displacement (ARCS Type C) (aOR=25.8), substance abuse (aOR=15.7) and polytrauma (aOR=12.3). Identifying these factors may allow surgeons to better counsel their patients and discuss risk during the informed consent process. These may also serve as future targets for intervention aimed at improving patient safety and outcomes follow ankle fracture ORIF.

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: In the setting of apparently isolated distal fibula fractures, the radiographic gravity stress view (GSV) has been validated as a reliable method to determine mortise stability. Based on previous studies demonstrating that plantarflexion can increase the measured medial clear space (MCS), patients are often asked to actively hold their ankle in a neutral position. However, it has not been studied whether dynamic muscle activation in the form of attempted dorsiflexion and/or supination can reduce and realign an unstable mortise. If these efforts can overcome gravity, resultant images could lead to a false negative result and missed diagnosis of instability. The goal of the present investigation is to determine if active effort by the patient can influence MCS measurements in proven unstable bimalleolar-equivalent ankle fractures. Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients with apparently isolated distal fibula fractures (Weber-B type) identified on initial nonweightbearing radiographs were assessed for mortise stability with a standard, unassisted GSV. If the radiograph demonstrated MCS widening > 4 mm, 3 additional views were performed: GSV with an assistant manually maintaining the ankle in a neutral position; GSV with the patient actively dorsiflexing the ankle to the same neutral position; and GSV with the patient actively dorsiflexing and supinating the foot to the same neutral position. All radiographs were digitally obtained and measured using a DICOM measurement tool. The MCS was measured by the senior author (JYK) who was blinded to the nature of the ankle position. Statistical analysis of the data was then conducted. Results: Of the eighteen patients who met inclusion criteria, the mean age was 48.9 years (range: 22-85, SD=18.9). Twelve patients (66%) were female and six (33%) were male. The laterality was evenly split with nine patients presenting with a right ankle injury and nine left ankles. The data was non-parametric; therefore, a Friedman’s test was utilized for analysis between the different MCS measurements per patient. There was no statistically significant difference in the measured MCS in any of the three tested scenarios, χ2(2)=4.261, p=0.119. Only 5 of 18 subjects had any measurable decrease in their MCS when asked to supinate their foot. Of these 5, the maximum reduction was 1.21mm. The remainder of patients had an increase in MCS ranging from 0.1 to 4.0mm. Conclusion: This investigation supports the notion that the gravity stress test is unlikely to yield false negative results when patients attempt to actively maintain a neutral ankle position during imaging. There was a non-significant inverse trend indicating that dynamic effort may in fact further displace the mortise as indicated by an increased MCS in several study participants, rather than reduce it. Thus, one can conclude that despite voluntary effort, patients with bimalleolar-equivalent ankle fractures are unlikely able to overcome the effect of gravity on the unstable mortise.

Category: Ankle, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Operative management of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures frequently involves placement of P: A screws in order to maintain calcaneal length and axial alignment. While plate fixation may still be more commonly utilized, screw-only fixation for the treatment of these fractures has been demonstrated by several authors to be safe and effective. Directing fixation from the tuber into the anterior process can be challenging. Understanding the calcaneal long-axis as it relates to the long-axis of the foot, a measurement we call the Tuber-to-Anterior Process Angle (TAPA), can facilitate the ease and accuracy of guide-wire and cannulated screw placement. The goals of this study are to define the TAPA, and to report a surgical technique which uses this angle to facilitate axial screw placement. Methods: Eight cadaver feet were utilized. A longitudinal pin was placed from the center of the posterior calcaneal tuber to the 2nd metatarsal heads. Next, the calcaneocuboid joint was exposed, and a wedge of cuboid was removed. A calcaneal pin was then placed, exiting at the center of the anterior process. The tips of two small K-wires were impacted into the medial and lateral-most aspects of the articular surface. A true axial view of each specimen was obtained. On these images, a digital line was drawn from the posterior tuber starting point and the central calcaneal pin, representing the calcaneal long-axis. The angle subtended by this line and the long-axis of the foot represents the TAPA. Digital lines were drawn between the posterior tuber starting point and the medial and lateral K-wires, and the range between their subtending angles represents the axial plane tolerance for screw placement within the anterior process. Results: The average TAPA measured 10.9 ± 1.3 degrees (range: 8.4-13.0). The average angle, as measured to the medial extent of the anterior calcaneus, measured 2.8 ± 1.3 degrees (range: 0.4-4.3). The average angle, as measured to the lateral extent of the anterior calcaneus, measured 19.0 ± 2.7 degrees (range: 15.7-22.7). Conclusion: Knowledge of the Tuber-to-Anterior Process Angle (TAPA), found to be 10.9 degrees (± 1.8 degrees) laterally deviated from the long-axis of the foot, simplifies placement of posterior-to-anterior screws in the calcaneus. Understanding this relationship reduces reliance on intraoperative axial fluoroscopy and increases operative efficiency. Furthermore, this knowledge can be applied during other procedures in which axial screw placement is performed, such as with corrective calcaneal osteotomy.

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Surgical outcomes of Lisfranc injuries depend on achieving an anatomical and stable reduction. Severity of injury defines the best treatment option and surgical techniques vary from internal fixation to arthrodesis. While effective, limitations of commonly used metal implants include iatrogenic articular cartilage damage, implant breakage and need for implant removal. Additionally, these surgical techniques do not preserve tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint motion. This report demonstrates a novel, easy and inexpensive surgical technique to stabilize TMT joint instability utilizing “flexible fixation” utilized in a case series of 8 patients. Methods: A dorsal approach over the second metatarsal is performed in a standard fashion, after careful dissection and direct visualization of the joint, the TMT joint is anatomically reduced and stabilized with k-wires avoiding damage of the cartilage. Two 2.7 or 3.5 screws with washers are placed from dorsal to plantar in the base of the metatarsal and in the respective tarsal bone to serve as posts. A non-absorbable #2 FiberWire (Arthrex, Naples, Florida) is looped 3 to 5 times in a Figure-of-8 fashion around the screws beneath the washers, tensioned, knotted and secured by tightening the screws. Repeat fluoroscopic stress views are performed to ensure stability of the TMT joint. Results: N/A Conclusion: For selected patients with Lisfranc injuries demonstrating no significant comminution or gross instability, flexible fixation using sutures is a promising technique due its potential benefits over trans-articular screws or bridge-plating techniques. This technique is inexpensive, avoids iatrogenic cartilage damage and subsequent removal of hardware.