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Background: The preferred method of fixation and surgical treatment for ligamentous Lisfranc injuries is controversial. Transarticular screws, bridge plating, fusion, and flexible fixation have been described, yet none have demonstrated superiority. Furthermore, screw fixation and plating often require secondary surgery to remove implants, leading surgeons to seek alternative fixation methods. Purpose: To compare transarticular screws and a fiber tape construct under a spectrum of biomechanical loads by evaluating the diastasis at 3 joints in the Lisfranc complex. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight matched pairs of fresh, previously frozen lower extremity cadaveric specimens were fixed with either 2 cannulated transarticular crossed screws or a fiber tape construct with a supplemental intercuneiform limb. The diastasis between bones was measured at 3 midfoot joints in the Lisfranc complex: the Lisfranc articulation, the second tarsometatarsal joint, and the intercuneiform joint. Measurements were obtained for the preinjured, injured, and fixation conditions under static loading at 50% donor body weight. Specimens then underwent cyclic loading performed at 1 Hz and 100 cycles, based on 100-N stepwise increases in ground-reaction force from 100 to 2000 N, to simulate postoperative loading from the partial weightbearing stage to high-energy activities. Failure of fixation was defined as diastasis ≥2 mm at the Lisfranc articulation (second metatarsal–medial cuneiform joint). Results: There were no significant differences in diastasis detected at the Lisfranc articulation or the intercuneiform joint throughout all loading cycles between groups. All specimens endured loading up to 50% body weight + 1400 N. Up to and including this stage, there were 2 failures in the cannulated transarticular crossed-screw group and none in the fiber tape group. Conclusion: The fiber tape construct with a supplemental intercuneiform limb, which does not require later removal, may provide comparable biomechanical stability to cannulated transarticular crossed screws, even at higher loads. Clinical Relevance: Ligamentous Lisfranc injuries are common among athletes. Therefore, biomechanical evaluations are necessary to determine stable constructs that can limit the time to return to play. This study compares the biomechanical stability of 2 methods of fixation for ligamentous injury through a wide spectrum of loading, including those experienced by athletes.

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) often require advanced imaging if they prove to be refractory to preliminary microfracture. Orthopedic surgeons may misinterpret the size and morphology of the OLT when evaluating through conventional methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate MRI as a modality for calculating true-volumes and compare its utility to that of CT true-volume and conventional methods of measuring lesion size. Methods: With IRB approval, an institutional radiology database was queried for patients with cystic OLT that had undergone and failed microfracture and had compatible CT and MR scans between 2011 and 2016. Five lesions, previously analyzed and described in the literature using CT true-volume, were selected. 10 orthopedic surgeons independently estimated the volume of these 5 OLT via standard MRI. Next, 3D reconstructions were created and morphometric true-volume (MTV) analysis measurements of each OLT were generated. The percent change in volumes from CT and MR was compared based upon MTVs determined from 3D reconstructive analysis. Results: The volume calculated using conventional methods in CT and MR scans grossly overestimated the size by of the OLT by 285-864% and 56-374% respectively when compared to 3D true-volume analysis of those CT and MR scans. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that true-volume is more accurate for calculating lesion size than conventional methods. Additionally, when comparing MRI and CT, thin slice CT true-volume is superior to MRI true-volume. True-volume calculation improves accuracy with CT and MRI and should be recommended for use in revision OLT cases. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Case control study

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Used intimately to qualify the use of new surgical devices, advance new surgical techniques and evaluate faculty performance with regard to patient satisfaction and outcomes, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonplace across all sub-specialties in orthopaedics. Despite their theorized utility, these interactive tools are burdensome in clinic and their true utility is anecdotally in question. No prior study to the best of our knowledge has investigated the degree at which patients find them useful or even appropriate measures to objectify their injuries or state of recovery. The purpose of this study is to ascertain patient perceptions of the utility of commonly used patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in foot and ankle surgery. Methods: After IRB approval, consecutive patients visiting a foot and ankle surgery outpatient clinic (either new or return) will be asked to complete a survey assessing their attitudes toward commonly used PROMs relevant to foot and ankle surgery. Upon verbal consent, patients will be asked a short series of demographic questions including: age, whether they are a new patient, sex, education level, disability status, current region of residence, and history of opiate use. After completion, patients will be shown the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) tool to quantify pain and asked two questions: 1) concerning effectiveness and 2) concerning their personal perceptions. Next, patients will be shown a single PROM used pertaining to their injury (eg, Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI)). All patient will comment on their perceptions of the VAS and one additional PROM specific to the sub-specialty in which there are seeking treatment. Results: We report a total of 39 patients in this preliminary data set (49% males, 51% females) with a mean age of 51 (range, 19 - 83). A majority of patients reported that both VAS and FADI are effective PROMs in foot and ankle surgery. Additionally, patients reported that there is no benefit to artificially inflating their PROMs to receive better/more-prompt patient care. These findings were independent of history of opiate use, disability, gender, or age cohort (Figure 1). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the majority of patients visiting a foot and ankle surgeon in the outpatient setting perceive both VAS and FADI are effective tools to describe their respective foot/ankle condition. Patients report, in this preliminary sample, do not ‘game’ these PROMs to receive better care though these study findings are subject to the Hawthorne Effect.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: In an estimated 70% of cases of Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (AAFD) reconstruction, the spring ligament is elongated and/or damaged. Spring ligament reefing can be performed through several techniques including augmentation with Fibertape devices. In addition, biomechanical studies have demonstrated its safety and suggest early weight bearing may be performed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of early weight bearing following flatfoot reconstruction with use of InternalBrace augmentation for spring ligament reefing when performed in combination with medical displacing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) and FDL tendon transfer. Methods: From 2016-2018, 45 patients underwent flatfoot reconstruction (MCO, FDL transfer, and gastrocnemius recession) with spring ligament reefing and augmentation with the InternalBrace device. All surgeries were performed by the senior orthopaedic surgeons (PJJ & MCA). Institutional early post-operative weight bearing protocol involves weight bearing as tolerated in a splint with crutches for two weeks, transitioning at 2 weeks to a Cam boot with 1 wedge WBAT. At 4 weeks, the patient is weaned off crutches and recommended to start therapy restricting excessive eversion and concentrating on calf strengthening, gait, and ROM. At weeks 6-8 they are weaned from the Cam boot into lace up ASO and shoe with arch support. Data were recorded at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and at yearly intervals. Outcomes and complications were documented. Results: Of the 45 cases there were no complications related to early weight bearing. Radiographic bony union rate of the MCO was 100% (45/45). Moreover, there was no loss of fixation of either the FDL transfer or spring ligament reefing with InternalBrace augmentation with early weight bearing. Lastly, radiographic evaluation noted no loss of Meary’s talo-first metatarsal angle when comparing initial postoperative radiographic to their final follow up. Additional complications in our cohort included the following: removal of painful hardware (1, 2.22%), sural neuritis (2, 4.44%), superficial cellulitis (1, 4.44%), and delayed lateral wound healing (1, 2.22%). Conclusion: Preliminary data shows that early protected weight bearing after flatfoot reconstruction and augmentation of the spring ligament with the InternalBrace device is safe and demonstrates few complications and no early loss of correction.

Category: Sports; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Use of Cannabis is common amongst athletes and the U.S. population at large. Use of Cannabinoid Oil is being increasingly utilized for a number of different pathologies, injuries, and ailments due to anecdotal evidence of its efficacy. Due to the current United States Opioid crisis, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), the two major constituents of cannabis, are currently being evaluated as potential safer alternatives to narcotic pain medicines. The effects of recreational and/or therapeutic THC and CBD on musculoskeletal injury and healing however remain largely unknown. Our purpose was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of THC and CBD on tendon to tendon healing in a Sprague Dawley Achilles Tendon injury and surgical repair model. Methods: 33 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into control (1 ml/kg/day of vehicle containing 5% Cremaphor, 5% ethanol, and 0.9% saline n=12), THC (3 mg/kg/day n = 12), or CBD (3 mg/kg/day n=9) treatment groups. Surgical transection and repair of the Achilles tendon was performed and all rats began subcutaneous administration of their respective drug treatment the day of surgery and for 4 subsequent days, followed by sacrifice. Load to failure and stiffness were calculated from load displacement data during tensile load testing on a MTS machine. One-way ANOVA with heterogeneous variance was utilized for evaluation. Means and 95% confidence intervals were also determined. Results: The CBD group demonstrated the highest mean load to failure of 17.5 N (15.1-19.8 N), with the THC group having the second highest mean load to failure at 17.3 N (15.3-19.2 N), and the control group reporting the lowest at 15.2 N (12.1-18.3 N). No statistical difference was observed between CBD/control (p = 0.25), THC/control (p = 0.29), or CBD/THC groups (p = 0.92, Figure 1A). The THC group reported the highest mean stiffness of 3.9 N/mm (2.7-5.1 N/mm). The CBD and control groups demonstrated mean stiffness values of 3.5 N/mm (2.9-4.1 N/mm) and 3.5 N (2.7-4.3 N/mm), respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between THC/control (p = 0.51), THC/CBD (p = 0.50), or CBD/control groups (p = 0.96) for stiffness (Figure 1B). Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrates that subcutaneous administration of CBD resulted in the highest mean load to failure, while THC administration resulted in the highest mean stiffness of the three groups. This did not result however in a statistically significant difference between groups. In our small animal tendon-to-tendon repair model, use of THC or CBD did not result in decreased biomechanical characteristics, and there was a trend toward improved ultimate strength and stiffness as compared to control. Further evaluation with larger numbers of animals, and evaluating the potential synergistic effects of THC and CBD administered together are warranted.

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Ankle; Diabetes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Charcot neuropathic arthropathy (CNA) is a debilitating, rapidly destructive degenerative joint disease that occurs in diabetic, neuropathic midfoot. Clinicoradiologic assessment for CNA previously relied on Eichenholtz Stage. There is limited data on CNA histopathology. The goal of this study was to independently develop a histopathologic scoring system for Charcot neuropathic arthropathy. Methods: Retrieval of surgical pathology specimens from neuroarthropathic CNA patients (2012-2019) were analyzed to evaluate joint soft tissue and bone. Considering progression from large to small periarticular bone fragments to resolution, we devised and applied a CNA FEMASK-score (named after coauthors): 0= intraneural arteriolosclerosis; 1= large bone fragments without host histiocytic response; 2= mixed bone fragments with host histiocytic response; 3= small minute bone spicules resorption to fibrosis. Clinical modified Eichenholtz staging and outcome were then compared the CNA FEMASK-score to assess for associations between these three elements. Results: Forty-eight cases of CNA included 34 males and 14 females, mean age 60.3 and age range 28-83 years, with clinical diabetes mellitus (predominantly Type II) and longstanding neuropathy. Elevated HbA1C, Eichenholtz stage, American Society of Anesthesia score, and Charlson comorbidity index were predictive of amputation. Pathologic specimens varied from fixation tissue to amputation. In addition to neurotraumatic, neurovascular and inflammatory findings, a distinctive intraneural hyalinized arteriolosclerosis was observed. FEMASK-scores:1 = 10%, 2= 58%, and 3=32%. FEMASK-score comparisons were 98% accurate compared with the modified Eichenholtz criteria scores of each patient and 98% reproducible among pathologists. FEMASK 2 and 3 correlates strongly with amputation. Conclusion: Our novel CNA FEMASK-score classification, derived from the largest cohort of diabetic neuropathic specimens, is reproducible, explains pathophysiology, correlates with Eichenholtz, and predicts amputation. The unique intraneural vasculopathy observed contributes to CNA etiology.

Category: Diabetes, Hindfoot, Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Charcot arthropathy is a destructive joint disorder in patients with longstanding neuropathy, commonly related to Type II diabetes (T2DM). The diagnosis is historically classified via the radiologic Eichenholtz staging system (E-score). The purpose of this study is to examine histopathologic features and develop a correlative pathologic score for Charcot neuroarthropathy. Methods: Patients undergoing lower limb surgery with a clinical diagnosis of midfoot-ankle Charcot neuroarthropathy were included for study. Clinical data, radiology, E-score (1-3), and surgical pathology specimens were reviewed to evaluate skin, adipose, vessel, skeletal muscle, nerve, bone, and bone fragments embedded in synovium. Charcot pathology-score 1 (P-score, CPSI) = large bone fragments (> half 40x hpf objective) without host histiocytic response. CPSII = mixed large and small bone fragments with/without host histiocytic response, CPSIII = small to minute spicules to almost complete resorption/absence of bone fragments with histiocytic/fibrosis-reactive response, were scored by the authors in a blinded fashion. Results: Forty-two patients (32 males and 10 females) were included in analyses with a mean age of 59.9 years (median age: 60, range 28-83). Clinical risk factors for Charcot included T2DM and longstanding neuropathy. Elevated HbA1C, E-Score, preoperative American Society of Anesthesia score, and Charlson comorbidity index were predictors of amputation. Majority of pathologic specimens examined had superficial ischemic ulceration, dermal fibrosis, cellulitis, medial hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, skeletal muscle atrophy, and nerve hypertrophy with intraneural edema and perineural fibrosis. Osteomyelitis was present in >70%. P-scores CPSI = 6%, CPSII = 44%, CPSIII = 50% correlate with E-scores in 98% of cases without interobserver variability. Minor difference from E-score to P-score (2%) was due to sampling. Novel neuropathy change includes observation of intraneural vasculopathy (arteriolosclerosis) in evaluable nerves. Conclusion: CPS is reliable and reproducible and can be performed with adequate synovial sampling. Charcot progresses from large bone fragments in synovium to mixed size with histiocytic response, and final small/resorbed fragments with marked host response/fibrosis. Intraneural vasculopathy likely plays a role in Charcot. Charcot pathology-score (P-score) strongly correlates with clinicoradiologic Eichenholtz-score (E-score).

Category: Diabetes, Hindfoot, Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Neuroarthropathy is a progressively debilitating disease commonly affecting the lower extremity, which can lead to profound bone and joint destruction, limb deformity, and even amputation. While there are several causes, long- standing neuropathy is the most common. This leads to loss of protective sensation to the foot, which combined with repetitive micro-trauma as a result of physical activity can lead to bone and joint destruction of the lower extremity as well as major deformity. Currently there are no animal models of this disease process. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel rodent model of neuroarthropathy through the induction of the underlying neuropathic state combined with a treadmill running protocol that closely resembles local micro-trauma seen in humans. Methods: Following IAUCUC approval, 8 diet-induced obesity (DIO) C57BL/6 mice were obtained along with 6 non-obese C57BL/6 control mice. DIO mice were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) ad libitum starting at the age of 6 weeks. Control mice were administered a standard low-fat diet (10% fat by kcal) ad libitum from birth. Starting at 14 weeks-old, all mice underwent a controlled, high-intensity cardiovascular training protocol using a rodent treadmill four times per week at 30 minute intervals. This was carried out for seven weeks including a one-week acclimation period. Speed, distance and time were held constant between groups. Weekly hind-paw sensory assessments were performed including von Frey filament and hotplate testing. Anteroposterior and mediolateral X-Rays were obtained at the beginning and conclusion of the study and radiographic analysis was performed bilaterally for all specimens. Lastly, histopathologic analysis was performed to assess musculoskeletal destructive changes to the hind-paw. Results: Baseline hotplate testing revealed that obese and non-obese mice did not differ in thermal response latency (p=0.53), however following the seven-week running protocol, obese mice demonstrated increased thermal response latency compared to controls (p=0.006). Von Frey filament testing in obese mice depicted significantly reduced hind-paw withdrawal reflexes compared to controls, both prior-to and following treadmill running (pConclusion: Obese, neuropathic animals, when challenged with a controlled exercise regimen designed to induce micro-trauma develop reliable sensory, radiographic, and histopathologic parameters reminiscent of neuroarthropathy in humans. Conversely, non-obese control animals, treated with the same exercise regimen, do not develop these neurodegenerative and musculoskeletal changes. Perhaps wild-type obese mice can be further characterized as a viable model for the development of idiopathic neuroarthropathy.

Category: Ankle Arthritis, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Triple arthrodesis is a commonly performed surgical treatment for hindfoot arthritis and deformity. No study has clearly delineated correlates of both clinical and radiographic outcomes in a sample size this large. The purpose of this study is to explore predictive and demographic outcome measures with long-term followup after triple arthrodesis. Methods: With IRB approval, an institutional radiology database was queried for patients undergoing triple arthrodesis between 2004 and 2016, by a single surgeon at a single institution. A total of 465 cases were identified. Pre- and post-operative clinical and radiographic data was collected retrospectively. Demographic and predictive data included: age, Body Mass Index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists Score (ASA), Charleston Comorbidity Index (CCI), diabetic status, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, and neuromuscular disease status. Clinical outcomes including infection rate, reoperation rate and clinical nonunion were recorded. Unintended return to the operating room defined clinical failure. Radiographic data including non-union rate, pre- and post- operative ankle degenerative joint disease was also recorded. Statistical analysis was then performed to evaluate the relationship between predictive measures and various outcomes including reoperation, infection, and non-union rates. 23 cases were lost to follow-up. Results: A total of 442 feet (397 patients) were analyzed. The average age was 54 years (14 to 85) with the majority of cases being female (60%). Average follow up was 593 days (40 to 4079). Overall failure rate was 13.7% with clinical nonunion rate of 4.5%. Infection rate was 5.9%. Mortality rate was 0% at 2 years post-operatively. Predictors of failure included: increased BMI, elevated ASA, history of diabetes, underlying neuromuscular disorder (Figure 1). We found no significant difference between pre and post-operative degenerative joint disease rates in the midfoot (9.4%, 12.5%) and ankle (11.7%,13.7%), respectively. Conclusion: Triple arthrodesis is a highly effective procedure for treating hindfoot arthritis. Certain predictive measures including BMI, ASA score, diabetic status and underlying neuromuscular disorders significantly correlate with radiographic union. Additionally, diabetic status significantly correlates with infection status postoperatively. An understanding of these predictive measures may help surgeons in their preoperative planning to improve their clinical and radiographic success rates.

Category: Ankle; Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a complex pathology of the foot that often results from dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon (PTTD) and encompasses a wide spectrum of deformity. A high-degree of continued morbidity following flatfoot reconstruction exists for which prognostic indicators of future poor outcomes are uncertain. AP and lateral weight-bearing radiographs are commonly utilized to assess the severity of deformity including forefoot abduction, medial arch collapse, and hindfoot valgus. However, the relationship between pre-operative radiographic severity of deformity and predilection for future surgical treatment failure remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to perform pre-operative radiographic measurements of patients with stage IIb PTTD and determine which preoperative radiographic parameters, if any, predict future surgical treatment failure. Methods: Following IRB approval, an institutional electronic medical record database was queried from January 2000-2014 to identify all patients undergoing surgical correction for stage IIb PTTD. 256 patients with stage IIb PTTD underwent medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus transfer, with possible spring ligament repair and/or Achilles lengthening. Patients undergoing concomitant lateral column lengthening or midfoot fusion, patients with previous hardware, and patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. Preoperative radiographs were retrospectively analyzed to assess preoperative deformity. Talonavicular coverage angle was measured using AP radiographs. Lateral radiographs were used to measure talar-1st metatarsal angle (Meary’s) angle, calcaneal pitch and medial cuneiform-floor height. Patient charts were also reviewed to determine whether patients experienced treatment failure, defined as return to the operating room for unplanned revision surgery (e.g. broken/painful hardware, nonunion, residual deformity, infection, nerve damage, blood clot/DVT). The degree of pre-operative deformity was compared between treatment failure and non-failure groups. Results: Out of the 256 patient cohort, a total of 58 patients (22.7%) experienced treatment failure indicated by the need for an unplanned revision surgery, while 198 patients (77.3%) did not experience failure. There were no significant differences in the severity of pre-operative radiographic deformity between the treatment failure and non-failure groups including Meary’s angle (p = 0.93), calcaneal pitch (p = 0.70), talonavicular coverage angle (p = 0.99), and medial cuneiform height (p = 0.52, Table 1). Conclusion: The results of this study show that there is no significant difference in pre-operative radiographic deformity between patients who experienced failure versus non-failure following surgical flatfoot correction suggesting that the degree of pre- operative deformity is not significantly associated with an increased risk for future surgical failure. The analysis of these results, may underscore the relative importance of the physical exam in the evaluation of patients with symptomatic stage IIb PTTD and a relative lack of prognostic value in radiographic parameters commonly used to describe patients’ deformity. [Table: see text]

Category: Ankle; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Augmentation of the Broström procedure with FiberTape device has been described for the treatment of chronic ankle instability. However, it has yet to be determined if the cost of the implant is negated by the benefits to the patient. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive cost analysis by comparing the cost of surgical procedure, physical therapy visits, time off work, and any costs related to revision surgery between the Broström reconstruction with suture anchors alone versus augmentation with a FiberTape device. Methods: 166 patients undergoing lateral ankle ligament repair were analyzed retrospectively. Patients underwent either a modified Broström ligament repair with two suture anchors or Broström ligament repair with FiberTape augmentation. All patients followed the same post-operative protocol for early weight bearing and initiation of physical therapy once the wound was healed. Timing of return to work and the total number of visits of physical therapy before discharge were recorded. Implant costs, facility charges and professional fees were obtained from billing records. Lost income for missed days of work was based on the Pennsylvania Bureau of Labor Statistics. Complications requiring return to the operating room were recorded. Patients were followed out to one year. Results: Aggregate cost in the modified Broström group was $2,219 more expensive than when augmenting with FiberTape ($20,970 vs. $18,751) despite an increased implant cost of $900. This difference was the result of a greater number of therapy visits and days out of work in the modified Broström group versus the augmentation group (14.9 vs 12.4) as well as a significantly higher amount of days out of work in the modified Broström group versus augmentation (63.3 vs. 53.8 days respectively). No statistically significant difference was found for operation time between groups, and failure rates were similar; 2.0% (1/49) for FiberTape and 3.4% (4/117) for modified Broström. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to explore the cost comparison of the modified Broström procedure for chronic ankle instability versus the FiberTape augmentation. Despite an upfront increase in implant costs, the average cost per procedure was lower for the augmentation group. The majority of cost savings occurred in decreases in the number of physical therapy visits and faster return to work times. The results of this study suggest that the use of FiberTape to augment modified Broström repair may have a financial benefit and cost savings to patients and the healthcare system.

Category: Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Hammertoe deformities are the most common pathology of the forefoot, accounting for up to 48% of all forefoot operations. There is currently limited evidence documenting differences in foot radiographs and radiographic measurements that may represent a predisposition to developing hammertoe deformity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients with hammertoe deformity demonstrate increased radiographic measurements of first, second, or third metatarsal (MT) lengths as well as Meary’s angle compared to a healthy control group. Methods: Following IRB approval, an institutional radiology database was queried from January 2009-2018 for patients with ICD- 9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes for hammertoe deformity of the 2nd or 3rd phalange. Control cases were selected using diagnosis codes for acute plantar fascial pain in the same timeframe with medical record review to exclude patients with prior lower extremity injury, surgery or pathology. 234 hammertoe and 110 control patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Automated 1:1 case-control matching was performed to control for age, sex and laterality. Following matching, the sample size consisted of 80 patients in each cohort. Proximal to distal end-to-end articular surface radiographic lengths were documented for metatarsals and phalanges of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rays on anteroposterior radiographs. Lateral talar-first metatarsal (Meary’s) angle was measured using weightbearing sagittal radiographs by calculating the angle formed by lines that bisect the talar neck and anatomic neck of the first metatarsal. Results: A total of 160 patients (80 cases and 80 controls) were included in the study. Mean age was 47.7 years among hammertoe cases and 47.5 years among controls (p=0.92). 54 of 80 cases in each group were female. There was a statistically significant increase in the average Meary’s angle among hammertoe patients (5.23 +- 8.60°) compared to controls (2.15 +- 5.96°) (pConclusion: Patients with hammertoe deformity were associated with an increased length on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. Also, these patients demonstrated an increased Meary’s angle creating pes planus deformity. These results illustrate the importance of both medial column instability and long metatarsal length in the development of hammertoe deformity. [Table: see text]

Charcot neuropathic arthropathy is a debilitating, rapidly destructive degenerative joint disease that occurs in diabetic, neuropathic midfoot. Clinicoradiologic assessment for Charcot neuropathic arthropathy previously relied on Eichenholtz stage. There is limited histopathologic data on this entity. We wanted to independently develop a histopathologic scoring system for Charcot neuropathic arthropathy.Retrieval of surgical pathology midfoot specimens from Charcot patients (2012-2019) were analyzed to evaluate joint soft tissue and bone. Considering progression from large (≥half 40× hpf) to small (half 40× hpf) periarticular bone fragments to resolution, we devised and applied a Charcot neuropathic arthropathy novel FEMASK-score (named after coauthors: Fanburg-Smith, Frauenhoffer, Flemming, Fritsche, Elfar, Murie, Aynardi, Stauch, Smith, King, and Klein): 0 (initial) = the observed intraneural arteriolosclerosis in all diabetic neuropathic patient specimens (not observed in other diabetic nerves); and finally scored with the most destruction observed: 1 = large bone fragments without host histiocytic response; 2 = mixed bone fragments with host histiocytic response; 3 = small minute bone spicules resorption to fibrosis. Eichenholtz stage and outcome were then compared.Forty-eight cases of Charcot neuropathic arthropathy included 34 males and 14 females, mean age 60.3 and age range 28-83 years, with clinical diabetes mellitus (predominantly Type II) and longstanding neuropathy. Elevated HbA1C, Eichenholtz stage, American Society of Anesthesia score, and Charlson comorbidity index indicated initial clinical amputation. Pathologic specimens varied from fixation tissue to amputation. In addition to neurotraumatic, neurovascular and inflammatory findings, a distinctive intraneural hyalinized arteriolosclerosis was observed. FEMASK-scores: 1 = 10%, 2 = 58%, and 3 = 32%. Score comparisons were 98% accurate compared with Eichenholtz and 98% reproducible among pathologists. FEMASK 2 and 3 correlate with clinical need for amputation.Our novel Charcot neuropathic arthropathy FEMASK-score classification, derived from the largest cohort of diabetic neuropathic specimens, is reproducible, explains pathophysiologic progression of destructive phase of Charcot, correlates with Eichenholtz, and predicts progression to or clinical need for amputation. The unique intraneural vasculopathy observed contributes to Charcot neuropathic arthropathy etiology.

Objectives: Use of Cannabis is common amongst athletes and the U.S. population at large. Use of Cannabinoid Oil is being increasingly utilized for a number of different pathologies, injuries, and ailments due to anecdotal evidence of its efficacy. Due to the current United States Opioid crisis, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), the two major constituents of cannabis, are currently being evaluated as potential safer alternatives to narcotic pain medicines. The effects of recreational and/or therapeutic THC and CBD on musculoskeletal injury and healing however remain largely unknown. Our purpose was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of THC and CBD on tendon to tendon healing in a Sprague Dawley Achilles Tendon injury and surgical repair model. Methods: 33 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into control (1 ml/kg/day of vehicle containing 5% Cremaphor, 5% ethanol, and 0.9% saline n=12), THC (3 mg/kg/day n = 12), or CBD (3 mg/kg/day n=9) treatment groups. Surgical transection and repair of the Achilles tendon was performed and all rats began subcutaneous administration of their respective drug treatment the day of surgery and for 4 subsequent days, followed by sacrifice. Load to failure and stiffness were calculated from load displacement data during tensile load testing on a MTS machine. One-way ANOVA with heterogeneous variance was utilized for evaluation. Means and 95% confidence intervals were also determined. Results: The CBD group demonstrated the highest mean load to failure of 17.5 N (15.1-19.8 N), with the THC group having the second highest mean load to failure at 17.3 N (15.3-19.2 N), and the control group reporting the lowest at 15.2 N (12.1-18.3 N). No statistical difference was observed between CBD/control (p = 0.25), THC/control (p = 0.29), or CBD/THC groups (p = 0.92, Figure 1A). The THC group reported the highest mean stiffness of 3.9 N/mm (2.7-5.1 N/mm). The CBD and control groups demonstrated mean stiffness values of 3.5 N/mm (2.9-4.1 N/mm) and 3.5 N (2.7-4.3 N/mm), respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between THC/control (p = 0.51), THC/CBD (p = 0.50), or CBD/control groups (p = 0.96) for stiffness (Figure 1B). Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrates that subcutaneous administration of CBD resulted in the highest mean load to failure while THC administration resulted in the highest mean stiffness of the three groups. This did not result however in a statistically significant difference between groups. In our small animal tendon-to-tendon repair model, use of THC or CBD did not result in decreased biomechanical characteristics, and there was a trend toward improved ultimate strength and stiffness as compared to control. Further evaluation with larger numbers of animals, and evaluating the potential synergistic effects of THC and CBD administered together are warranted. [Figure: see text]

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with a nail can be an effective salvage procedure for several foot and ankle pathologies, but has a relatively high complication rate. The purpose of this study is to investigate risk factors associated with complications after TTC arthrodesis with a nail.Clinical and radiographic outcomes for 82 patients from 2012 to 2016 who underwent TTC arthrodesis with a nail were retrospectivelyevaluated to determine if patient or surgeon specific variables offered prognostic value in predicting negative outcomes.Diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, high (2) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and Charcot neuroarthropathy all were predictive of developing a nonunion in either the subtalar ortibiotalar joints (p0.05). Diabetic neuropathy was predictive ofreoperation, and along with HbA1C7.5 was also predictive of hardwarefailure. The odds ratio (OR) for diabetic neuropathy was 2.99 (p0.05)for nonunion in the tibiotalar or subtalar joints, 3.46 (p0.05) for reoperation,and 4.11 (p0.05) for hardware failure. High ASAclassification had an odds ratio of 3.93 (p0.05) for nonunion in the tibiotalar or subtalar joints as well. Diabetes had an odds ratio of 2.57 (p0.05) for nonunion.Patients with diabetic neuropathy, Charcot neuroarthropathy, elevated HbA1C, and ASA classification2 demonstrated a higher complication rate in patients undergoing TTC arthrodesis with a nail.

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Below the knee amputation (BKA) is an effective surgical procedure for individuals with severe injury or infection to their lower extremities. However, patients who receive these procedures are subject to significant morbidity and a high rate of postoperative complications due to the presence of multiple concomitant comorbidities. Despite the wide practice of this intervention, prognostic risk factors aiding in predicting surgical outcomes in these patients are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factors that may contribute to the outcomes of BKA procedures. Methods: The clinical and radiographic outcomes for 89 patients ages 19-90 who underwent BKA were retrospectively evaluated from 2012-2017. Postoperative complications of mortality, infection, and reoperation were evaluated with patient and surgical variables. Patient variables included: age, ambulatory status, obesity, diabetes, HbA1C2 levels, neuropathy, smoking, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. Surgical variables evaluated included: presence of pre-op infection, pre-op ambulatory status, tourniquet time, tourniquet pressure, and usage of prophylactic antibiotics. Results: Of the patients evaluated there was an overall complication rate of 49% (44/89) and a mortality rate of 19% (17/89). Patients with diabetes (p=.035), a greater score on the Charlson Comorbidity Index (p=.001), and an ASA classification =3 (p=.005) were associated with a greater risk of mortality. Operative values (i.e. tourniquet time, tourniquet pressure etc.) did not affect patient mortality rates in a significant way, but there was a higher incidence of complications (i.e. mortality, post-op infections, and reoperations) with patients with pre-operative infections. Conclusion: Diabetes, a higher CCI score and a greater ASA value were found to be significant predictors of patient mortality after BKA (p