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Metabolic syndrome is one factor known to contribute to the development of tendinopathies. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of eccentric calf-muscle exercise for treatment of chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy in patients with or without metabolic syndrome. Twenty-eight patients with chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy and metabolic syndrome who performed eccentric calf-muscle exercise were retrospectively compared with 28 age- and sex-matched controls without metabolic syndrome. Comparisons between the 2 groups were made by evaluating the Visual Analog Scale for pain, patient satisfaction, and amount of pain medications needed during 3 months of follow-up. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures showed that the pain scales in the metabolic syndrome group were higher than those in the control group during the follow-up period (F[1,54] = 24.45, p.001). The patient satisfaction ratings were lower and the amount of required pain medication was higher in the metabolic syndrome group (p.001 and p.001, respectively). Eccentric calf-muscle exercises for chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy were less effective in patients with metabolic syndrome. Therefore, these patients should be managed with a combination of other treatment modalities rather than eccentric exercise alone.

Background The efficacy of the powered rasp, a new reciprocating motion device for arthroscopic resection of osteophytes, has not been verified. The aim of this study was to compare the intraoperative efficacy of the powered rasp in arthroscopic resection of anterior ankle osteophytes to that of the conventional burr. Methods A total of 49 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic resection of anterior ankle osteophytes (26 patients with the conventional burr and 23 patients with the powered rasp) were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative volume of each osteophyte was measured using computerized tomography scan and three-dimensional software. The resection time was measured by review of the individual arthroscopy video, and the estimated resection rate was calculated as the volume of osteophytes/resection time. Results The preoperative volume of osteophytes was not different between the two groups (847.8 ± 685.3 mm3 in the conventional burr and 913.3 ± 605.8 mm3 in the powered rasp, p = 0.726). The resection time was 442.4 ± 216.6 s (seconds) in the conventional burr and 386.4 ± 186.3 s in the powered rasp, and the estimated resection rate was 1.8 ± 1.0 mm3/s with the conventional burr and 2.4 ± 1.3 mm3/s with the powered rasp. These measurements were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.340 and 0.083, respectively). Conclusion The intraoperative efficacy of the powered rasp did not show superiority to that of the conventional burr in arthroscopic resection of anterior ankle osteophytes. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.

This study aimed to compare the mean ankle dorsiflexion range between individuals with and without plantar fasciitis using passive ankle dorsiflexion with consistent pressure, and to identify the prevalence of an isolated gastrocnemius and gastrocnemius soleus complex contracture in 2 groups. 91 participants were prospectively classified into the plantar fasciitis group (45 subjects) and the control group (46 subjects). Ankle dorsiflexion was measured with the knee extended and with the knee flexed 90° using a standard orthopedic goniometer while a consistent force of 2 kg was applied under the plantar surface of the forefoot using a custom-made scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the current ankle dorsiflexion measurement. The current ankle dorsiflexion measurement revealed excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability. The mean ankle dorsiflexion in the knee extended was -9.6° ± 8.1° and -11.2° ± 8.2° in the study and control groups, respectively (p = .353). The mean ankle dorsiflexion in the knee flexed was 7.8° ± 6.5° and 5.1° ± 7.4° in the study and control groups, respectively (p = .068). In the study and control groups, 68.9% and 65.2%, respectively, had an isolated gastrocnemius contracture and 24.4% and 30.4%, respectively, had a gastrocnemius-soleus complex contracture (p = .768). The present study demonstrated that there were no significant differences in passive ankle dorsiflexion and in the prevalence of an isolated gastrocnemius or gastrocnemius soleus complex contracture between individuals with and without plantar fasciitis.

We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study to identify the risk factors associated with failure of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). We included 2,914 subjects who underwent primary TAA between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, utilizing the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Failure of TAA was defined as revision TAA or arthrodesis procedures. An increased risk of TAA failure was observed in the 2 versus the normal BMI group (aHR 1.632; 95% CI 1.036–2.570). This population-based longitudinal study demonstrated that age 2 were associated with increased risk of TAA failure.

To date, only few studies have been performed on the accuracy of manual angle manipulation during orthopedic surgery. This cadaver study was aimed at quantitatively assessing the accuracy of manual angle manipulation performed by orthopedic surgeons according to their surgical experience and comparing it with manipulation performed with the assistance of a digital goniometer. Six lower-leg specimens of fresh-frozen human cadavers were subjected to angle manipulation performed via Kirschner wire (K-wire) insertion. K-wires were inserted manually and with the assistance of a digital goniometer at target angles of 0°, 30°, and 60° by three operators who had different levels of experience in orthopedic surgery. The accuracy of the insertion angles at the target angles was evaluated using computed tomography. The mean angle error in the manual angle manipulation was 8.8° (standard deviation [SD] 6.0). When the target angles were set to 0°, 30°, and 60°, the identified angle errors were 6.1° (SD 4.3), 8.8° (SD 6.6), and 11.7° (SD 5.6), respectively, and each value did not show any significant difference among the operators. With the assistance of a digital goniometer, the mean (SD) angle error was significantly improved to 2.1° (1.1°) (p

Background Crossover second toe is often presented in moderate to severe hallux valgus. However, its clinical impact on the postoperative outcome of hallux valgus is still unknown. Methods Thirty-five patients who had moderate to severe hallux valgus with crossover second toe were matched with 35 controls who did not have crossover second toe, according to preoperative hallux valgus angle and first-second intermetatarsal angle. Radiological parameters, Foot Function Index (FFI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed as postoperative outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results At 3 months, the FFI in the crossover second toe group was lower than in the control group (p = 0.001), while other outcomes were similar. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the groups at 6 and 12 months, in terms of radiological parameters, FFI, and VAS. Conclusions Patients who had moderate to severe hallux valgus with crossover second toe were at risk for slow functional recovery after surgical treatment in the short term, but, in the long-term, there was no difference in overall postoperative outcomes in patients with and without crossover second toe. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Several studies reported that excessive correction of severe genu varum deformity with total knee arthroplasty or high tibial osteotomy (HTO) could result in ankle joint pain and osteoarthritis progression. However, few studies have evaluated the change in the weight-bearing-line (WBL) ratio of the ankle joint after knee arthroplasty or HTO in patients with genu varum deformities. This study aimed to investigate the change in the WBL ratio of the ankle joint and ankle joint line orientation after knee arthroplasty or HTO in patients with genu varum deformities. We retrospectively evaluated 40 patients (mean age, 69.9 ± 8.0 years) with genu varum deformities of > 5° and underwent knee arthroplasty or HTO. Three radiologic parameters, including (1) the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, (2) WBL ratio of the ankle joint, and (3) ankle joint line orientation relative to the ground (AJLO-G), were assessed using pre-operative and post-operative orthoradiographs. A paired t test was used to evaluate post-operative changes in the three parameters. Correlations between the change in HKA angle and that in the WBL ratio of the ankle joint and AJLO-G were analyzed. The mean HKA angle significantly decreased post-operatively (10.6° ± 5.3° to 1.1° ± 3.4°; P

To use the advantages of transarticular screw fixation while minimizing iatrogenic involved joint damage and screw irritation, it is important to determine the screw size. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of percutaneous reduction and 2.7-mm cortical screw fixation for low-energy Lisfranc injuries and determine whether the procedure is a safe alternative to traditional screw fixation using a larger screw size. A review was performed for all patients who underwent percutaneous reduction and 2.7-mm cortical screw fixation for low-energy Lisfranc injuries at a single institution over a 6-year period. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically for demographics, foot function index (FFI), numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. Factors affecting screw breakage and its clinical relevance were also analyzed. The FFI and NRS for pain were 17.2 ± 14.7 (range 0.8 to 57.8) and 3.1 ± 2.3 (range 0 to 8) points, respectively, at the 12-month follow-up visit. One patient (3.2%) underwent arthrodesis for the development of posttraumatic arthritis; all other patients recovered without sequelae. Screw breakage was identified in 7 patients (22.6%). There was no significant difference between patients with and without screw breakage in terms of FFI, NRS for pain, patient satisfaction, or complication rate. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in patients with screw breakage than in those without screw breakage. Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between BMI and screw breakage (area under the curve = 90%, p.001), and the potential BMI cutoff value was 27.8 kg/m

To (1) compare the weight-bearing line (WBL) ratios of the knee joints measured using the conventional (hip-to-talus radiographs, HTRs) and novel (hip-to-calcaneus radiographs, HCRs) orthoradiograms, (2) compare the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle between cases with 5% and 5% differences in WBL ratios between two orthoradiograms, and (3) investigate the optimal cutoff value (COV) of the HKA angle causing inconsistency in the orthoradiograms.Sixty limbs of 31 patients with HTR and HCR records were retrospectively reviewed. After drawing the mechanical axis on each radiograph, the WBL ratios of the knees were calculated and compared between the conventional and novel orthoradiograms. In subgroup analysis, cases with 5% and 5% differences in WBL ratios between two orthoradiograms were classified as consistent and inconsistent groups, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve based on the HKA angles of the lower limbs was used to identify the COV causing the inconsistency between the orthoradiograms.Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of all radiologic measurements were 0.75. The WBL ratios showed no significant difference between the two orthoradiograms. However, the HKA angle was significantly larger in the inconsistent group than in the consistent group (7.0° ± 1.8° vs. 4.4° ± 2.5°; P 0.001). The COV of the HKA angle that caused inconsistency in the two orthoradiograms was 4.0° (area under the curve, 0.774).The hip-to-calcaneus alignment differed significantly from the hip-to-talus alignment in patients with genu varum deformity. HCR measurement can be a complementary method for planning corrective osteotomy for patients with genu varum deformity.IV.

To date, few studies have investigated the feasibility of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for identifying pathogens in tissue samples. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of LAMP for the rapid detection of methicillin-susceptible or methicillin-resistantTwenty tissue samples infected with either MSSA (n = 10) or MRSA (n = 10) were obtained from patients who underwent orthopedic surgery for suspected musculoskeletal infection between December 2019 and September 2020. DNA was extracted from the infected tissue samples using the bead-beating method. A multiplex LAMP assay was conducted to identify MSSA and MRSA infections. To recognize theThe LAMP result was positive for samples containing 10The results of this study suggest that the LAMP assay performed with tissue DNA samples can be a useful diagnostic method for the rapid detection of musculoskeletal infections caused by MSSA and MRSA.

A 48-year-old woman visited our outpatient clinic complaining of discomfort while wearing shoes due to a large mass around her Achilles tendon. The mass was firm, non-tender, non-reducible, and moved with the Achilles tendon, similar to Achilles tendon xanthoma. However, magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple heterogeneous, nodular lesions with low T1 and T2 signal intensity, and histological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed the mass to contain hyphae of Aspergillus, indicating aspergilloma. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize that a tumor around the Achilles tendon can be something other than xanthoma even when the clinical features are typical of xanthoma. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.

Background: Nutrient artery canals of the femur are often visible on plain radiographs as radiolucent lines which may mimic fracture lines. The purpose of this study was to distinguish nutrient artery canals from fracture lines on plain radiographs. Materials and Methods: Ninety-three patients (102 hips) with an average age of 65.6 years were included in the study. We retrospectively analyzed nutrient artery canals of the femur on pre and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and cross-table lateral (CTL) hip radiographs in patients with cementless total hip arthroplasty. The shape, number, location, direction of obliquity, length of nutrient artery canal, and the distance between the tip of the greater trochanter and the proximal end of the nutrient artery canal were measured. Results: Nutrient artery canals were determined in 54 hips (53.0%) on preoperative radiographs. The numbers of nutrient artery canals were entirely found to be one for each hip. The nutrient artery canals of the femur were the most frequently seen in the cortex on CTL radiographs with 32 hips (31.4%), whereas nutrient artery canals were not seen at all in the cortex on AP radiographs. All nutrient artery canals in the cortex on CTL radiographs coursed upward obliquely. Comparing to fracture lines, nutrient artery canals show less radiolucency, smaller diameter, and blunted ends in both the cortex and medullary cavity, show sclerotic walls in the cortex and have the less straight course in the medullary cavity. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, there are clearly distinguishable differences between nutrient artery canals of the femur and fracture lines on plain radiographs.

Background: Previous studies have not quantitatively analyzed the site of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Purpose: To investigate the site of acute Achilles tendon rupture via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The medical records and MRIs of 195 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were retrospectively reviewed. The rupture site was measured as the distance from the most distal fibers of the Achilles tendon at the calcaneal insertion to the proximal end of the distal stump. The relationship between the site of rupture and patient characteristics was analyzed, and the intra- and interobserver reliability of the measurements was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Results: The rupture site had a mean distance of 6.4 cm (SD, 1.5) and the 10th to 90th percentile range was 5.0 to 8.4 cm. There was no significant difference in location of the rupture according to patient characteristics and the time of imaging. The intra- and interobserver reliability of measurements was excellent. Conclusion: Most acute Achilles tendon ruptures visible on MRI occurred 5 to 8 cm above the distal end of the calcaneal insertion, which is more proximal than the previously reported 2 to 6 cm location.

Diabetes requires self-management, such as the use of insulin, oral antidiabetic drugs, diet, and exercise, for maintaining blood glucose. To promote self-management of older people with diabetes, family support is considered an important factor. However, older people living alone lack family support and have a lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than those living in families. The purpose of this study was to assess HRQOL and the factors that affect it between older people with diabetes living alone and those living in families. We performed secondary data analysis using the data of Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2017–2019. In total, 973 people with diabetes aged 65 years or older answered all questions about HRQOL. Complex sample analysis was performed. Each dimension of HRQOL was significantly lower in people living alone than those living in families. Restricted activity, bedridden, number of comorbidities, and perceived health status significantly predicted HRQOL in patients living alone. Health insurance, age, economic activity, unmet medical service needs, restricted activity, bedridden, number of comorbidities, perceived health status, and suicidal ideation significantly predicted HRQOL in patients living in families. This study indicated how differences in HRQOL exist between older patients with diabetes living alone and those living in families. This data will be useful in developing educational programs in the future, and it will be helpful when dealing with people living alone who have diabetes.

Background Frailty is a health challenge related to adverse health outcomes in older adults. Older women are more likely to be frail than older men. However, few studies have reviewed the effectiveness of interventions for older women with frailty is scant. Objective: This systematic review aimed to explore the properties of interventions and to investigate their effectiveness in preventing the progression of frailty in older women with pre-frailty or frailty. Methods Narrative synthesis was conducted to identify the contents, outcome variables, and findings of the interventions. Then, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise interventions on grip strength, sit-and-reach, sit-to-stand, and timed up and go tests. Results Twenty-six studies were selected, including 14 randomized controlled trials and 12 quasi-experimental studies. These studies implemented exercise (96.2%), nutrition (15.4%), hormone replacement (7.7%), toileting strategies (3.8%), and laughter interventions (3.8%). The selected studies assessed physical, psychological (11.5%), and cognitive health (11.5%), as well as quality of life (19.2%). The meta-analysis found significant effects of aerobic and resistance exercise interventions on the sit-to-stand (SMD = 1.30, 95% CI [0.70, 1.90], p < 0.001) and timed up and go scores (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI [-0.93, -0.19], p = 0.003). Conclusion Exercise interventions are essential to improve physical health, in particular mobility, in older women with pre-frailty or frailty. Future studies should consider theoretical frameworks and evaluate psychological and cognitive health as well as quality of life to develop and provide effective interventions to prevent the progression of frailty in older women.

The purposes were to analyze correlations between the frequency of beverage drinking (coffee, green tea, milk, and soft drinks) and the presence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in relation to sex. We performed this study using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KHANES V-1, 2). We examined data from 5503 subjects after exclusion. We utilized the food frequency questionnaires from KHANES, and reorganized them into 2 or 3 groups according to the frequency of beverage consumption. We analyzed the relationship between radiographic knee OA and beverage consumption statistically after adjusting confounding factors with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Knee OA was inversely associated with coffee consumption only in women (P.05). The odds ratio of knee OA was lower in those who drank at least a cup of coffee than in those who did not drink coffee in women (P for trend.05). However, there was no significant linear trend of the odds ratio of each group in both sexes for drinking other beverages. As the coffee consumption increased, the radiographic knee OA group showed decreasing linear trend only in women. However, other beverages did not show a significant relation to the radiographic knee OA in both sexes.

BACKGROUND The utility of inferior extensor retinacular (IER) reinforcement for arthroscopic repair of a lateral ankle injury is debatable. We hypothesized that the outcomes would not differ significantly between arthroscopic all-inside anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair with and without IER reinforcement. METHODS We prospectively randomized 73 patients who had arthroscopic all-inside ATFL repair into 2 groups: those who had IER reinforcement (37 patients) and those who had no IER reinforcement (36 patients). The primary outcome was the Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS). The secondary outcomes included the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Tegner activity score (TAS), ankle range of motion, and radiographic parameters. The functional outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Stress radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS The KAFS, all FAOS subscale scores, and TAS improved significantly at 1 year postoperatively in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups with respect to the preoperative and postoperative values. Significant differences were not observed between the ankle range of motion values recorded preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively in both groups; the preoperative and postoperative range of motion values did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean talar tilt and talar anterior translation decreased significantly at 1 year postoperatively in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups preoperatively and postoperatively. One patient in each group had neuralgia of the superficial peroneal nerve; 2 patients in the IER reinforcement group had knot irritation causing mild discomfort. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic all-inside ATFL repair with and without IER reinforcement showed comparable functional and stress radiographic outcomes at 1 year. Performing IER reinforcement in addition to all-inside arthroscopic direct ATFL remnant repair is not necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A 34-year-old female recreational badminton player presented with left ankle pain 1 week after a recreational badminton game. She reported experiencing a similar pattern of pain in her right ankle 4 months before that had persisted for 3 months. On plain radiography, callus formation was evident on the right distal fibula, and a subtle lesion was observed on the left side. Ultrasound was performed with the clinical suspicion of bilateral, nonsimultaneous, distal fibular stress fracture. Focal hyperechoic thickening of the periosteum with irregularity and hypoechoic periosteal edema over the left distal fibula were identified. These findings were consistent with stress fracture, and an early phase of distal fibular stress fracture was diagnosed. This case report highlights that ultrasound can be an alternative modality to magnetic resonance imaging or bone scan scintigraphy for the early diagnosis of stress fracture.

Background: The suture anchors for the repair of deltoid ligament in rotational ankle fracture are inserted mostly into the medial malleolus, but sometimes are placed into the talus depending on the rupture site. This study sought to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of deltoid ligament repair according to using these 2 locations for suture anchor placement. Methods: The cases of 131 patients (114 patients with suture anchors on the medial malleolus and 17 patients with suture anchors on the talus) who underwent deltoid ligament repair along with ankle fracture fixation were retrospectively reviewed. Medial clear space oblique (MCSo), medial clear space perpendicular (MCSp), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and tibiofibular overlap (TFO) were measured as radiological outcomes, while the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain were calculated as clinical outcomes. The follow-up period did not differ between the 2 groups (16.8 ± 10.9 months in the medial malleolus group vs 17.9 ± 14.3 months in the talus group; P = .670). Results: There were no differences in MCSo, MCSp, TFCS, and TFO at 3 months after surgery and final follow-up. The OMAS and VAS for pain did not show intergroup differences at final follow-up. Conclusion: The surgical outcome of deltoid ligament repair in rotational ankle fracture did not differ whether the suture anchors were inserted into the medial malleolus or into the talus. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Background Most intraarticular displaced calcaneal fractures are accompanied by bone defects after surgical treatment, but the concern about negative effects of bone defects has not been resolved yet owing to the few studies on this issue. Therefore, studies on volumetric changes in bone defects over time and the correlation between postoperative outcomes and residual bone defects will be helpful to address the controversy on the necessity of bone grafting in bone defects of calcaneal fractures. Questions/purposes (1) Do bone defects change in size in the first year after surgical treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures? (2) Does the size of residual bone defects correlate with postoperative radiographic or clinical outcomes? Methods Between 2015 and 2019, 99 patients with displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures visited the investigators' institution, of whom 95 received surgical treatment. Of the patients treated with surgery, 25% (24 of 95) did not undergo open reduction and internal fixation via an extensile lateral approach, and 19% (18 of 95) had multiple fractures, bilateral fractures, open fractures, or a history of previous surgery on the calcaneus; all of these patients were excluded. During the study period, CT was routinely performed for calcaneal fractures immediately after and 12 months after the surgery, but 6% (6 of 95) of the patients had insufficient CT data due to loss to follow-up before 12 months or other reasons, leaving 47 patients for evaluation in this retrospective study. Fractures were fixed with plate and screws, and bone grafting was not performed in all patients. To answer our first question, which was on the changes in bone defects over time, volumetric measurements of the bone defect were performed using CT via the ITK-SNAP software. The percentage of volumetric change was calculated as a fraction of the volumetric change over 12 months from the initial volume. The percentage of the residual bone defect was calculated as a fraction of the volume of the residual bone defect relative to the volume of the entire calcaneus. To answer our second question, which was on the correlation between residual bone defects and postoperative outcomes, we assessed the Bohler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal height, Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and VAS score for pain and compared these parameters with the size of the residual bone defect using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The OMAS and VAS scores for pain were evaluated and recorded during patient visits, and we obtained the scores through a chart review. All volumetric measurements and radiographic evaluations were performed by two orthopaedic surgeons, and the intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results The mean volume of the bone defect measured using CT was 4 ± 3 cm3 immediately after surgery and 1 ± 1 cm3 12 months after surgery. During the first 12 months after surgery, the mean volume of the bone defect was reduced by 77% (95% confidence interval 73% to 80%). The mean residual bone defect in the entire calcaneus was 2% (95% CI 1% to 2%), and none of the postoperative outcomes were correlated with the residual bone defect. Conclusion As bone defects substantially resolve without treatment, surgeons do not need to use bone graft for the surgical treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Future studies that include patients who underwent bone grafting for the treatment of calcaneal fractures are needed to confirm our findings and to further investigate whether bone grafting has additional benefits for the recovery of bone defects. Level of evidence Level III, therapeutic study.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Rupture of the contralateral Achilles tendon following Achilles tendon rupture can lead to devastating outcomes. However, despite the clinical importance, the risk factors and incidence of contralateral Achilles tendon rupture have not been well-studied. This study aimed to determine the incidence of contralateral tendon rupture after Achilles tendon rupture and to identify associated patient characteristics. Methods: Medical records for 226 consecutive patients with Achilles tendon rupture were retrospectively reviewed. The occurrence of contralateral Achilles tendon rupture and patient characteristics were determined through review of medical records and telephone surveys. Results: The cumulative incidences of contralateral Achilles tendon rupture at one, three, five, and seven years after Achilles tendon rupture were 0.4%, 1.8%, 3.4%, and 5.1%, respectively. The only statistically significant risk factor was age between 30 and 39 years at the time of initial Achilles tendon rupture (hazard ratio = 4.9). Conclusion: Patients who sustain Achilles tendon rupture in their 30 s have significantly increased risk for contralateral tendon rupture.

Background: Interfragmentary lag screws, protected by a plate, have been applied for many years in the treatment of supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures. Recently, similar biomechanical stability was found between fixation completed with a plate and lag screw and a plate alone. The aim of this study was to determine whether interfragmentary lag screws are necessary during precontoured lateral locking plate fixation for SER lateral malleolar fractures. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial of 76 patients with unilateral Lauge-Hansen SER lateral malleolar fractures was conducted. The patients were randomly treated either with or without the use of interfragmentary lag screws with precontoured lateral locking plate fixation. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score and a visual analog scale for pain. Radiologic outcomes were assessed based on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale score, incongruity of the ankle joint, and type of fracture healing. Sixty-nine patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Results: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to clinical outcomes at 3 and 12 months after surgery and radiologic outcomes at 12 months after surgery. All patients in both groups achieved primary bone healing. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that with precontoured lateral locking plate fixation, the use of interfragmentary lag screw is not essential in the treatment SER lateral malleolar fractures. Level of Evidence: Level I, prospective randomized study.

No previous study has demonstrated the relationship between the ankle position and radiographic diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of ankle position in the presence of diagnostic radiographic signs in acute Achilles tendon rupture. A retrospective review of 154 ankle lateral radiographs of acute Achilles tendon rupture was performed. Ankle position was classified as dorsiflexion, neutral, or plantar flexion by measurement of the tibiotalar angle. Kager's triangle, Toygar's angle, Arner's sign, and thickening of the Achilles tendon were assessed as diagnostic radiographic signs, and their relations to ankle position were analyzed. Interobserver reliabilities of radiographic signs were moderate to substantial (kappa value, range 0.41-0.68). All 4 signs were significantly more visible in ankle plantar flexion than dorsiflexion. The presence of Toygar's angle and positive Arner's sign were significantly increased in ankle plantar flexion compared to neutral, while the presence of Kager's triangle, and thickening of the Achilles tendon did not differ according to ankle position. The diagnostic radiographic signs of acute Achilles tendon rupture were better presented in ankle plantar flexion position than neutral and dorsiflexion positions. Neutral and dorsiflexion ankle positions should be avoided when performing lateral radiographs of patients with suspected acute Achilles tendon rupture.

This systematic review aimed to compare radiographic correction, clinical outcomes, complications, and re-operations between lateral column lengthening (LCL) and arthroereisis (AR) for treating symptomatic flatfoot in children. We conducted a comprehensive search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. The outcomes analyzed included radiographic parameters, clinical scores, satisfaction, complications, and re-operations. Twenty-one and 13 studies were included in the LCL and AR groups, respectively. The change in anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle was greater in the LCL (9.5° to 21.7°) than in the AR group (10.6° to 12.8°). The change in calcaneal pitch was greater in the LCL (2.1° to 26.53°) than in the AR group (− 1.3° to 3.23°). Improvements in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle–hindfoot score were greater in the LCL (27.7 to 39.1) than in the AR group (17 to 22). The percentage of satisfaction was similar between the LCL (68% to 89%) and AR (78.5% to 96.4%) groups. The complication rate was higher in the LCL (0% to 86.9%) than in the AR group (3.5% to 45%). The most common complications were calcaneocuboid subluxation and persistent pain in the LCL and AR groups, respectively. The re-operation rate was similar between the LCL (0% to 27.3%) and AR (0% to 36.4%) groups. The LCL group has achieved more radiographic corrections and more improvements in the AOFAS score than the AR group. Complications were more common in the LCL group than in the AR group, and the re-operation rates were similar between the two groups.

OBJECTIVES Sonography is often used for analysis of Morton neuromas, but the measurement reliability is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability and precision of sonographic measurement of Morton neuromas. METHODS Three observers with different levels of sonography experience (observer A, expert; observer B, intermediate; observer C, beginner) performed repeated measurements of the size of Morton's neuroma in 20 patients. Intraclass correlation coefficient and limit of agreement were used to evaluate reliability and measurement precision. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficient for intraobserver reliability was 0.80, 0.71, and 0.43 (limit of agreement, 20%, 18%, and 47%) in observers A, B, and C, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver reliability was 0.72, 0.38, and 0.38 (limit of agreement, 25%, 36%, and 35%) between observers A/B, A/C, and B/C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The intra- and interobserver reliability values for sonographic measurement of Morton neuroma size were dependent on observer experience. Experienced observers had higher reliability, while observers who were less familiar with sonography showed moderate to low reliability.

Implant arthroplasty and arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint are the main surgical treatment options for advanced hallux rigidus. The superiority of each modality continues to be debated, because there are few high-quality evidence-based studies, such as randomized controlled clinical trials or meta-analyses of comparative studies. The purpose of this study was to identify whether implant arthroplasty or arthrodesis is superior for the treatment of advanced hallux rigidus through meta-analysis of comparative studies. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was conducted. Only retrospective or prospective comparative studies were included in this meta-analysis. The literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. The primary outcomes were clinical scores and patient satisfaction. The rate of reoperation and complication were also investigated. Seven comparative studies were included (2 prospective and 5 retrospective studies). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society-Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal score, patient satisfaction rate, reoperation rate, or complication rate. The visual analogue scale for pain was significantly lower in the arthrodesis group than the implant arthroplasty group. This meta-analysis revealed that implant arthroplasty and arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint led to similar clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, reoperation rates, and complication rates, whereas pain was significantly lower in arthrodesis. Further studies of high methodological quality are required to confirm these conclusions.

To compare proprioception, postural stability, and neuromuscular control between patients with mechanical laxity and recurrent ankle sprain. Among 86 patients with ankle instability, 45 patients had mechanical laxity (mean age 27.2 ± 7.0 years) and 41 had recurrent ankle sprain (mean age 25.1 ± 9.2 years). Both the affected and unaffected ankles of each patient were evaluated. Proprioception and neuromuscular control tests were conducted using an isokinetic machine, and postural stability was tested using a postural stabilometry system. Proprioception was not significantly different between the unaffected or affected ankles of the mechanical laxity group compared with those of the recurrent ankle sprain group (n.s). Static and dynamic postural stability and neuromuscular control were similar in the affected ankles between the two groups (n.s). However, postural stability (static, overall: p = 0.009, anterior–posterior: p = 0.028, medial–lateral: p = 0.022; dynamic, overall: p = 0.012, anterior–posterior: p = 0.004, medial–lateral: p = 0.001) and neuromuscular control (inversion: p = 0.031, eversion: p = 0.039, dorsiflexion: p = 0.029, plantarflexion: p = 0.035) were significantly decreased in the unaffected ankles of the recurrent ankle sprain group compared with those of the mechanical laxity group. The unaffected ankles of the recurrent ankle sprain group showed significant decreases in both postural stability and neuromuscular control compared with the mechanical laxity group. Clinicians and therapists should consider unaffected ankle rehabilitation in patients with recurrent ankle sprain to prevent future sprain events. Case–control study, III.

Meticulous skin closure is required to avoid wound problems after Achilles tendon surgery. The purpose of our study was to compare postoperative complication rate, operation time, clinical outcome and patient satisfaction with the wound among two topical skin adhesives (2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate) and conventional nylon skin sutures in Achilles tendon repair surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the records 122 consecutive patients (40 patient in nylon skin suture, 43 patients in 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and 39 patients in n-butyl cyanoacrylate) who underwent surgical repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture between 2012 and 2016. The primary outcome measure was the development of complications in the wound. Secondary outcome measures included the operative time, the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and patient satisfaction with the wound. There was no difference in complication rate in the wound (p = 0.694) and in ATRS (p = 0.824) among patients in the three groups. Mean operative time in nylon skin suture group was significantly longer than in the 2-octyl cyanoacrylate group and n-butyl cyanoacrylate group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.002, respectively). Patient satisfaction in the 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate groups was significantly higher than in the nylon skin suture group (p = 0.015 and 0.018, respectively). The use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives for skin closure following repair of Achilles tendon rupture has equivalent effectiveness and safety compared to conventional nylon skin suture, but higher patient satisfaction. Despite its higher cost, these topical skin adhesives are viable alternatives for wound closure in patients who regard cosmetic outcomes as important.

Aim Patients with diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at increased risk of lower extremity amputation (LEA) and postoperative complications compared to those without diabetic ESRD. This study sought to determine the factors that influence complications following LEA in patients with diabetic ESRD. Methods A total of 41 patients with diabetic ESRD (total of 46 amputations) who underwent LEA were enrolled in this study. The electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify the predictors of postoperative complications. The outcomes were divided into three categories: no complications, minor complications (wounds requiring only local care or oral antibiotics), and major complications (requiring surgical intervention, further amputations, or inducing life-threatening morbidities and mortalities). Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that underlying sepsis (p = 0.007) was the only significant risk factor for major complications, with an odds ratio demonstrating an 8.16 times increased risk of requiring another surgery or mortality compared to those without sepsis. Conclusion Preoperative sepsis is an independent risk factor for major complications after LEA in patients with diabetic ESRD. We advise particular caution when performing LEA in diabetic ESRD patients who are also septic. Early amputation, prior to the development of sepsis, is preferable.

Purpose To perform a systematic review comparing the clinical scores, union rate, complications, reoperations, hospital stay, and operation time between open ankle arthrodesis (OAA) and arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA). Methods We conducted a comprehensive search in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Only comparative studies were included in this meta-analysis. The literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. The outcomes analyzed included clinical scores, union rate, complications, reoperations, hospital stay, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss. Results A total of 7 retrospective comparative studies were included in this systematic review. Clinical scores were noted in 3 studies. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score and the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale score were better in the AAA group than in the OAA group. The union rate was similar between the OAA (70%-100%) and AAA (76.2%-100%) groups. The complication rate was higher in the OAA group (6.7%-47.1%) than in the AAA group (0%-23.8%) in 6 studies. The reoperation rate was similar between the OAA (0%-26.5%) and AAA (0%-27.6%) groups. The hospital stay was shorter in the AAA group in 6 studies. Among the 5 studies that reported operation time, 4 reported no significant difference. Two studies showed that intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the AAA group. Conclusions AAA was shown to offer the advantages of better clinical scores, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay, and less blood loss compared with OAA. However, the union rate, reoperation rate, and operation time were similar overall between the 2 groups. Level of Evidence Level III, systematic review of Level III studies.

This study aimed to determine the impact of wearing a lateral-offset sole shoe (LOSS) on knee adduction moment (KAM) in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). From December 2012 to November 2016, patients with medial knee OA were recruited. Ninety-three knees (50 left, 43 right) of 93 female patients were analyzed. The first peak KAMs were measured with patients (i) walking barefoot; (ii) walking in conventional shoes; and (iii) walking in LOSSs. The patients had grade 1 (n = 19), grade 2 (n = 49), grade 3 (n = 20), and grade 4 (n = 5) knee OA. First peak KAMs differed significantly in all three conditions (p = 0.031). In the post hoc analysis, first peak KAMs were significantly lower during LOSS walking than during conventional shoe walking (p = 0.001), but there were no differences in peak KAMs between barefoot and LOSS walking (p = 0.784). In the subgroup analysis, patients with grades 2 and 3 OA showed significantly lower first peak KAMs during LOSS walking than during conventional shoe walking (p = 0.029 and p = 0.011, respectively). Both the peak eversion ankle angle and moment of barefoot walking showed a significant increase compared with LOSS and conventional shoe walking, while there was no significant difference between LOSS and conventional shoe walking (p = 0.612 and p = 0.197, respectively). Our results suggest that LOSS wearing caused significant KAM reductions compared with conventional shoe wearing. Since LOSS wearing does not cause changes in the peak eversion ankle angle and moment during the load response, it may be an effective method to reduce the KAM in women with knee OA. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1694-1700, 2018.

Although many types of ankle fracture can be combined with syndesmosis injury, preoperative imaging studies rarely reveal instability of the syndesmosis. This study assessed the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for syndesmotic instability in patients with unstable ankle fracture. A total of 74 patients who were treated for Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation/Weber B type fracture or pronation external rotation/Weber C type fracture and who underwent MRI for preoperative assessment were enrolled. The MRI findings of the syndesmotic ligament and the results of an intraoperative stress test were evaluated. Twenty-six patients had a positive result on the intraoperative stress test for syndesmotic instability. The MRI findings of the syndesmotic ligaments revealed that complete tear of the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) was the most reliable predictor of syndesmotic instability (sensitivity, 74%; specificity, 78%; positive predictive value, 54%). Interobserver agreement for the intraoperative stress test and MRI assessment was excellent, except for the MRI findings of the interosseous ligament (62% agreement; kappa, 0.3). Complete tear of the PITFL on MRI has additional diagnostic value for syndesmotic instability in ankle fracture. However, because the sensitivity might not be sufficient to justify the costs associated with MRI, cost-effectiveness should be considered.

Without clear reference, the precision of syndesmotic screw placement cannot be guaranteed and malposition of these screws leads to poor results. Therefore, to prevent malpositioning of syndesmotic screws, an improved understanding of the orientation of tibiofibular syndesmosis is essential. We analyzed cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) scans of the foot and ankle to identify precise screw positions for the treatment of syndesmotic injuries. A total of 134 calcaneal fractures with intact tibiofibular syndesmosis were enrolled in this retrospective study. We measured the angle between the perpendicular line of the second proximal phalanx and the line start apex of the lateral cortex of the fibula bisecting the tibial incisura and crossing the center of the tibia in neutral ankle joints, with the second toe positioned anteriorly using a short leg splint. The second toe was used as the reference for clarity and applicability. The ideal angle of syndesmotic screw placement in cross-sectional CT images was 18.8±5.6° (mean±standard deviation) and did not differ according to independent variables (P>0.05). In neutral ankle joints with the second toe positioned anteriorly, the ideal angle of syndesmotic screw placement is 18.8°, which is less than that currently in used in conventional methods.

Procalcitonin (PCT) has been recently accepted as a marker for diagnosing infection. The aim of the present study was to determine whether PCT levels are associated with infection severity of diabetic foot ulcers and whether PCT levels would be helpful to differentiate infected diabetic foot ulcer (IDFU) from IDFU associated with other infectious diseases (IDFU+O).We prospectively included 123 diabetic patients hospitalized for IDFU. Infection severity of diabetic foot ulcers was graded according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America-International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot clinical classification of diabetic foot infection. Chest radiograph, urinalysis, urine microscopy, urine culture, and blood cultures (if fever was present) were performed for all patients to diagnose other infectious diseases. Laboratory parameters were measured from blood venous samples.PCT (Spearman's ρ=0.338, P0.001) and C-reactive protein (Spearman's ρ=0.477, P0.001) levels were significantly associated with infection severity of diabetic foot ulcers. However, only PCT levels could differentiate patients with associated infectious diseases from patients with no concomitant infection (area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve 0.869, P0.0001; cut-off value 0.59; sensitivity 94.7; specificity 88.5).PCT and CRP levels positively correlated with infection severity of diabetic foot ulcers and PCT levels0.59ng/mL in patients with IDFU may be associated with other systemic bacterial infection.

Background:Bipartite hallucal sesamoids are often found in patients with hallux valgus. However, it is unknown whether bipartite hallucal sesamoids affect the results of hallux valgus surgery or not. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus with and without bipartite hallucal sesamoid.Methods:A total of 152 patients (168 feet) treated with distal or proximal chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus constituted the study cohort. The 168 feet were divided into 2 groups: bipartite hallucal sesamoid (31 feet) and without bipartite hallucal sesamoid (137 feet). Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), tibial sesamoid position, and first metatarsal length were measured for radiographic outcomes and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score was measured for clinical outcomes.Results:All radiographic measurements and the AOFAS score showed significant ( P < .05) improvement at the time of final follow-up compared with preoperative measurements in both groups. No significant differences ( P > .05) were found between the 2 groups in terms of HVA, IMA, DMAA, tibial sesamoid position, metatarsal shortening, and AOFAS score on final follow-up.Conclusions:This study suggests that bipartite hallucal sesamoids do not affect the results of hallux valgus surgery.Level of Evidence:Level III, retrospective comparative study.

An acute Achilles tendon rupture is the most common tendon rupture of the lower extremities, yet the optimal timing for an early surgical repair is unclear. To identify the optimal time for an early surgical repair with favorable results, we evaluated the isokinetic muscle strength and clinical outcomes of early surgical repairs of acute Achilles tendon ruptures performed at different time points after injury. Between January 2011 and July 2015, a total of 65 patients underwent an acute Achilles tendon rupture repair within 1 week after injury. To compare the outcomes at different time points post-injury, we divided patients into 3 groups: group 1, surgical treatment at ≤24h; group 2, surgery at ≥24h and ≤48h; and group 3, surgery at ≥48 hours and ≤1 week. The isokinetic muscle strength in both ankles were measured using a Cybex dynamometer, and the Achilles tendon total rupture score, the modified Tegner scoring system, the visual analog scale was used to assess clinical outcomes. Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare multiple results in the 3 groups. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of ankle isokinetic muscle strength or clinical outcome scores (P>0.05). The complication rate was low in all groups. There were no significant differences in isokinetic muscle strength or clinical outcomes following acute Achilles tendon rupture repairs performed within 1 week after injury.

This study aimed to determine whether the degree of pes planus was associated with hallux valgus severity and hallux valgus surgery outcomes. A total of 122 feet were retrospectively analyzed after hallux valgus surgery. The hallux valgus angle, inter-metatarsal angle, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, and talonavicular coverage angle were measured. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Foot Function Index were evaluated. A significant correlation between radiographic parameters of pes planus and hallux valgus severity, radiographic outcomes, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and Foot Function Index were not noted. The hallux valgus angle and inter-metatarsal angle changed significantly after the surgery (p.001 and p.001, respectively); however, a significant difference was not noted between the pes planus and non-pes planus groups (p = .279 and p = .632, respectively). A significant interaction between the time points and groups was not observed with respect to the hallux valgus angle (p = .311) and inter-metatarsal angle (p = .417). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that none of the radiographic parameters for pes planus affected hallux valgus recurrence. Pes planus in adult patients is not significantly associated with hallux valgus severity and recurrence, radiographic outcomes, or clinical scores.

Compartment syndromes associated with arthroscopy have been rarely reported. Compartment syndrome after knee arthroscopy has been reported in some case reports, whereas we could find only one case report of acute compartment syndrome following ankle arthroscopy after Maisonneuve fracture. However, there has been no previous report of a case of acute compartment syndrome after ankle arthroscopy in an atraumatic patient. In this article, we present a case of acute compartment syndrome during ankle arthroscopic procedures in an atraumatic patient.