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We describe a case of delayed union in a tibial fracture secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism. A closed intra-articular proximal tibia fracture was stabilized with a hybrid external fixator. At 5 months clinical and radiological evaluation failed to demonstrate evidence of fracture healing. Fixation was stable and inflammatory markers ruled out infection. Further questioning revealed symptoms of anorexia, nausea and constipation. Plasma biochemistry showed an elevated corrected calcium and parathyroid hormone concentration. Further investigation included a sestamibi scan which confirmed a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism secondary to a parathyroid adenoma. Six weeks following partial parathyroidectomy the fracture site was pain free, non-tender and the fracture had united radiologically. In cases of delayed-union, once an infective cause has been excluded with a mechanically stable fracture, other causes of delayed union like primary hyperparathyroidism should be ruled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory particles produced during vocalized and nonvocalized activities such as breathing, speaking, and singing serve as a major route for respiratory pathogen transmission. This work reports concomitant measurements of exhaled carbon dioxide volume (VCO 2 ) and minute ventilation (VE), along with exhaled respiratory particles during breathing, exercising, speaking, and singing. Exhaled CO 2 and VE measured across healthy adult participants follow a similar trend to particle number concentration during the nonvocalized exercise activities (breathing at rest, vigorous exercise, and very vigorous exercise). Exhaled CO 2 is strongly correlated with mean particle number ( r = 0.81) and mass ( r = 0.84) emission rates for the nonvocalized exercise activities. However, exhaled CO 2 is poorly correlated with mean particle number ( r = 0.34) and mass ( r = 0.12) emission rates during activities requiring vocalization. These results demonstrate that in most real-world environments vocalization loudness is the main factor controlling respiratory particle emission and exhaled CO 2 is a poor surrogate measure for estimating particle emission during vocalization. Although measurements of indoor CO 2 concentrations provide valuable information about room ventilation, such measurements are poor indicators of respiratory particle concentrations and may significantly underestimate respiratory particle concentrations and disease transmission risk.

Background: In vivo evaluation of ankle joint biomechanics is key to investigating the effect of injuries on the mechanics of the joint and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate the kinematics and contact strains of the ankle joint and 2) to investigate the correlation between the tibiotalar joint contact strains and the prevalence of osteochondral lesions of the talus distribution., Methods: Eight healthy human ankle joints were subjected to compressive load and 3 T MRIs were obtained before and after applying load. The MR images in combination with digital volume correlation enabled non-invasive measurement of ankle joint kinematics and tibiotalar joint contact strains in three dimensions., Findings: The total translation of the calcaneus was smaller (0.48 ± 0.15 mm, p < 0.05) than the distal tibia (0.93 ± 0.16 mm) and the talus (1.03 ± 0.26 mm). These movements can produce compressive and shear joint contact strains (approaching 9%), which can cause development of lesions on joints. 87.5% of peak tensile, compressive, and shear strains in the tibiotalar joint took place in the medial and lateral zones., Interpretation: The findings suggested that ankle bones translate independently from each other, and in some cases in opposite directions. These findings help explain the distribution of osteochondral lesions of the talus which have previously been observed to be in medial and lateral regions of the talar dome in 90% of cases. They also provide a reason for the central region of talar dome being less susceptible to developing osteochondral lesions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Phonation and speech are known sources of respirable aerosol in humans. Voice assessment and treatment manipulate all the subsystems of voice production, and previous work (Saccente-Kennedy et al., 2022) has demonstrated such activities can generate >10 times more aerosol than conversational speech and 30 times more aerosol than breathing. Aspects of voice therapy may therefore be considered aerosol generating procedures and pose a greater risk of potential airborne pathogen (eg, SARS-CoV-2) transmission than typical speech. Effective mitigation measures may be required to ensure safe service delivery for therapist and patient., Objective: To assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures in reducing detectable respirable aerosol produced by voice assessment/therapy., Methods: We recruited 15 healthy participants (8 cis-males, 7 cis-females), 9 of whom were voice-specialist speech-language pathologists. Optical Particle Sizers (OPS) (Model 3330, TSI) were used to measure the number concentration of respirable aerosol particles (0.3 µm-10 µm) generated during a selection of voice assessment/therapy tasks, both with and without mitigation measures in place. Measurements were performed in a laminar flow operating theatre, with near-zero background aerosol concentration, allowing us to quantify the number concentration of respiratory aerosol particles produced. Mitigation measures included the wearing of Type IIR fluid resistant surgical masks, wrapping the same masks around the end of straws, and the use of heat and moisture exchange microbiological filters (HMEFs) for a water resistance therapy (WRT) task., Results: All unmitigated therapy tasks produced more aerosol than unmasked breathing or speaking. Mitigation strategies reduced detectable aerosol from all tasks to a level significantly below, or no different to, that of unmasked breathing. Pooled filtration efficiencies determined that Type IIR surgical masks reduced detectable aerosol by 90%. Surgical masks wrapped around straws reduced detectable aerosol by 96%. HMEF filters were 100% effective in mitigating the aerosol from WRT, the exercise that generated more aerosol than any other task in the unmitigated condition., Conclusions: Voice therapy and assessment causes the release of significant quantities of respirable aerosol. However, simple mitigation strategies can reduce emitted aerosol concentrations to levels comparable to unmasked breathing., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Voice assessment and treatment involve the manipulation of all the subsystems of voice production, and may lead to production of respirable aerosol particles that pose a greater risk of potential viral transmission via inhalation of respirable pathogens (eg, SARS-CoV-2) than quiet breathing or conversational speech., Objective: To characterise the production of respirable aerosol particles during a selection of voice assessment therapy tasks., Methods: We recruited 23 healthy adult participants (12 males, 11 females), 11 of whom were speech-language pathologists specialising in voice disorders. We used an aerodynamic and an optical particle sizer to measure the number concentration and particle size distributions of respirable aerosols generated during a variety of voice assessment and therapy tasks. The measurements were carried out in a laminar flow operating theatre, with a near-zero background aerosol concentration, allowing us to quantify the number concentration and size distributions of respirable aerosol particles produced from assessment/therapy tasks studied., Results: Aerosol number concentrations generated while performing assessment/therapy tasks were log-normally distributed among individuals with no significant differences between professionals (speech-language pathologists) and non-professionals or between males and females. Activities produced up to 32 times the aerosol number concentration of breathing and 24 times that of speech at 70-80 dBA. In terms of aerosol mass, activities produced up to 163 times the mass concentration of breathing and up to 36 times the mass concentration of speech. Voicing was a significant factor in aerosol production; aerosol number/mass concentrations generated during the voiced activities were 1.1-5 times higher than their unvoiced counterpart activities. Additionally, voiced activities produced bigger respirable aerosol particles than their unvoiced variants except the trills. Humming generated higher aerosol concentrations than sustained /a/, fricatives, speaking (70-80 dBA), and breathing. Oscillatory semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs) generated higher aerosol number/mass concentrations than the activities without oscillation. Water resistance therapy (WRT) generated the most aerosol of all activities, ∼10 times higher than speaking at 70-80 dBA and >30 times higher than breathing., Conclusions: All activities generated more aerosol than breathing, although a sizeable minority were no different to speaking. Larger number concentrations and larger particle sizes appear to be generated by activities with higher suspected airflows, with the greatest involving intraoral pressure oscillation and/or an oscillating oral articulation (WRT or trilling)., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the prohibition of group-based exercise and the cancellation of sporting events. Evaluation of respiratory aerosol emissions is necessary to quantify exercise-related transmission risk and inform mitigation strategies., Methods: Aerosol mass emission rates are calculated from concurrent aerosol and ventilation data, enabling absolute comparison. An aerodynamic particle sizer (0.54-20 μm diameter) samples exhalate from within a cardiopulmonary exercise testing mask, at rest, while speaking and during cycle ergometer-based exercise. Exercise challenge testing is performed to replicate typical gym-based exercise and very vigorous exercise, as determined by a preceding maximally exhaustive exercise test., Results: We present data from 25 healthy participants (13 males, 12 females; 36.4 years). The size of aerosol particles generated at rest and during exercise is similar (unimodal ~0.57-0.71 µm), whereas vocalization also generated aerosol particles of larger size (i.e. was bimodal ~0.69 and ~1.74 µm). The aerosol mass emission rate during speaking (0.092 ng s -1 ; minute ventilation (VE) 15.1 L min -1 ) and vigorous exercise (0.207 ng s -1 , p  = 0.726; VE 62.6 L min -1 ) is similar, but lower than during very vigorous exercise (0.682 ng s -1 , p  < 0.001; VE 113.6 L min -1 )., Conclusions: Vocalisation drives greater aerosol mass emission rates, compared to breathing at rest. Aerosol mass emission rates in exercise rise with intensity. Aerosol mass emission rates during vigorous exercise are no different from speaking at a conversational level. Mitigation strategies for airborne pathogens for non-exercise-based social interactions incorporating vocalisation, may be suitable for the majority of exercise settings. However, the use of facemasks when exercising may be less effective, given the smaller size of particles produced., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Aerosol particles of respirable size are exhaled when individuals breathe, speak and sing and can transmit respiratory pathogens between infected and susceptible individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the need to improve the quantification of the particle number and mass exhalation rates as one route to provide estimates of viral shedding and the potential risk of transmission of viruses. Most previous studies have reported the number and mass concentrations of aerosol particles in an exhaled plume. We provide a robust assessment of the absolute particle number and mass exhalation rates from measurements of minute ventilation using a non-invasive Vyntus Hans Rudolf mask kit with straps housing a rotating vane spirometer along with measurements of the exhaled particle number concentrations and size distributions. Specifically, we report comparisons of the number and mass exhalation rates for children (12-14 years old) and adults (19-72 years old) when breathing, speaking and singing, which indicate that child and adult cohorts generate similar amounts of aerosol when performing the same activity. Mass exhalation rates are typically 0.002-0.02 ng s -1 from breathing, 0.07-0.2 ng s -1 from speaking (at 70-80 dBA) and 0.1-0.7 ng s -1 from singing (at 70-80 dBA). The aerosol exhalation rate increases with increasing sound volume for both children and adults when both speaking and singing., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Advancements in imaging and segmentation techniques mean that three dimensional (3D) modeling of bones is now increasingly used for preoperative planning and registration purposes. Computer tomography (CT) scans are commonly used due to their high bone-soft tissue contrast, however they expose subjects to radiation. Alternatively, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is radiation-free: however, geometric field distortion and poor bone contrast have been reported to degrade bone model validity compared to CT. The present study assessed the accuracy of 3D femur and tibia models created from "Black Bone" 3T MRI and high resolution CT scans taken from 12 intact cadaveric lower limbs by comparing them with scans of the de-fleshed and cleaned bones carried out using a high-resolution portable compact desktop 3D scanner (Model HDI COMPACT C210; Polyga). This scanner used structured light (SL) to capture 3D scans with an accuracy of up to 35 μm. Image segmentation created 3D models and for each bone the corresponding CT and MRI models were aligned with the SL model using the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm and the differences between models calculated. Hausdorff distance was also determined. Compared to SL scans, the CT models had an ICP error of 0.82 ± 0.2 and 0.85 ± 0.2 mm for the tibia and femur respectively, whilst the MRI models had an error of 0.97 ± 0.2 and 0.98 ± 0.18 mm. A one-way analysis of variance found no significant difference in the Hausdorff distances or ICP values between the three scanning methods (p > .05). The black bone MRI method can provide accurate geometric measures of the femur and tibia that are comparable to those achieved with CT. Given the lack of ionizing radiation this has significant benefits for clinical populations and also potential for application in research settings., (© 2020 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Rehabilitation is an important treatment for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. To date, eccentric loading exercises (ECC) have been the predominant choice; however, mechanical evidence underlying their use remains unclear. Other protocols, such as heavy slow resistance loading (HSR), have shown comparable outcomes, but with less training time. This study aims to identify the effect of external loading and other variables that influence Achilles tendon (AT) force in ECC and HSR. Ground reaction force and kinematic data during ECC and HSR were collected from 18 healthy participants for four loading conditions. The moment arms of the AT were estimated from MRIs of each participant. AT force then was calculated using the ankle torque obtained from inverse dynamics. In the eccentric phase, the AT force was not larger than in the concentric phase in both ECC and HSR. Under the same external load, the force through the AT was larger in ECC with the knee bent than in HSR with the knee straight due to increased dorsiflexion angle of the ankle. Multivariate regression analysis showed that external load and maximum dorsiflexion angle were significant predictors of peak AT force in both standing and seated positions. Therefore, to increase the effectiveness of loading the AT, exercises should apply adequate external load and reach maximum dorsiflexion during the movement. Peak dorsiflexion angle affected the AT force in a standing position at twice the rate of a seated position, suggesting standing could prove more effective for the same external loading and peak dorsiflexion angle., (© 2021 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science In Sports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Strains within bone play an important role in the remodelling process and the mechanisms of fracture. The ability to assess these strains in vivo can provide clinically relevant information regarding bone health, injury risk, and can also be used to optimise treatments. In vivo bone strains have been investigated using multiple experimental techniques, but none have quantified 3D strains using non-invasive techniques. Digital volume correlation based on clinical MRI (DVC-MRI) is a non-invasive technique that has the potential to achieve this. However, before it can be implemented, uncertainties associated with the measurements must be quantified. Here, DVC-MRI was evaluated to assess its potential to measure in vivo strains in the talus. A zero-strain test (two repeated unloaded scans) was conducted using three MRI sequences, and three DVC approaches to quantify errors and to establish optimal settings. With optimal settings, strains could be measured with a precision of 200 με and accuracy of 480 με for a spatial resolution of 7.5 mm, and a precision of 133 με and accuracy of 251 με for a spatial resolution of 10 mm. These results demonstrate that this technique has the potential to measure relevant levels of in vivo bone strain and to be used for a range of clinical applications.

Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury. Gaining a better understanding of ankle mechanics will help improve current treatments, enabling a better quality of life for patients following surgery. In this paper, the development of a robotic system for ankle joint testing is presented. It is composed of an industrial robot, a universal force/torque sensor and bespoke holders allowing high repositioning of specimens. A specimen preparation protocol that uses optical tracking to register the ankle specimens is used. A registration technique is applied to define and calibrate the task related coordinate system needed to control the joint's degrees of freedom and to simulate standardised, clinical ankle laxity tests. Experiments were carried out at different flexion angles using the robotic platform. Optical tracking was used to record the resulting motion of the tibia for every simulated test. The measurements from the optical tracker and the robot were compared and used to validate the system. These findings showed that the optical tracking measurements validate those from the robot for ankle joint testing with interclass coefficients equal to 0.991, 0.996 and 0.999 for the anterior-posterior translations, internal-external and inversion-eversion rotations., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Implant loosening - commonly linked with elevated initial micromotion - is the primary indication for total ankle replacement (TAR) revision. Finite element modelling has not been used to assess micromotion of TAR implants; additionally, the biomechanical consequences of TAR malpositioning - previously linked with higher failure rates - remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to estimate implant-bone micromotion and peri-implant bone strains for optimally positioned and malpositioned TAR prostheses, and thereby identify fixation features and malpositioning scenarios increasing the risk of loosening. Finite element models simulating three of the most commonly used TAR devices (BOX ® , Mobility ® and Salto ® ) implanted into the tibia/talus and subjected to physiological loads were developed. Mobility and Salto demonstrated the largest micromotion of all tibial and talar components, respectively. Any malpositioning of the implant creating a gap between it and the bone resulted in a considerable increase in micromotion and bone strains. It was concluded that better primary stability can be achieved through fixation nearer to the joint line and/or while relying on more than a single peg. Incomplete seating on the bone may result in considerably elevated implant-bone micromotion and bone strains, thereby increasing the risk for TAR failure., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: It is becoming increasingly apparent that the plantaris can contribute to symptoms in at least a subset of patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. However, the nature of its involvement remains unclear., Purpose: To determine whether excised plantaris tendons from patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy display tendinopathic changes and whether the presence of such changes affect clinical outcomes., Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4., Methods: Sixteen plantaris tendons in patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy recalcitrant to conservative management underwent histological examination for the presence of tendinopathic changes. All patients had imaging to confirm the presence of the plantaris tendon adherent to or invaginated into the focal area of Achilles tendinosis. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) results were recorded pre- and postoperatively., Results: Sixteen patients (mean age, 26.2 years; range, 18-47 years) underwent surgery, with a mean follow-up of 14 months (range, 6-20 months). The plantaris tendon was histologically normal in 13 of 16 cases (81%). Inflammatory changes in the loose peritendinous connective tissue surrounding the plantaris tendon were evident in all cases. There was significant improvement in mean VAS scores ( P < .05) and all domains of the FAOS postoperatively ( P < .05)., Conclusion: The absence of any tendinopathic changes in the excised plantaris of 13 patients who clinically improved suggests plantaris involvement with Achilles tendinopathy may not yet be fully understood and supports the concept that this may be a compressive or a frictional phenomenon rather than purely tendinopathic., Competing Interests: The authors declared that they have no conflicts of interest in the authorship and publication of this contribution.

Injuries to the foot in athletes are often subtle and can lead to a substantial loss of function if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. For these injuries in general, even after a diagnosis is made, treatment options are controversial and become even more so in high level athletes where limiting the time away from training and competition is a significant consideration. In this review, we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries affecting the foot including updates on their management and outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1299-1311., (©2016 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Previous studies have compared the outcomes after open and endoscopic excision of an os trigonum in patients of mixed professions. No studies have compared the differences in outcomes between the 2 procedures in elite ballet dancers. From October 2005 to February 2010, 35 professional ballet dancers underwent excision of a symptomatic os trigonum of the ankle after a failed period of nonoperative treatment. Of the 35 patients, 13 (37.1%) underwent endoscopic excision and 22 (62.9%) open excision. We compared the outcomes, complications, and time to return to dancing. The open excision group experienced a significantly greater incidence of flexor hallucis longus tendon decompression compared with the endoscopic group. The endoscopic release group returned to full dance earlier at a mean of 9.8 (range 6.5 to 16.1) weeks and those undergoing open excision returned to full dance at a mean of 14.9 (range 9 to 20) weeks (p = .001). No major complications developed in either group, such as deep infection or nerve or vessel injury. We have concluded that both techniques are safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic os trigonum in professional ballet dancers. Endoscopic excision of the os trigonum offers a more rapid return to full dance compared with open excision., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sporting injuries around the ankle vary from simple sprains that will resolve spontaneously within a few days to severe injuries which may never fully recover and may threaten the career of a professional athlete. Some of these injuries can be easily overlooked altogether or misdiagnosed with potentially devastating effects on future performance. In this review article, we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries involving the ankle including updates on their management and outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:874-83., (©2016 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Unlabelled: Although several arthroscopic procedures for lateral ligament instability of the ankle have been reported recently, it is difficult to augment the reconstruction by arthroscopically tightening the inferior extensor retinaculum. There is also concern that when using the inferior extensor retinaculum, this is not strictly an anatomical repair since its calcaneal attachment is different to that of the calcaneofibular ligament. If a ligament repair is completed firmly, it is unnecessary to add argumentation with inferior extensor retinaculum. The authors describe a simplified technique, repair of the lateral ligament alone using a lasso-loop stitch, which avoids additionally tighten the inferior extensor retinaculum. In this paper, it is described an arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair using lasso-loop stitch alone for lateral instability of the ankle that is likely safe for patients and minimal invasive., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level V.

Purpose: To perform a meta-analysis investigating venous thromboembolism (VTE) following isolated foot and ankle surgery and propose guidelines for VTE prevention in this group of patients., Methods: Following a PRISMA compliant search, 372 papers were identified and meta-analysis performed on 22 papers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine level of evidence., Results: 43,381 patients were clinically assessed for VTE and the incidence with and without chemoprophylaxis was 0.6% (95% CI 0.4-0.8%) and 1% (95% CI 0.2-1.7%), respectively. 1666 Patients were assessed radiologically and the incidence of VTE with and without chemoprophylaxis was 12.5% (95% CI 6.8-18.2%) and 10.5% (95% CI 5.0-15.9%), respectively. There was no significant difference in the rates of VTE with or without chemoprophylaxis whether assessed clinically or by radiological criteria. The risk of VTE in those patients with Achilles tendon rupture was greater with a clinical incidence of 7% (95% CI 5.5-8.5%) and radiological incidence of 35.3% (95% CI 26.4-44.3%)., Conclusion: Isolated foot and ankle surgery has a lower incidence of clinically apparent VTE when compared to general lower limb procedures, and this rate is not significantly reduced using low molecular weight heparin. The incidence of VTE following Achilles tendon rupture is high whether treated surgically or conservatively. With the exception of those with Achilles tendon rupture, routine use of chemical VTE prophylaxis is not justified in those undergoing isolated foot and ankle surgery, but patient-specific risk factors for VTE should be used to assess patients individually., Level of Evidence: II.

Purpose: To investigate grade II syndesmosis injuries in athletes and identify factors important in differentiating stable from dynamically unstable ankle sprains and those associated with a longer time to return to sports., Methods: Sixty-four athletes with an isolated syndesmosis injury (without fracture) were prospectively assessed, with a mean follow-up period of 37 months (range, 24 to 66 months). Those with an associated deltoid ligament injury or osteochondral lesion were included. Those whose injuries were considered stable (grade IIa) were treated conservatively with a boot and rehabilitation. Those whose injuries were clinically unstable underwent arthroscopy, and if instability was confirmed (grade IIb), the syndesmosis was stabilized. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging assessments of injury to individual ligaments were recorded, along with time to return to play. A power analysis estimated that each group would need 28 patients., Results: All athletes returned to the same level of professional sport. The 28 patients with grade IIa injuries returned at a mean of 45 days (range, 23 to 63 days) compared with 64 days (range, 27 to 104 days) for those with grade IIb injuries (P < .0001). There was a highly significant relationship between clinical and magnetic resonance imaging assessments of ligament injury (anterior tibiofibular ligament [ATFL], anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament [AITFL], and deltoid ligament, P < .0001). Instability was 9.5 times as likely with a positive squeeze test and 11 times as likely with a deltoid injury. Combined injury to the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament and deltoid ligament was associated with a delay in return to sports. Concomitant injury to the ATFL indicated a different mechanism of injury-the syndesmosis is less likely to be unstable and is associated with an earlier return to sports., Conclusions: A positive squeeze test and injury to the ATFL and deltoid ligament are important factors in differentiating stable from dynamically unstable grade II injuries and may be used to identify which athletes may benefit from early arthroscopic assessment and stabilization. They may also be important in predicting the time frame for athletes' expected return to play., Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study., (Copyright © 2016 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Recent literature supports early reconstruction of severe acute lateral ligament injuries in professional athletes, suggesting earlier rehabilitation and reduced recurrent instability incidence. Not previously reported, predicting the time to return to training and play is important to both athlete and club. We evaluate the effectiveness and complications of lateral ligament reconstruction in professional athletes. We aim to estimate the time to return to training and sports in both isolated injuries and patients with additional injuries., Methods: A consecutive series of 42 athletes underwent modified Broström repair for clinically and radiologically confirmed acute grade III lateral ligament injury. Of 42, 30 had isolated complete rupture of ATFL and CFL. Of 42, 12 had additional injuries (osteochondral lesions, deltoid ligament injuries). All patients received minimum of 2 years post-operative assessment., Results: The median return to training and sports for isolated injuries was 63 days (49-110) and 77 days (56-127), respectively. However, for concomitant injury results were 86 days (63-152) and 105 days (82-178). This delay was significant (p < 0.001). Despite no difference in pre- and post-op VAS scores between the groups, those with combined injuries had significantly lower FAOS pain and symptoms sub-scores post-operatively (p = 0.027, p < 0.001). Two superficial infections responded to oral antibiotics. No patient developed recurrent instability. All returned to their pre-injury level of professional sports., Conclusion: Lateral ligament reconstruction is a safe and effective treatment for acute severe ruptures providing a stable ankle and expected return to sports at approximately 10 weeks. Despite return to the same level of competition, club and player should be aware that associated injuries may delay return and symptoms may continue. These results may act as a guide to predict the expected time to return to training and to sport after surgical repair of acute injuries and also the influence of associated injuries in prolonging rehabilitation., Level of Evidence: III.

The inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) is an aponeurotic structure, which is in continuation with the anterior part of the sural fascia. The IER has often been used to augment the reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments, for instance in the Broström-Gould procedure, with good outcomes reported. However, its anatomy has not been described in detail and only a few studies are available on this structure. The presence of a non-constant oblique supero-lateral band appears to be important. This structure defines whether the augmentation of the lateral ankle ligaments reconstruction is performed using true IER or only the anterior part of the sural fascia. It is concluded that the use of this structure will have an impact on the resulting ankle stability.

Background: Lisfranc joint injuries are increasingly recognized in elite soccer and rugby players. Currently, no evidence-based guidelines exist on time frames for return to training and competition after surgical treatment., Purpose: To assess the time to return to training and playing after Lisfranc joint injuries., Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4., Methods: A consecutive series of 17 professional soccer and rugby players in the English Premier/Championship leagues was assessed using prospectively collected data. All were isolated injuries sustained during training or competitive matches. Each player had clinical and radiological evidence of an unstable Lisfranc injury and required surgical treatment. A standardized postoperative regimen was used. The minimum follow-up time was 2 years., Results: Clinical and radiological follow-up was obtained in all 17 players. Seven players had primarily ligamentous injuries, and 10 had bony injuries. The time from injury to fixation ranged from 8 to 31 days, and hardware was removed at 16 weeks postoperatively. One athlete retired after a ligamentous injury; the remaining 16 players returned to training and full competition. Excluding the retired player, the mean time to return to training was 20.1 weeks (range, 18-24 weeks) and to full competition was 25.3 weeks (range, 21-31 weeks). There was a significant difference between the mean time to return to competition for rugby (27.8 weeks) and soccer players (24.1 weeks; P = .02) and for ligamentous (22.5 weeks) compared with bony injuries (26.9 weeks; P = .003). Three patients suffered deep peroneal nerve sensation loss, from which 1 patient did not fully recover., Conclusion: Return to competitive elite-level soccer and rugby is possible after surgically treated Lisfranc injuries. Return to training can take up to 24 weeks and return to playing up to 31 weeks, with bony injuries taking longer., (© 2015 The Author(s).)

Background: Achilles tendinopathy is a serious and frequently occurring problem, especially in elite athletes. Recent research has suggested a role for the plantaris tendon in non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy., Aim: To assess whether excising the plantaris tendon improved the symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy in elite athletes., Methods: This prospective consecutive case series study investigated 32 elite athletes who underwent plantaris tendon excision using a mini-incision technique to treat medially located pain associated with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scores (VAS) for pain and the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) as well as time to return to sport and satisfaction scores were assessed., Results: At a mean follow-up of 22.4 months (12-48), 29/32 (90%) of athletes were satisfied with the results. Thirty of the 32 athletes (94%) returned to sport at a mean of 10.3 weeks (5-27). The mean VAS score improved from 5.8 to 0.8 (p<0.01) and the mean FAOS improved in all domains (p<0.01). Few complications were seen, four athletes experienced short-term stiffness and one had a superficial wound infection., Conclusions: The plantaris tendon may be responsible for symptoms in some athletes with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Excision carries a low risk of complications and may provide significant improvement in symptoms enabling an early return to elite-level sports., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/)

Background: Osteochondral Autologous Transplant (OATs) as a treatment option for Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talar dome frequently uses the distal femur as the donor site which is associated with donor site morbidity in up to 50%. Some studies have described the presence of hyaline cartilage in the posterior superior calcaneal tuberosity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the posterior superior calcaneal tuberosity to determine if it can be a suitable donor site for OATs of the talus, Methods: In this cadaveric study, we histologically evaluated 12 osteochondral plugs taken from the posterior superior calcaneal tuberosity and compared them to 12 osteochondral plugs taken from the talar dome., Results: In the talar dome group, all samples had evidence of hyaline cartilage with varying degrees of GAG staining. The average hyaline cartilage thickness in the samples was 1.33 mm. There was no evidence of fibrocartilage, fibrous tissue or fatty tissue in this group. In contrast, the Calcaneal tuberosity samples had no evidence of hyaline cartilage. Fibrocartilage was noted in 3 samples only., Conclusions: We believe that the structural differences between the talus and calcanium grafts render the posterior superior clancaneal tuberosity an unsuitable donor site for OATs in the treatment of OCL of the talus., (Copyright © 2014 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this paper, we critically appraise the recent publication of the United Kingdom Heel Fracture Trial, which concluded that when patients with an absolute indication for surgery were excluded, there was no advantage of surgical over non-surgical treatment in the management of calcaneal fractures. We believe that selection bias in that study did not permit the authors to reach a firm conclusion that surgery was not justified for most intra-articular calcaneal fractures., (©2015 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Plantar plate injuries to the hallux in elite athlete could potentially be career threatening. Reports in the literature are invariably linked to a significant traumatic episode. The occurrence of an atraumatic severe plantar plate injury in the presence of a bipartite sesamoid may suggest a stress related phenomenon. We present a case in an elite soccer player who was treated surgically and returned to top-level competition. The case is reported in detail and differences to other reports in the literature discussed., (Copyright © 2013 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) occur in up to 70% of sprains and fractures involving the ankle. Atraumatic aetiologies have also been described. Techniques such as microfracture, and replacement strategies such as autologous osteochondral transplantation, or autologous chondrocyte implantation are the major forms of surgical treatment. Current literature suggests that microfracture is indicated for lesions up to 15 mm in diameter, with replacement strategies indicated for larger or cystic lesions. Short- and medium-term results have been reported, where concerns over potential deterioration of fibrocartilage leads to a need for long-term evaluation. Biological augmentation may also be used in the treatment of OCLs, as they potentially enhance the biological environment for a natural healing response. Further research is required to establish the critical size of defect, beyond which replacement strategies should be used, as well as the most appropriate use of biological augmentation. This paper reviews the current evidence for surgical management and use of biological adjuncts for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

The two main categories of Achilles tendon disorder are broadly classified by anatomical location to include non-insertional and insertional conditions. Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy is often managed conservatively, and many rehabilitation protocols have been adapted and modified, with excellent clinical results. Emerging and popular alternative therapies, including a variety of injections and extracorporeal shockwave therapy, are often combined with rehabilitation protocols. Surgical approaches have developed, with minimally invasive procedures proving popular. The management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy is improved by recognising coexisting pathologies around the insertion. Conservative rehabilitation protocols as used in non-insertional disorders are thought to prove less successful, but such methods are being modified, with improving results. Treatment such as shockwave therapy is also proving successful. Surgical approaches specific to the diagnosis are constantly evolving, and good results have been achieved.

Purpose: Inversion injuries involve about 25 % of all injuries of the musculoskeletal system and about 50 % of these injuries are sport-related. This article reviews the acute lateral ankle injuries with special emphasis on a rationale for treatment of these injuries in athletes., Methods: A narrative review was performed using Pubmed/Medline, Ovid and Embase using key words: ankle ligaments, injury, lateral ligament, ankle sprain and athlete. Articles related to the topic were included and reviewed., Results: It is estimated that one inversion injury of the ankle occurs for every 10,000 people each day. Ankle sprains constitute 7-10 % of all admissions to hospital emergency departments. Inversion injuries involve about 25 % of all injuries of the musculoskeletal system, and about 50 % of these injuries are sport-related. The lateral ankle ligament complex consists of three ligaments: the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament. The most common trauma mechanism is supination and adduction (inversion) of the plantar-flexed foot., Conclusion: Delayed physical examination provides a more accurate diagnosis. Ultrasound and MRI can be useful in diagnosing associated injury and are routine investigations in professional athletes. Successful treatment of grade II and III acute lateral ankle ligament injuries can be achieved with individualized aggressive, non-operative measures. RICE therapy is the treatment of choice for the first 4-5 days to reduce pain and swelling. Initially, 10-14 days of immobilization in a below the knee cast/brace is beneficial followed by a period in a lace-up brace or functional taping reduces the risk of recurrent injury. Acute repair of the lateral ankle ligaments in grade III injuries in professional athletes may give better results.

Lisfranc injuries are a spectrum of injuries to the tarsometatarsal joint complex of the midfoot. These range from subtle ligamentous sprains, often seen in athletes, to fracture dislocations seen in high-energy injuries. Accurate and early diagnosis is important to optimise treatment and minimise long-term disability, but unfortunately, this is a frequently missed injury. Undisplaced injuries have excellent outcomes with non-operative treatment. Displaced injuries have worse outcomes and require anatomical reduction and internal fixation for the best outcome. Although evidence to date supports the use of screw fixation, plate fixation may avoid further articular joint damage and may have benefits. Recent evidence supports the use of limited arthrodesis in more complex injuries.

The diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement requires an accurate history and specific examination. Computed tomography is a useful investigation to diagnose bony impingement, especially where plain radiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are sometimes inconclusive. Accurate ultrasound-guided steroid/anesthetic injections are useful interventions to locate the symptomatic lesions and reduce symptoms and occasionally prove curative. If surgical debridement or excision is deemed necessary, arthroscopic surgery via a posterior approach is recommended to excise impingement lesions with a quicker return to sport expected and minimal complications. Open surgical excision, however, remains a viable treatment option., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study is to better inform the sports surgeon of current evidence for the treatment of Jones fractures of the base of the 5th metatarsal. The study aimed to establish what the outcomes were for different treatments modalities. By doing this, the clinician will be better prepared to institute a logical, evidence-based approach to the treatment of their patients with this injury., Methods: A thorough literature search was performed from 1980 to present day. Studies were included based on set criteria and analysed for their validity, and their results were scrutinised. Jones fractures were segregated into acute fractures, delayed unions and non-unions., Results: Twenty-six studies were included, of which 22 were level 4 evidence, with only 1 randomised controlled trial. Functional outcome data were limited to return to sports in most studies with few studies using established scoring systems. Return to sports following intra-medullary screw fixation for acute fractures ranged from 4 to 18 weeks. Acute fractures treated non-operatively had a union rate of 76 % (pooled), whereas in fractures treated with a screw it was 96 % (pooled). Delayed unions treated non-operatively had a union rate of 44 and 97 % treated operatively. Non-unions treated with screw fixation healed in 97 % of cases., Conclusions: Although supported by mostly level 4 evidence, intra-medullary screw fixation is more likely to lead to successful union of all types of Jones fractures compared to non-operative treatments. Early return to play in athletes prior to full radiological union is not advised in case of re-fracture.

Shortest time to union, and to return to sporting activity, are the goals of management of fifth metatarsal fractures in the athlete. Whereas zone 1 injuries are largely treated conservatively, zone 2 and 3 injuries are best treated with surgical fixation in athletes, most commonly with intramedullary screw fixation. Fixation with the addition of bone graft has also yielded good results. In the chronic setting, good results have been shown with intramedullary screw fixation, surgical debridement and bone grafting alone, and tension band wiring. Shock wave therapy and pulsed electromagnetic fields may have a place in chronic and acute injury., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Tibial diaphyseal stress fractures are rare in the general population, but are more frequently seen in the athletic and military communities. The diagnosis of this problem may be problematic and needs to be considered in all athletes and military recruits who present with shin or ankle pain. The female triad in athletes (low-energy availability/disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis/osteopenia) should be considered in those women who sustain this injury. Management is usually conservative with a variety of rehabilitation programs suggested, but a pragmatic approach is to manage the patient symptomatically., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Injury to the syndesmosis and deltoid ligament is less common than lateral ligament trauma but can lead to significant time away from sport and prolonged rehabilitation. This literature review will discuss both syndesmotic and deltoid ligament injuries without fracture in the professional athlete., Methods: A narrative review was performed using PUBMED, OVID, MEDLINE and EMBASE using the key words syndesmosis, injury, deltoid, ankle ligaments, and athlete. Articles related to the topic were included and reviewed., Results: The incidence of syndesmotic injury ranges from 1 to 18 % of ankle sprains. This may be underreported and is an often missed injury as clinical examination is generally not specific. Both MRI and ultrasonography have high sensitivities and specificities in diagnosing injury. Arthroscopy may confirm the diagnosis, and associated intra-articular pathology can be treated at the same time as surgical stabilization. Significant deltoid ligament injury in isolation is rare, there is usually associated trauma. Major disruption of both deep and superficial parts can lead to ankle dysfunction. Repair of the ligament following ankle fracture is not necessary, but there is little literature to guide the management of deltoid ruptures in isolation or in association with syndesmotic and lateral ligament injuries in the professional athlete., Conclusion: Management of syndesmotic injury is determined by the grade and associated injury around the ankle. Grade I injuries are treated non-surgically in a boot with a period of non-weight bearing. Treatment of Grade II and III injuries is controversial with little literature to guide management. Athletes may return to training and play sooner if the syndesmosis is surgically stabilized. For deltoid ligament injury, grade I and II sprains should be treated non-operatively. Unstable grade III injuries with associated injury to the lateral ligaments or the syndesmosis may benefit from operative repair.

Traumatic peroneal tendon subluxation is a rare lesion that occurs most frequently during sporting activities and generally after an ankle sprain. There is consensus regarding the need for surgical stabilization in symptomatic patients, but there is also a general agreement that acute subluxation or dislocations may require surgery in the athlete. Many surgical techniques have been described to treat this lesion. Overall, studies have reported excellent or good results in 90% of cases, although there have been reports of significant complications following open surgical procedures. Endoscopic anatomical retinacular repair offers an attractive alternative to open repair and may reduce complications and allow early return to sports., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The deep peroneal nerve (DPN) passes over the dorsum of the foot and is susceptible to injury during surgical approaches. The purpose of this anatomical study is to examine the relationship of the extensor hallucis brevis (EHB) as it passes over the DPN. Ten cadaver feet specimens were dissected and the anatomical structures surrounding the neurovascular bundle containing the DPN were examined. In nine out of the ten specimens the DPN was under the EHB musculotendinous junction. In one case it passed through the musculotendinous junction. This cadaver study has found a consistent easily identifiable landmark for protecting the neurovascular bundle containing the DPN during dorsal midfoot surgery., (Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Acute bone bruises of the talus after ankle injury need to be managed differently from osteochondral defects. Bone bruises have a benign course, but there may be persistent edema. A bone bruise should not delay rehabilitation unless symptoms persist or significant edema is close to the subchondral plate. Osteochondral defects have a less predictable prognosis, and rehabilitation should aim at promoting healing of the subchondral fracture. A period of nonweight bearing reduces the cyclical pressure load through the fissure and promotes healing. Surgery should be reserved for chronic symptomatic lesions or for those patients undergoing lateral ligament reconstruction., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)