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Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Immobilization using lower extremity splints is a ubiquitous tool in orthopaedic care in the emergency department, operating room, and outpatient clinic settings. Prolonged use of these splints may result in skin changes or ulceration of the heel if not padded or positioned correctly. There is currently no biomechanical study in the literature measuring posterior heel contact pressure in lower extremity splints. The purpose of our study is to measure the contact pressure differences in the posterior heel with increasing layers of cotton padding, with and without the heel floating. We hypothesize that increased layers of padding will decrease contact pressure, but improvement will plateau. We predict that floating the heel will also considerably offload contact pressure. Methods: Short leg splints were applied to six limbs in three healthy subjects with an underlying pressure transducer (Tekscan I-Scan system) on the skin surface of the posterior heel. Peak contact pressures were measured after 0, 2, 4, and 6 layers of cotton padding were applied behind the heel in positions both with and without the heel freely floating. Each limb served as their own control, as pressure changes were compared to each limb’s baseline measurement (splint applied with all padding removed). Results: Over a 3-fold decrease in peak contact pressure was observed after the application of 4 or 6 layers of cotton padding. This escalated to over a 6-fold decrease with 2, 4, or 6 layers of padding while the splint was positioned with the heel freely floating. Splints with 4 and 6 layers of padding decreased heel contact pressure similarly (reduced to 29% and 28% from baseline, respectively), improved from 2 layers of padding (51% decrease from baseline). The mean contact pressure with 6 layers of padding (28% from baseline) remained higher than the mean contact pressure with 0 layers of padding with the heel floating (21% from baseline). Conclusion: Lower extremity splints with 4 or 6 layers of cotton padding provided a meaningful decrease in peak posterior heel contact pressure. The greatest decrease in heel contact pressure was observed in splints with the heel floating, even with all layers of cotton padding removed. This was more optimal than all layers of cotton padding tested. This study emphasizes the critical nature of patient counseling regarding the importance of proper splint positioning with the heel floating when at rest. Neglecting to do so may put the patient at increased risk for posterior heel skin complications.

Category: Other; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The effect of sleep deprivation and environmental stresses for orthopaedic trainees can manifest as physical and mental impairment in addition to worsening psychomotor performances. Lack of sleep and rest may compromise both decision making and clinical judgement, though this area of study largely has been unstudied. The purpose of this study is to quantify the volume of clinical workload that precipitates a decline in psychomotor and cognitive performance among orthopaedic trainees. Methods: The study cohort was comprised of Orthopedic Surgery residents (PGYII-V) from an Level I Academic Medical System/Tertiary Care Center taking primary fracture/trauma call over 1 24 month span. Resident participants were evaluated prior to, and immediately after, 12 and 24-hour call shifts. Participants’ technical and spatial processing abilities were evaluated via targeted drilling exercises on sawbones. Cognitive performance and neuropsychology assessments were captured with a validated, cognitive testing platform. These performances were analyzed against matched-clinical workload stress-level assignments following each call shift. Results: Following exposure to call-shifts, residents that experienced a high-stress call shift displayed statistically significant impairments to their cognitive performances with declines in their mental flexibilities (P = 0.0079) and information processing (P = 0.0003) capabilities. High-stress call shift exposure was also associated with significantly worse performance on psychomotor testing, a proxy for surgical performances, as demonstrated by higher aiming errors (P = 0.028) and miss distances (P = 0.046) on drilling exercises. Linear regression demonstrated a protective effect of increased baseline attention on psychomotor performance following call shift exposure (P=0.0004). Conclusion: Following high-stress call shifts among orthopaedic trainees, one can expect declines in neurocognition and technical performance independent of length of call shift and sleep deprivation. This study demonstrates a statistically significant and potentially clinically important relationship between increased clinical workload and decline in psychomotor performance and cognitive function. Higher baseline attention may be protective against this decline.

Category: Sports; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports. In 2018, there were 3.1 million pickleball players in the U.S, a 12 percent increase from 2017. Individuals greater than the age of 50 or older accounted for 90.9% of pickleball injuries. Pickleball injuries were projected to cost the US healthcare system up to $500 million in 2023. Anecdotally, orthopaedic surgeons are noticing rising pickleball-related Achilles Tendon (AT) ruptures. However, there is a paucity of literature examining the incidence of Pickleball AT ruptures. Given the biomechanical similarities between pickleball and tennis, we compared the frequency of such at-risk movements for AT ruptures in these sports, hypothesizing that such movements would be greater in pickleball than in tennis match play. Methods: Publicly available footage of professional men’s and women’s singles matches from US Open Tennis and Pickleball Championships were collected and edited to display the first 5 minutes of active gameplay. Videos were then reviewed by 3 fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons and 1 orthopaedic resident. Previous literature identified AT eccentric contractions, hip extension, knee flexion, and foot dorsiflexion leading to such ruptures. The authors determined at-risk movements (running takeoff/accelerating, pivot/cut) and body part positions, such as foot position (abduction, adduction, neutral, pronation, supination, dorsiflexion, plantarflexion), knee position in the sagittal plane, and hip position (extension, flexion). The number of at-risk AT movements was quantified and averaged among reviewers. Two-sided T-tests were used to evaluate for evidence of a statistically significant difference in the total number of at-risk ankle movements between the two sports. Results: After averaging across observations made by 3 orthopaedic surgeons and 1 orthopaedic surgeon resident, Pickleball players executed an average 97.59 (SD 8.08) at-risk movements and tennis players executed an average 68.39 (SD 10.75) at-risk movements per ankle with a significance value of 2.61E-07. When subdivided into individual ankles, there was still a statistically significant difference between the two sports (p< 0.001) with Pickleball having markedly more at-risk movements. This makes sense given that there was not a significant difference between Left and Right movements in either sport. Similarly, comparing ankle movements of each sport across and within each gender demonstrated a statistically significant difference as well (p< 0.05). Conclusion: In a small sample of professional athletes, there exists a significant increase in at-risk Achilles tendon movements of both ankles in Pickleball compared to Tennis independent of demographics. AT ruptures sustained during pickleball are multifactorial and the fraction of Achilles tendons that rupture during at-risk movements performed is exceedingly small. However, the higher frequency of at-risk movements during pickleball may influence pickleball-related AT ruptures. Being that pickleball has and will continue to grow in popularity, particularly with older age groups, evaluating the physical risks that this sport poses will help better inform athletic training and rehab programs for injury prevention.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have emerged as a powerful diabetic treatment adjunct; however, its effects on outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are not well known. The purpose of this study was to compare the risk of complications after TKA in patients with type-2 diabetes who were on GLP-1 agonists with those who were not. Methods: In total, 34,696 type 2 diabetes patients undergoing primary TKA between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed utilizing a large national database. Propensity score matching was employed to match patients on GLP-1 agonists to controls at a 1:1 ratio (n = 2388 each). Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to examine 90-day and 1-year TKA outcomes between cohorts. Results: Controls had higher odds of extended hospital stays (≥3 days) (odds ratio 1.29, P < .001). However, surgical complication rates at 90-days including surgical site infection and prosthetic joint infection were not significantly different. Similarly, no differences were seen in medical complications. There were also no significant differences in rates of all-cause revision TKA and aseptic revision TKA at 1 year postoperatively. Conclusions: This study found that GLP-1 agonist use was not associated with increased medical or surgical complication rates in patients with diabetes undergoing TKA and was associated with lower rates of extended hospital stays after surgery. Given the potential for increased glycemic control and weight loss in patients using GLP-1 agonists, more data are needed to delineate the potential role of GLP-1 agonists in preoperative optimization of patients with diabetes prior to joint arthroplasty to minimize postoperative complications.

Purpose: The Audiovisual-Assisted Therapeutic Ambience in Radiotherapy (AVATAR) trial was a prospective multicenter study (NCT03991156) examining the combination of video immersion with radiation therapy and was successfully conducted through the collaboration of pediatric radiation oncology teams at 10 institutions independent of any pre-existing consortium. We sought to analyze and report the methodology of trial conception and development, process map, and cost. Methods and Materials: The study enrolled patients aged 3 to 10 years preparing to undergo radiation therapy, integrated the combination of AVATAR-based video immersion with radiation therapy at each institution, and offered AVATAR use as an alternative to anesthesia, with rates of anesthesia use and outcomes of serial standardized anxiety and quality-of-life assessments assessed among the 81 children enrolled. A process map was created based on the trial timeline with the following components: study development time (time from conception of the trial to the accrual of the first patient, including design phase, agreement and approval phase, and site preparation phase), and accrual duration time (time from the first to last accrual). Costs and institutional success rates were calculated. Results: Time from inception of study to last accrual was 3.6 years (1313 days). The study development time was 417 days (31.7%), and accrual duration time was 896 days (68.3%), with the final 50% of accrual occurring in

Introduction: The Radical Remission Multimodal Intervention (RRMI) was developed by Kelly A. Turner, PhD, after analyzing more than 1500 cases of cancer survivors experiencing radical remission (a.k.a. spontaneous regression) across all cancer types and extracting key lifestyle factors shared by these cancer survivors. The RRMI workshops provide instruction on these lifestyle factors to participants with cancer and give them tools to help navigate their cancer recovery journey. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of the RRMI on the quality of life (QOL) of people with cancer. Methods: This was a pre-post outcome study. Data were collected, between January 2019 and January 2022, from 200 eligible adults of all cancer types, who attended the RRMI workshops (online and in-person). Participants were asked to complete questionnaires online, at baseline (i.e., before the intervention) and at month 1 and month 6 post-intervention. The RRMI workshops were led by certified Radical Remission health coaches. Participants completed the RRMI with personalized action plans for them to implement. The primary outcome QOL measure was the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp). Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine differences in FACIT-Sp score between month 1 and baseline, as well as month 6 and baseline. Models controlled for baseline score, covariates (including age, ethnic group, and body mass index), timepoints (month 1 or 6), training type (online or in-person), adherence score, and interaction between timepoints and adherence score. Results: 92% of participants were women, 77% were Non-Hispanic White, 88% were living in the US, and 66.5% were not living alone. One-quarter had breast cancer. Mean age ± SD was 55.3 ± 11.5 years. Final mixed-effects model analyses showed a significant increase in FACIT-Sp score of 9.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.2-12.8) points at month 1 ( P

Background:. Effective operating theater (OT) communication and teamwork are essential to optimal surgical outcomes. We mapped the OT team dynamics and infection control practices using visual methods to guide reflexive feedback and optimize perioperative practices. Methods:. Data were gathered from adult gastrointestinal surgical teams at a tertiary hospital in India using observations, sociograms (communication mapping tool), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Our methods aimed to map team communication, roles and responsibilities in infection-related practices, and door openings. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results:. Data were gathered from 10 surgical procedures (over 51 hours) using 16 sociograms, 15 traffic flow maps, and 3 FGDs. Senior surgeons directly influence team hierarchies, dynamics, and communication. While the surgeons, anesthetic residents, and technicians lead most tasks during procedures, the scrub nurse acts as a mediator coordinating activity among role players across hierarchies. Failing to provide the scrub nurse with complete details of the planned surgery leads to multiple door openings to fetch equipment and disposables. Traffic flow observed in 15-minute intervals corresponds to a mean frequency of 56 door openings per hour (min: 16; max: 108), with implications for infection control. Implementing the World Health Organization surgical safety checklist was inconsistent across pathways and does not match reported compliance data. Conclusions:. Human factors research is important in optimizing surgical teamwork. Using visual methods to provide feedback to perioperative teams on their communication patterns and behaviors, provided an opportunity for contextualized enhancement of infection prevention and control practices.

Objective: To identify prognostically distinct phenotype clusters in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) patients based on topological data analysis (TDA), which was never used to assess the heterogeneous TEER population. Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent TEER (June 2014-September 2020) at Mayo Clinic sites were identified from the institutional database. Thirteen variables were used for TDA. The topological network graph was created using the Python Scikit-TDA Kepler-Mapper package (v. 2.0.1), and clustering was performed at the graph level with Louvain’s modularity method. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the all-cause mortality of each cluster. Result: A total of 389 consecutive patients were included in the final analysis, and 2 major clusters were identified. The mean age was 80.3 ± 8.7 years; 256 (65.8%) were male. Fifty-five (14.5%) patients died during the mean follow-up duration (185 days). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant survival differences among the 2 clusters (hazard ratio, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.50-4.87; P=.0005). Cluster 1 (n=227) had moderate or increased residual mitral regurgitation (cluster 0 vs cluster 1: 19.4% vs 41.9%; P

Background: Metatarsalgia and plantar plate tears are characterized by forefoot pain and toe deformity in severe cases. Conservative management may slow progression of symptoms; however, definitive treatment often requires operative intervention. The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the combination of plantar condylectomy and surgical imbrication of the plantar plate to the metatarsal neck to repair grade 0 plantar plate injuries. Methods: We retrospectively identified 22 patients with metatarsalgia and low-grade plantar plate lesions (grade 0), operated between 2018 and 2021, who underwent operative repair involving plantar metatarsal condylectomy and proximal surgical imbrication of the plantar plate to the metatarsal neck. Fourteen patients underwent concomitant hallux valgus correction. Data collection was performed preoperatively and postoperatively and included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) scores. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared PROMIS PF and PI scores at patients’ preoperative, 6-9-week, 3-4-month, 5-6-month, and ≥9-month follow-up evaluations ( P

Background: Posterolateral rotator instability (PLRI) is the most common pattern of recurrent elbow instability, and current imaging to aid PLRI diagnosis is limited. Thus, we sought to define use of ultrasound (US) to determine normal lateral ulnohumeral joint measurements, with and without posterolateral drawer testing to provide an insight into how US may aid diagnosis. Methods: Sixty elbows were evaluated in thirty healthy volunteers. The lateral ulnohumeral gap (LUHG) was measured with US in the resting position while the posterolateral drawer stress test maneuver was applied. Joint laxity was calculated as the difference between maximum stress and average rest measurements. Two independent readers assessed each elbow with comparison performed between stress and rest positions. Results: Differences in the LUHG were evident between stress and rest conditions (reader 1: P

Background: There continues to be controversy regarding treatment options for Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR). The aim of our study is to compare outcomes between operatively and nonoperatively managed Achilles ruptures in young adults (age 18-30 years), which has not been previously evaluated. Methods: At a single institution, all patients aged 18-30 years at time of injury who underwent treatment for an acute ATR from 2014 to 2021 were evaluated. Medical records were reviewed to collect demographics, dates of injury and treatment, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after treatment, and rate of rerupture. Patients then completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) questionnaires. Mann-Whitney nonparametric testing was used to evaluate for any statistical differences in PROMIS scores. Results: Sixty-six operative patients qualified and 28 (42%) participated. Thirty-seven nonoperative patients qualified and 14 (38%) participated. All patients had a CCI of 0. One patient in the operative cohort and 2 in the nonoperative reported active smoking. In the operative and nonoperative cohorts, respectively, the average age was 24.4 and 27.8 years; average BMI 26.5 (SD = 4.8) and 27.3 (SD = 4.3, P = .52); DVT rates 4 (6.1%) and 2 (5.4%); and rerupture rates 2 (3.0%) and 1 (2.7%), respectively. PROMIS scores did not differ in the operative and nonoperative groups: PROMIS PF mean of 60.4 (SD = 9.8) and 62.9 (SD = 9.1), respectively ( P = .33); as well as PROMIS PI mean of 44.6 (SD = 5.9) and 43.9 (SD = 6.5), respectively ( P = .59). Conclusion: This study should be interpreted with the understanding that we had a considerable loss to follow-up rate. In the study cohort, we found that young adults with ATR may be considered for either operative or nonoperative management. Rates of DVT, rates of rerupture, and PROMIS scores were not dissimilar between the 2 cohorts. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Background: Lateral talar subluxation (LTS) was introduced as a measurement tool for evaluating isolated Weber B ankle fractures, with LTS >4 mm on gravity stress (GS) radiographs possibly indicating need for surgery. This study reviews LTS measurements in nonoperatively managed isolated Weber B fibula fractures to further investigate the validity of this previously stated cutoff. Methods: The senior authors previously reported outcomes of a novel algorithm for nonoperative management of isolated Weber B ankle fractures. Outcome scores reported include American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot, Olerud-Molander (OMA), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for activities of daily living (FAAM/ADL), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. All patients achieved union of their fracture. LTS was measured on GS radiographs of both injured and contralateral uninjured extremities. Results: Forty-two patients were included with minimum 1-year follow-up. Average age was 49 years (range 19-72). Mean measurements on injury GS radiographs were as follows: medial clear space (MCS) 4.45 mm (SD = 0.93), superior clear space (SCS) 3.46 mm (SD = 0.70), and LTS 2.33 mm (SD = 1.57, range 0-4.7 mm), with 35 (83.3%) patients having injury LTS ≤4 mm. Mean measurements on contralateral (uninjured) GS radiographs were as follows: MCS 3.39 mm (SD = 0.63), SCS 3.15 mm (SD = 0.50), and LTS 1.30 mm (SD = 1.28, range 0-4.8 mm). There was no statistically significant difference in all outcome measures based on amount of LTS (4 mm). Conclusion: Most patients had injury LTS ≤4 mm, although those with LTS >4 mm had excellent outcome scores. LTS measurements on normal ankles reveal a large range. LTS may be a useful adjunct in evaluating isolated Weber B ankle fractures but the 4-mm cutoff may not be entirely reliable. Further studies are required to validate LTS as a decision-making tool. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Background: Internal fixation (IF) has historically been favored for the treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in young, nongeriatric patients. However, recent literature reporting high reoperation rates among those receiving IF, taken in conjunction with favorable survivorship of modern bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty (THA), has begun to question this paradigm. Our study sought to compare outcomes between IF and THA for FNFs in patients aged 40-59 years. Methods: Using the Truven MarketScan Database, we performed a retrospective propensity-score-matched cohort study on patients aged 40-59 years who underwent surgical management of an isolated FNF (THA or IF). Patients with pathologic fracture were not included. Analysis was conducted on patients aged 40-49 and 50-59 years separately. A subgroup analysis was performed on those patients with 1 year and 3 years of follow-up. Multivariate analysis, controlling for baseline patient information, was then performed. Results: Seven hundred sevety-eight 40- to 49-year-old patients and 3470 50- to 59-year-old matched patients (IF and THA) were included in this study. A multivariate analysis found that patients aged 40-49 years who underwent IF were at higher odds of both 1-year (odds ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 1.22-4.54, P = .011) and 3-year (odds ratio 5.68, 95% confidence interval 2.21-14.60, P < .001) reoperation. Similar results were found in those aged 50-59 years. While complication rates were similar, postoperative anemia and 90-day visits to the emergency room were more common after THA in both age cohorts. Conclusions: While THA is associated with increased postoperative anemia and resource utilization compared with IF, patients aged 40-59 years who undergo IF for FNF are at increased risk of reoperation in the first 3 postoperative years. This information should be used to assist in shared decision-making with patients in this age group.

Background: Though ubiquitously used in orthopaedic trauma, lower extremity splints may have associated iatrogenic risk of morbidity. Although clinicians pad bony prominences to minimize skin pressure, the effect of joint position on skin pressure and, more specifically, changing joint position, is understudied. The purpose of this biomechanical study is to determine the effect of various short-leg splint application techniques on anterior ankle surface pressure in the development of iatrogenic skin pressure ulcers. Methods: Various constructs of lower extremity, short-leg splints were applied to 3 healthy subjects (6 limbs total) with an underlying pressure transducer (Tekscan I-Scan system) on the skin surface centered on the tibialis anterior tendon at the level of the ankle. All subjects underwent anterior ankle surface pressure assessment when padding was applied in maximum plantar flexion and neutral position for conventional short-leg splints application in clinically relevant patient scenarios. Percentage change from initial contact pressure centered on the tibialis anterior with cast padding were calculated. Results: The percentage change in anterior ankle contact pressure when padding was applied in maximum plantar flexion (PF) and then definitively placed in neutral was increased at least 2-fold without the addition of plaster in lower extremity short-leg splints. Removing anterior ankle padding following final splint application in neutral reduced contact forces at the anterior ankle 46% and 59% in splints applied in maximum PF and neutral ankle position, respectively. Conclusion: The present study is the first of its kind to underscore and quantify clinically relevant technical pearls that can be useful in reducing risk of iatrogenic risk of skin breakdown at the anterior ankle when placing short-leg splints, mainly, that it is imperative to apply padding in the intended final splint position and to remove anterior ankle padding following splint application when able. Level of Evidence: Level IV, biomechanical study with clear hypothesis.

The objective of this study was to compare unannounced standardized patient (USP) and patient reports of care. Patient satisfaction surveys and USP checklist results collected at an urban, public hospital were compared to identify items included in both surveys. Qualitative commentary was reviewed to better understand USP and patient satisfaction survey data. Analyses included χ 2 and Mann-Whitney U test. Patients provided significantly higher ratings on 10 of the 11 items when compared to USPs. USPs may provide a more objective perspective on a clinical encounter than a real patient, reinforcing the notion that real patients skew overly positive or negative.

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: Lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) instability is implicated in common forefoot pain and deformities. The plantar plate is a major stabilizing structure of the MTP joint with instability frequently occurring after a tear or attenuation of this structure. Previous studies have demonstrated that the blood supply to the proximal plantar plate comes from both the metatarsal and the plantar fascia. Commonly, a McGlamry elevator is used to strip the plantar plate from the plantar surface of the metatarsal to improve exposure of the MTP joint. The vascular consequence of stripping the plantar plate from the metatarsal is not yet well understood. The purpose of this study is to quantify the relative contribution of blood supply to the proximal plantar plate from the metatarsal and plantar fascia. Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen human adult cadaver lower extremity specimens were utilized for this study, resulting in 35 lesser MTP joints that were studied. All specimens were between the ages of 18 and 65 years and had no history of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or connective tissue disorders. Specimens with a history of trauma to the foot or ankle, prior foot or ankle surgery, or evidence of clinical deformity of less toes upon inspection were excluded. The specimens were prepared as described previously in Finney et al. The anterior and posterior tibial arteries were perfused with a barium solution and counterstained with phosphomolybdic acid. The second through fourth MTP joints of 12 feet were imaged with nano-computed tomography (nano- CT) at 14-micron resolution. Reconstructed 3D and 2D CT images were utilized for analysis of the volume of vasculature along the metatarsal pedicle and plantar fascia of the proximal plantar plate. Results: Based on nano-CT imaging, the plantar plate specimen demonstrated microvascular infiltration at the proximal attachments of the metatarsal neck, interosseous muscles, periosteum, and plantar fascia (Figure 1). An average of 63.5% of the vascular supply to the proximal portion of the plantar plate entered from the metatarsal pedicle in 35 lesser toe specimens analyzed. The remaining 36.5% of the vascular supply entered from the plantar fascia. The second toes, third toes, and fourth toes had an average of 64.7%, 59.0%, and 67.1% of vasculature supply from the metatarsal pedicle, respectively. The average volume of vasculature from the metatarsal pedicle to the proximal plantar plate was 0.38 mm 3 , while the average volume of vasculature from the plantar fascia to the proximal plantar plate was 0.19 mm 3 . Conclusion: The vascular supply of the proximal plantar plate is supplied from both the metatarsal pedicle and plantar fascia. Using the McGlamry elevator for exposure of the MTP joint disrupts the dominant tributary for proximal plantar plate perfusion.

Background: In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide quarantine that forced individuals to adjust their daily activities, potentially impacting the burden of foot and ankle disease. The purpose of this study was to compare diagnoses made in an orthopaedic foot and ankle clinic during the shelter-in-place period of the COVID-19 pandemic to diagnoses made during the same months of the previous year. Methods: A retrospective review of new patients presenting to the clinics of 4 fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons in a major United States city was performed. Patients in the COVID-19 group presented between March 22 and July 1, 2020, during the peak of the quarantine for this city. Patients in the control group presented during the same period of 2019. Final diagnosis, chronicity of symptoms (acute: ≤1 month), and mechanism of disease were compared between groups. Results: A total of 1409 new patient visits were reviewed with 449 visits in the COVID-19 group and 960 visits in the control group. The COVID-19 group had a significantly higher proportion of ankle fractures (8.7% vs 5.4%, P = .020) and stress fractures (4.2% vs 2.2%, P = .031), but a smaller proportion of Achilles tendon ruptures (0.7% vs 2.5%, P = .019). The COVID-19 group had a higher proportion of acute injuries (35.4% vs 23.5%, P < .001). Conclusion: There was a shift in prevalence of pathology seen in the foot and ankle clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may reflect the adoption of different activities during the quarantine period and reluctance to present for evaluation of non-urgent injuries. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Conducted energy weapon (commonly known as TASER) discharge in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators is known to cause electromagnetic interference and inappropriate ventricular fibrillation sensing without delivery of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators therapy during conducted energy weapon application. We report the first known case of conducted energy weapon discharge resulting in inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillators therapy. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Lower extremity splints are commonly used in orthopaedic care throughout emergency departments, operating rooms, and outpatient clinics. Although the mainstay of ankle immobilization, they have been associated with ulcers due to high contact pressures over bony prominences and the anterior ankle. High contact pressures may occur in the anterior ankle when splint padding is applied while the ankle is in a plantarflexed position and subsequently dorsiflexed as the plaster or fiberglass hardens. The purpose of this study is to measure contact pressures in the anterior ankle when cast padding is applied in a plantarflexed position and subsequently dorsiflexed. We hypothesized, that the removal of padding over the anterior ankle following dorsiflexion would result in reduced anterior ankle contact pressures. Methods: Short leg posterior U-splints were applied to the right lower extremity in two healthy volunteers with an underlying pressure transducer [Tekscan I-Scan system (Tekscan Inc, South Boston, MA, USA)] on the skin surface centered over the tibialis anterior tendon. Anterior ankle surface pressures were measured when the padding was applied in maximum plantar flexion and dorsiflexed to neutral position as measured by a goniometer. This was then repeated in the same subjects but prior to dorsiflexion, a 3cm x 3cm square of padding was removed over the pressure transducer prior to dorsiflexion. Percent change from initial contact pressure centered on the tibialis anterior with either Webril (Covidien/Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland), or Specialist Cotton Blend Cast Padding (BSN Medical, Charlotte, NC, USA) was calculated. Results: There were 2 limbs analyzed for presentation of this pilot data. The percent change in anterior ankle contact pressure when padding was applied in plantar flexion and then placed in neutral was an average increase of 264% with just padding and 238% with padding and plaster. [TP1] Subsequently, the removal of padding from the anterior ankle resulted in an average decrease of 126% of[TP2] the increased pressure relative to baseline measurements (Figure 1). The reduction in contact force with the removal of Webril was greater than Specialist. Conclusion: In this pilot data, we report increases in anterior ankle contact pressures when splint padding is applied in plantar flexion and re-positioned into neutral. However, removal of anterior ankle padding reduces pressure over the anterior ankle and may reduce the risk of iatrogenic splint related ulcers in this area. Additionally, this technique may elicit varying reductions in anterior ankle pressure depending on the type of cast padding utilized. This data, though preliminary, underscores the importance of avoiding excess padding over the anterior ankle during splint application.

Category: Ankle; Trauma; Other Introduction/Purpose: Though ubiquitously utilized in orthopaedic trauma, lower extremity splints are not without their associated iatrogenic risk of morbidity. In fact, improper splinting not only necessitates replacement, but splint-related soft tissue complications are the second most common iatrogenic cause for referral to plastic surgery. Improper splinting techniques include inadequate molding of plaster/fiberglass splints, inadequate padding over bony prominences, excessive compressive forces from elastic bandages applied too aggressively, and/or pressure areas created by applying padding and casting material in varying joint positions. While clinicians commonly pad bony prominences to minimize skin pressure, the effect of joint position on skin pressure and, more specifically, changing joint position, is understudied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate anterior ankle skin pressure secondary to joint position change during splinting. Methods: Following ethics approval by our institutional review board, various constructs of lower extremity, short-leg splints were applied to two healthy subjects (2 limbs total in this preliminary data set) with an underlying pressure transducer (Tekscan I- Scan system (Tekscan Inc, South Boston, MA, USA) on the skin surface centered on the anterior ankle on the tibialis anterior tendon. All subjects underwent anterior ankle surface pressure assessment when padding was applied in maximum plantar flexion and neutral position for conventional short leg splints application. Percent change from initial contact pressure centered on the tibialis anterior with either Webril (Covidien/Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland), or Specialist Cotton Blend Cast Padding (BSN Medical, Charlotte, NC, USA) were calculated. Neutral position of the foot/ankle will be confirmed with goniometer. Results: There were 2 limbs total that were analyzed for the presentation of pilot data for this study. The percent change in anterior ankle contact pressure when padding was applied in maximum plantarflexion (PF) and then placed in neutral was increased at least two-fold without the addition of plaster and subsequently with the addition of plaster in lower extremity short leg splints (Figure 1). Conclusion: In this pilot data, we report significant increases in anterior ankle contact pressures when splint padding is applied in plantar-flexion and re-positioned into neutral during splint application which may precipitate iatrogenic pressure ulcers in patients sustaining foot/ankle trauma. This data, though preliminary, underscores the importance in proper splinting techniques for all clinicians that manage lower extremity trauma (eg, orthopaedic surgery, emergency medicine, urgent care, etc).

Category: Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Persistent metatarsalgia refractory to non-operative therapy with accompanying plantar plate injury represents a common and challenging treatment problem. In previous studies, radiofrequency shrinkage has been used for the treatment of MTP joint instability secondary to low-grade plantar plate lesions.1 In the shoulder, this technique shows histological evidence of modest regenerative capacity but is also associated with several chronic sequelae including capsular stretching, nerve damage, recurrent instability, adhesive capsulitis, and thermally-induced chondrolysis.2-6 The purpose of this observational study was to examine the efficacy of surgical imbrication of the plantar plate to the metatarsal neck as a novel, cost-effective approach to repair Grade 0-1 plantar plate injuries. We sought to characterize patient-reported and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing this procedure. Methods: Patients from a single fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon (1/2017 - 12/2020) were screened by electronic medical record review. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, a pre-operatively measured Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) score, a Grade 0 or 1 plantar plate tear discovered at time of surgery, and repair via surgical imbrication to the metatarsal neck. PROMIS Physical Function and Pain Interference scores were obtained from 14 enrolled patients (median age was 55 years; range: 40-69; 12 female) post-operatively at 6-9 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years. Basic demographic information and pertinent medical information were also obtained. Three fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons independently reviewed radiographs to assess reduction of the metatarsophalangeal joint, and joints were graded as reduced, subluxated, or dislocated. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared pre- and post-operative PROMIS scores. Changes in PROMIS scores were compared to numerical and categorical patient characteristics via univariate linear regressions and Mann- Whitney U-tests, respectively. Results: Median postoperative times to most recent PROMIS score and radiographs were respectively 13.0 months (95% confidence interval: 10.0-21.4) and 7.6 months (2.9-10.0). Median preoperative and most recent Physical Function scores were 39.5 (35-50) and 52.5 (41-62), respectively (p=0.003), and median Pain Interference scores changed from 61.0 (56-68) to 53.5 (39- 58) (p=0.002) ( Fig. 1 ). Changes in PROMIS scores showed no association with BMI, age, preoperative opioid use, wound complications, concomitant dislocation, fibromyalgia, or mood disorder (p>0.10). Preoperatively, 9 second MTP joints were concentrically reduced, and 5 were subluxated (n=14). At 6 weeks post-operation, 13 joints remained reduced (n=14). At most recent measurement, all (n=10) joints were reduced (4 patients missing data). 9 of 14 patients underwent concomitant correction of hallux valgus at time of surgery. Conclusion: Patients with Grade 0-1 plantar plate injuries improved significantly in radiographic parameters and patient reported outcome scores following surgical imbrication of the plantar plate to the metatarsal neck. This procedure represents a novel, alternative approach that is both efficacious and cost-effective. Our work contributes valuable surgical outcomes data to a limited knowledgebase regarding pathophysiology and management for low-grade plantar plate lesions in MTP joint instability. Future work will involve larger, prospective studies to better understand outcomes of and indications for this approach.

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Lisfranc injuries are thought to contribute to debilitating outcomes in polytrauma patients. Due to the relative rarity of Lisfranc injuries, consistent long-term follow-up is a challenge and clinical outcomes are difficult to assess in this patient population. As a result, there exists a need for further investigation into patient-related clinical outcomes after Lisfranc injury. The purpose of this study was to collect long-term clinical outcome data following Lisfranc injuries using PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) and Visual Analogue Scale-Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA). Methods: A chart review was performed to identify all patients who had surgical treatment of an acute Lisfranc injury at our institution from 2005 to 2014. Of forty-five patients identified, we were able to recruit nineteen for a follow-up clinic visit consisting of a physical exam, administration of questionnaires addressing pain and medication usage, radiographs, and completion of outcome surveys including PROMIS-Physical Function and Visual Analogue Scale-Foot and Ankle. Results: There were 14 female and 5 male patients enrolled in the study with a mean time of 6.25 years from the time of injury. Within this cohort, the mean PROMIS-PF score was 52.4+-8.2 and the mean VAS-Foot and Ankle Score was 76.6+-22.3. The risk factors of age, gender, BMI, smoking status, depression, and time from injury showed no statistically significant association with PROMIS-PF or VAS-FA scores using p

Purpose: In radiation oncology, peer review is a process where subjective treatment planning decisions are assessed by those independent of the prescribing physician. Before March 2020, all peer review sessions occurred in person; however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the peer-review workflow was transitioned from in-person to virtual. We sought to assess any differences between virtual versus in-person prospective peer review. Methods and Materials: Patients scheduled to receive nonemergent nonprocedural radiation therapy (RT) were presented daily at prospective peer-review before the start of RT administration. Planning software was used, with critical evaluation of several variables including treatment intent, contour definition, treatment target coverage, and risk to critical structures. A deviation was defined as any suggested plan revision. Results: In the study, 274 treatment plans evaluated in-person in 2017 to 2018 were compared with 195 plans evaluated virtually in 2021. There were significant differences in palliative intent (36% vs 22%; P = .002), but not in total time between simulation and the start of treatment (9.2 vs 10.0 days; P = .10). Overall deviations (8.0% in-person vs 2.6% virtual; P = .015) were significantly reduced in virtual peer review. Conclusions: Prospective daily peer review of radiation oncology treatment plans can be performed virtually with similar timeliness of patient care compared with in-person peer review. A decrease in deviation rate in the virtual peer review setting will need to be further investigated to determine whether virtual workflow can be considered a standard of care.

Cancer is one of the most important public health problems. However, medical education has not advanced at the same rate when it comes to cancer education. Currently, the United States Medical Licensing Examination subject examinations do not cover radiation oncology, prevention, and survivorship planning in its assessment model. Incorporating medical oncology and radiation oncology training into the undergraduate medical education curriculum can have a significant benefit in training future physicians. In this paper, we review current literature and propose some ideas that can help incorporate oncology, and specifically radiation oncology, into undergraduate medical education.

Background: There remains a paucity of data regarding long-term patient-reported outcomes following Lisfranc injuries. We sought to collect long-term clinical outcome data following Lisfranc injuries using PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) and visual analog scale–foot and ankle (VAS-FA). Methods: A chart review was performed to identify all patients who had surgical treatment of an acute Lisfranc injury at our institution from 2005 to 2014. Of the 45 patients identified, we were able to recruit 19 for a follow-up clinic visit consisting of physical examination, administration of questionnaires addressing pain and medication usage, radiographs, and completion of outcome surveys including PROMIS-Physical Function and visual analog scale–foot and ankle. Results: There were 14 female and 5 male patients enrolled in the study with a mean time of 6.25 years from the time of injury. Within this cohort, the mean PROMIS-PF score was 52.4±8.2 and the mean VAS–foot and ankle score was 76.6±22.3. Conclusion: We report satisfactory long-term patient-reported outcomes using PROMIS-PF and VAS-FA. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Summary: Background: Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is emerging as the crucial lipoprotein trait for the role of lipoprotein lipids in the aetiology of coronary heart disease. In this study, we evaluated the effects of genetically predicted apoB on outcomes in first-degree relatives. Methods: Data on lipoprotein lipids and disease outcomes in first-degree relatives were obtained from the UK Biobank study. We did a univariable mendelian randomisation analysis using a weighted genetic instrument for apoB. For outcomes with which apoB was associated at a false discovery rate (FDR) of less than 5%, multivariable mendelian randomisation analyses were done, including genetic instruments for LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Associations between apoB and self-reported outcomes in first-degree relatives were characterised for 12 diseases (including heart disease, stroke, and hypertension) and parental vital status together with age at death. Estimates were inferred causal effects per 1 SD elevated lipoprotein trait (for apoB, 1 SD=0·24 g/L). Replication of estimates for lifespan and type 2 diabetes was done using conventional two-sample mendelian randomisation with summary estimates from genome-wide association study consortia. Findings: In univariable mendelian randomisation, genetically elevated apoB in participants was identified to lead to a shorter lifespan in parents (fathers: 0·89 years of life lost per 1 SD higher apoB in offspring, 95% CI 0·63–1·16, FDR-adjusted p=4·0 × 10−10; mothers: 0·48 years of life lost per 1 SD higher apoB in offspring, 0·25–0·71, FDR-adjusted p=1·7 × 10−4). The effects were strengthened to around 2 years of life lost in multivariable mendelian randomisation and were replicated in conventional two-sample mendelian randomisation (odds ratio [OR] of surviving to the 90th centile of lifespan: 0·38 per 1 SD higher apoB in offspring, 95% CI 0·22–0·65). Genetically elevated apoB caused higher risks of heart disease in all first-degree relatives and a higher risk of stroke in mothers. Findings in first-degree relatives were replicated in two-sample multivariable mendelian randomisation, which identified apoB to increase (OR 2·32 per 1 SD higher apoB, 95% CI 1·49–3·61) and LDL cholesterol to decrease (0·34 per 1 SD higher LDL cholesterol, 0·21–0·54) the risk of type 2 diabetes. Interpretation: Higher apoB shortens lifespan, increases risks of heart disease and stroke, and in multivariable analyses that account for LDL cholesterol, increases risk of diabetes. Funding: British Heart Foundation, UK Medical Research Council, and UK Research and Innovation.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: Recent surgical techniques have focused on anatomic repair of lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) plantar plate tears. MTP instability has been implicated in a number of common toe deformities as well as metatarsalgia. Recently, a study demonstrated that the microvasculature of the normal plantar plate is densest at the proximal and distal attachments. The purpose of this study was to compare the intact plantar plate microvasculature network to the microvasculature network of plantar plates in the presence of toe deformity using similar perfusion and nano-CT imaging methods. Methods: Eight fresh frozen human cadaveric lower extremities with lesser toe deformities including hammertoe or crossover toe were perfused using a barium solution. The soft tissues of each foot were counterstained with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA). Then using nano-CT imaging the second through fourth toe metatarsophalangeal joints of 8 feet were imaged. These images were then reconstructed, plantar plate tears were identified, and eleven toes remained. The plantar plate microvasculature for these eleven toes was analyzed and calculation of vascular density along the plantar plate was performed. Using ANOVA analysis this experimental group was compared to a control group of 35 toes from cadaveric feet without deformity and the vascular density compared between quartiles of plantar plate length proximal to distal. Results: Demonstrated in Figure 1, of the torn plantar plates the average percent vascular density (vascular volume/tissue volume) in the first quartile of length (proximal to distal) is 0.365 (SD 0.058) compared to 0.281 (SD 0.036) for intact plantar plates; in the second quartile it is 0.300 (SD 0.044) vs 0.175 (SD 0.025); third quartile it is 0.326 (SD 0.051) vs 0.117 (SD 0.015); and fourth (most distal) quartile is 0.600 (SD 0.183) vs 0.319 (SD 0.082) respectively. Using ANOVA testing all differences were found to be significant to p

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: In our city, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shelter-in-place ordinance, job loss, gym closures, and employees working from home. As a result, individuals adjusted their daily activities and exercise routines, potentially impacting the burden of foot and ankle disease. The purpose of the present study was to compare diagnoses made in an orthopaedic foot and ankle clinic during the months of the COVID-19 pandemic to diagnoses made during the same months of the previous year. Methods: A retrospective review of new patients presenting to our group of four fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons was performed. Patients in the COVID-19 group presented between March 22, 2020 (the beginning of our shelter-in- place ordinance) and July 1, 2020. Patients in the control group presented during the same period of the previous year. Final diagnosis was characterized. Chronicity was classified as acute (symptom duration 1 month). Diagnoses were classified as fractures (e.g. ankle fractures, foot fractures) or activity-related (e.g. plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain). Pearson Chi-squared tests were performed to assess for differences in patient presentations between the COVID-19 and control periods. Results: A total of 1,409 new patient visits were reviewed with 449 visits in the COVID-19 group and 960 visits in the control group. The COVID-19 group had a significantly higher proportion of ankle fractures (8.7% versus 5.4%; p=0.020) and stress fractures (4.2% versus 2.2%, p=0.031), but a smaller proportion of Achilles tendon ruptures (0.7% versus 2.5%; p=0.019). Similarly, the COVID-19 group had a higher proportion of acute injuries (35.4% versus 23.5%; p

Category: Bunion; Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Shortening and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsal are a known side effect of metatarsal osteotomies for hallux valgus (HV) deformity with the potential to cause transfer metatarsalgia. We compared the effect of the first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis (Lapidus), proximal lateral closing wedge osteotomy (PLCWO), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation procedures on the length and dorsiflexion of the first ray. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 123 feet in 115 patients. The average age was 54. There were 106 females. Eighty-four feet had a Lapidus procedure, 14 had a PLCWO, and 24 had intermetatarsal suture button fixation. Digital radiographic measurements were made for pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), absolute and relative shortening of the first ray, and dorsiflexion. Results: Preoperative HVA and IMA did not differ between treatment groups (p>0.05 for each). Similar corrections of HVA (30.1 to 12.3 degrees) and IMA (14.7 to 7.0 degrees) were achieved in all three groups (p>0.05). There were significant differences in absolute first-cuneiform-metatarsal length (FCML) between Lapidus (-1.5mm), PLCWO (-2.5mm), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation (+1.1mm) (p

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Surgeon prescription of narcotic medications has been identified as a contributor to the nation’s devastating opioid epidemic. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for postoperative opioid dependence following orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. Methods: Four hundred and forty-eight patients undergoing orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery at a single institution over a 6- month period were identified. The Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program was used to track opioid prescriptions filled in the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative periods. Preoperative use was defined as the filling of a prescription during the six months prior to the procedure, excluding the 30 days prior to the procedure. Postoperative dependence was defined as the filling of opioid prescriptions beyond the initial postoperative prescription. Baseline characteristics, including preoperative opioid use, were tested for association with opioid dependence. Results: The rate of preoperative opioid use was 20.5%. The rate of postoperative opioid dependence was 31.3%. Patients who used opioids during the preoperative period had the highest risk for postoperative opioid dependence, at 59.6% (RR=2.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.9-3.2, p= 2 (RR=1.6, p=0.002), benzodiazepine use (RR=1.5, p=0.010), current smoker status (RR=1.5, p=60 years (RR=1.4, p=0.022), body mass index >= 30 kg/m2 (RR=1.4, p=0.027), antidepressant use (RR=1.4, p=0.050), and

Category: Sports; Midfoot/Forefoot; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Return-to-play (RTP) rates of National Football League (NFL) athletes following surgical intervention for numerous foot and ankle injuries has been reported. To our knowledge, no studies have reported on RTP rates of NFL athletes after non-operative and operative treatment of high-grade turf toe injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the RTP rates in NFL athletes who sustained high-grade turf to injuries. We hypothesized that NFL athletes requiring operative intervention for high-grade turf toe injuries would have lower RTP rates and longer recoveries than athletes treated non- operatively. Additionally, we hypothesized that regardless of treatment, NFL athletes would demonstrate equal productivity following RTP. Methods: Publicly available NFL injury data was reviewed to identify athletes who sustained high-grade turf toe injuries, as indicated by surgical intervention or missed playing time of 2 weeks or more. Athletes were excluded if RTP was prevented for reasons unrelated to the injury. Demographic and performance data was obtained including a player’s injury, date of injury, date of surgery, RTP, time to RTP, number and percentage of games played, and performance. Results: 53 NFL athletes were identified with high-grade turf toe injuries that met inclusion criteria. 28 of these athletes were treated non-operatively and 25 were treated with surgery. The overall RTP rate was 91%. Athletes who were treated non- operatively had a RTP rate of 100% while athletes who underwent surgery had a RTP rate of 80% (P = 0.011). The mean time to RTP for all athletes was 140.9+-111.9 days. The mean time to RTP for non-operatively treated patients was 75.8+-99.0 days, compared with 221.4+-81.6 days for operatively treated athletes (P = 0.002). In skill position athletes who achieved RTP, 78% treated non-operatively were able to return to their prior level of performance compared to only 27% for athletes treated surgically (P = 0.032). Conclusion: There is a significant difference in return to play following surgical versus non-operative management of high-grade turf toe injuries, with only 80% of athletes achieving return to play after surgery. No athletes were able to return the same season as surgery and the mean time to RTP following initiation of treatment was significantly shorter for players who underwent non- operative management. Postoperative performance was also significantly worse in players who underwent surgical intervention compared to non-operative management. This study provides important prognostic information to high level athletes in regards to recovery following high-grade turf toe injuries

Category: Prescription Practices Introduction/Purpose: Opioid abuse has recently reached the conscience of the US healthcare system and news cycle. This epidemic is in part propagated by surgeon over-prescription for common procedures. The purpose of this study is to examine postoperative opioid use following outpatient foot and ankle surgery in order to potentially guide prescription patterns of postoperative narcotics. Methods: Patients undergoing outpatient foot or ankle surgery, performed by one of four fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons from a single institution, were prospectively enrolled from January to November 2018. Subjects were consented to participate in a phone interview within 7 days of their surgery, with subsequent interviews as needed for continued monitoring. Information collected included: age, gender, procedure, smoking status, payor type, analgesic regimen, number of tablets remaining, pain scale, pain control satisfaction, additional analgesic medications taken, reason for stopping opioid medications, and any adverse reactions encountered. Results: A total of 94 subjects were consented to participate. Of these, 11 were lost to follow up and 2 withdrew from the study, leaving 81 (86%) subjects for analysis. The mean (± standard deviation) number of opioid pills prescribed was 52.2 (±16.4; range: 6-80) pills. Subjects were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their pain control in 91% of cases. On average, 18.4 (±14.9) pills were consumed by subjects, stopping consumption on post-operative day 4.8 (±3.6). There was no statistically significant difference in narcotic medications consumed whether undergoing ankle surgery (16.4, ±13.7) or foot surgery (20.7, ±15.9) (p=0.11). Overall, an average of 34.3 (±19.3) pills remained unconsumed at the completion of narcotic use, equaling a total of 2,706 excessively prescribed pills in the study cohort. Conclusion: There is a substantial excess of opioid pain medication prescribed to patients for outpatient foot and ankle surgeries, with a wide variation in prescription patterns. Based on our institutional data, a prescription of 35 opioid pills should be sufficient for approximately two-thirds of outpatient procedures and 50 pills should be sufficient for approximately 95% of patients regardless of whether the procedure is for the ankle or foot. This quality improvement assessment has influenced physician practice in our group and prospective follow-up analysis after intervention is warranted.

Category: Hindfoot, Ankle, Midfoot/Forefoot, Injury and Rehabilitation Introduction/Purpose: The functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is used to determine a worker’s physical ability after treatment of a work-related injury. This evaluation is a critical determinant in the administration of benefits and the decision to return to work (RTW). The purpose of this study is to characterize FCE results and ability to RTW among patients treated for work- related orthopaedic injuries to the foot or ankle. Methods: A retrospective medical record review from the practices of four orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons was conducted. Inclusion criteria were (1) treatment of a work-related injury to the foot or ankle, (2) at least 2 years of follow-up from the injury, and (3) documentation of an associated FCE. The FCE report and clinic notes were used to determine the patient’s pre-injury job requirement (Department of Labor Office category: light, medium, or heavy), post-injury FCE-determined work ability (light, medium, or heavy), specific FCE- or physician-imposed work restrictions, and clearance for RTW. Patients were considered cleared to RTW if their FCE-determined work ability met or exceeded their pre-injury job requirement and if there were no additional restrictions imposed by the FCE or physician that would prevent them from functioning in their pre-injury role. Results: A total of 188 patients met inclusion criteria. Missteps/rotational injuries (44.1%), falls from height (22.3%), and crush injuries (20.7%) were the most common mechanisms. 74.4% of patients had FCE-determined work abilities at or above their pre- injury job requirements, and 63.3% of patients were eventually cleared for RTW. The median time from injury to clearance for RTW was 2.0 ± 1.3 years. Reasons for not being cleared to RTW included failure to meet the pre-injury job requirement (67.2%), specific FCE-imposed limitations (28.3%), or specific physician-imposed limitations (4.5%). Less strenuous pre-injury job requirement was positively associated with both FCE-determined work ability meeting pre-injury job requirement and clearance for RTW (p

Category: Ankle, Hindfoot, Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Sleep disturbance is a known risk factor for poor healing and is associated with medical co-morbidities. Poor sleep quality is also a common complaint of pre-operative patients; yet, there remains a paucity of investigations in this realm. The purpose of this study is to quantify the prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients undergoing surgical management of chronic foot and ankle conditions. Methods: Patients scheduled for first-time surgical management of a chronic foot and ankle condition were identified between May and November of 2018 at a tertiary care medical center. Patients with a known sleep disorder or refusal to participate were excluded. Of 139 patients initially identified, 84 (60.4%) were included and administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) pre-operatively. The PSQI ranges from 0-21, with a score ±5 indicative of poor sleep quality. Patients were also asked to rate their perception of how their foot or ankle pain influenced their sleep quality on a scale of 0-10 (foot ankle pain perception score, FAPPS). A multivariate linear regression model was used to determine predictors of sleep disturbance. Results: The mean (+/- standard deviation) age of the 84 included patients was 48.2+/-13.8 years; body mass index (BMI) was 28.9+/-5.0 kg/m2; 52.4% of patients identified as male; and conditions and treatments were varied (Table 1). The mean PSQI score was 7.6+/-4.3 (range, 2-21) and mean FAPPS was 3.2+/-2.7. A total of 64 (76.2%) patients had a PSQI score greater than/equal to 5, indicating presence of sleep disturbance. A total of 68 (81.0%) patients had a FAPPS greater than/equal to 1, indicating that a patient perceived that their foot or ankle pain contributed to sleep disturbance. Age, sex, BMI, and condition/treatment category were not correlated with PSQI score (p>0.05 for each); however, greater FAPPS was an independent predictor of a greater PSQI score (p

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: It is important to understand which isolated fibular fractures require surgical intervention. Several different radiographic guidelines have been used to interpret and predict stability of the injured ankle. Holmes et al previously described a novel algorithm used to assess stability and the ability to treat the stable injuries non-operatively. The one year results demonstrated favorable outcomes of these non-operative patients, however there is a question about the durability of these results and whether these patients developed post-traumatic degenerative changes over mid to long term follow up. Methods: An observational study based on a previous cohort of 51 patients studied from 2010 to 2013 with isolated Weber B ankle fractures was performed. These were defined as stable at the time of injury when the medial clear space (MCS) was less than 7 mm on the initial gravity stress radiographs along with a normal mortise relationship on weight bearing radiographs. 27 patients that were treated non-surgically, were brought back for a mid-term follow up with a mean of 6.8 years. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot scores, Olerud-Molander Ankle (OMA) Score, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were collected in accordance with the prior study. Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores were also collected including lower extremity, physical function, depression, and pain interference. Standing bilateral ankle radiographs were obtained, and assessed for MCS widening, and ankle arthritis using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. Results: Average functional score results were (in comparison to 1-year outcomes): AOFAS Hindfoot, 95.7 (93.2); OMA Score, 95.2 (91.0); and visual analog scale pain score, 0.24 (0.57). Using a Wilcox Signed Ranks Test, there was a statistically significant increase in 5-year AOFAS Hindfoot scores as compared to 1-year scores in those same patients (p=0.005) There was no evidence of significant post-traumatic osteoarthritis based on the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. Conclusion: The previously described, novel at the time, algorithm for assessing stability of isolated Weber B ankle fractures and nonsurgical treatment with protected weight bearing has shown to produce excellent results for mid-term follow up with an average of 6.8 years. Additionally, these patients are not at increased risk for rapid progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. This further supports initial weight bearing radiographs as a reasonable assessment of ankle stability and validates the aforementioned algorithm as a safe and cost-effective functional treatment regimen.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The opioid epidemic has been defined by over-prescribing by practitioners and increasing misuse, abuse, and diversion of opioids by patients. Orthopedic surgeons are the fourth largest prescriber of opioid medications and have a unique opportunity to play a prominent role in the solution. Many perceived barriers to such a solution have now been eliminated. For example, it has been demonstrated that neither the amount nor duration of opioid prescription correlates with patient satisfaction. To address this epidemic, it is important to first understand rates of new persistent opioid use following specific injuries and to identify patient-specific risk factors. In this study, we evaluated new persistent opioid use following nonoperatively treated ankle sprains, one of the most common orthopaedic injuries seen in any healthcare system. Methods: A widely accepted insurance claims database was used to identify patients who underwent nonoperative treatment of an ankle sprain between January 2008 and December 2016. None had an opioid prescription filled in the period of 12 months to 7 days prior to treatment (defined as “opioid naïve”). We evaluated peri-treatment and post-treatment opioid prescription fulfillment to analyze prescribing patterns and continuation of opioid use. The primary outcome, new persistent opioid use, was defined as opioid prescription fulfillment between 91 and 180 days after treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of patient factors, including age, gender, median household income, tobacco use, mental health and pain disorders, and medical comorbidities on the likelihood of new persistent use. Results: 42,445 patients were identified who underwent nonoperative treatment of an ankle sprain and received an opioid prescription. The overall rate of new persistent opioid used following nonoperative treatment of ankle sprains was 9.3%. Rates of continued opioid use were significantly increased among patients who received an opioid dose prescribed in the peri-treatment period that was in the top 25th percentile of total oral morphine equivalents. In addition, patient-specific factors which were associated with new persistent opioid use included female gender, tobacco use, certain mental health disorders, comorbid conditions, and pre-existing arthritis. Patient factors associated with lower rates of new persistent opioid use included higher level education and median household income of $100,000 or more. Conclusion: Chronic opioid use is a major problem, even in the setting of relatively minor musculoskeletal injuries. Defining the problem and understanding contributing factors to this epidemic are paramount to developing a solution. Ankle sprains represent an orthopaedic injury which does not warrant opioid use for pain control. In this series, an alarming number of patients who sustained an ankle sprain were treated with an opioid medication, and 9.3% of these patients continued opioid use after three months. Understanding the risk factors associated with this problem provides a foundation upon which to address this sometimes lethal, public health problem.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: There is increasing interest in the early identification and treatment of adverse medical events following orthopaedic procedures. The purpose of this study is to characterize the timing of adverse events following open reduction and internal fixation of closed fractures of the ankle. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. A total of 17,318 patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of closed ankle fractures were identified. For each of eight different adverse events, the median postoperative day of diagnosis, interquartile range for day of diagnosis, and middle 80% for day of diagnosis were determined. Timing was compared between uni-malleolar and bi-/tri-malleolar fractures. Results: The median day of diagnosis (and interquartile range; middle 80%) for myocardial infarction was 2 (1-5; 0-17), pneumonia 3 (2-7; 1-19), acute kidney injury 6.5 (2-18; 2-20), urinary tract infection 7 (2-14; 0-24), pulmonary embolism 10 (3-21; 0-27), sepsis 15 (4-22; 1-28), deep vein thrombosis 17 (10-22; 3-27), and surgical site infection 19 (14-25; 8-28; Figure 1). Myocardial infarction occured earlier in patients with bi-/tri-malleolar fractures than in patients with uni-malleolar fractures (median postoperative day 2 versus 10, p=0.041). Similarly, sepsis occured earlier in patients with bi-/tri-malleolar fractures than in patients with uni-malleolar fractures (median day 10 versus 20.5, p=0.022). For the other 6 adverse events, there was no difference in timing between patients with uni-malleolar and patients with bi-/tri-malleolar fractures (p>0.05 for each). Conclusion: These precisely described time periods for occurrence of specific adverse events enable heightened awareness amongst orthopaedic surgeons during the first month following open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle. Orthopaedic surgeons should have the lowest threshold for testing for each adverse event during the time period of greatest risk.

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Chronic opioid use is a major public health concern in the United States. Orthopaedic surgeons prescribe 8% of narcotics in the U.S. while only comprising 2.5% of U.S. physicians. Understanding that neither the amount nor duration of opioid prescription correlates with patient satisfaction, orthopaedic surgeons have a unique opportunity to play a prominent role in the solution. In order to address and mitigate this epidemic, it is important to first understand rates of new persistent opioid use following specific orthopaedic procedures and to identify patient-specific risk factors. Methods: Using a widely accepted insurance claims database, we identified patients who underwent surgical treatment of common ankle fractures patterns (bimalleolar, trimalleolar, and isolated distal fibula) between January 2008 and December 2016. None had an opioid prescription filled in the period of 12 months to 15 days prior to treatment (defined as “opioid naïve”). Opioid naïve patients who underwent closed treatment of a distal fibula fracture served as a comparative group. We evaluated peri-treatment and post-treatment opioid prescription fulfillment. The primary outcome, new persistent opioid use, was defined as opioid prescription fulfillment between 91 and 180 days after the procedure. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of patient factors, including surgery type, age, gender, median household income, mental health and pain disorders on the likelihood of new persistent use. Results: There was no significant difference in new persistent opioid use rates overall following surgical treatment of ankle fractures (8.4%) compared to closed fibula fracture treatment (7.4%), and all treatment groups demonstrated high rates of new persistent use. Two surgically treated fracture subtypes, treatment of bimalleolar ankle fractures and treatment of trimalleolar ankle fractures with fixation of posterior lip, demonstrated significantly higher new persistent opioid use rates (Figure). Rates were significantly increased among patients who received an opioid dose prescribed in the peri-treatment period that was in the top 25th percentile of total oral morphine equivalents. Patient-specific factors which were associated with new persistent opioid use included certain mental health disorders, comorbid conditions, arthritis, tobacco use, female gender, and household income greater than $100,000. Conclusion: Chronic opioid use, even in opioid naïve patients, is a major problem following orthopaedic procedures. To decrease the rate of chronic opioid use, it is important to first understand and define the rate of persistent use following these procedures. The overall new persistent opioid use following surgical fixation of ankle fractures was similar to the rate of persistent use in patients who underwent closed treatment of a fibula fracture. Understanding these high persistent use rates and the risk factors that may play a role in this problem provides a foundation upon which to address this sometimes lethal public health problem.

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery is a young and rapidly evolving orthopaedic subspecialty. Little is known regarding the authors contributing to the field. The purpose of this study is to characterize the demographics of the authors publishing foot and ankle research since the inception of the research journal of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Methods: All publications in the journal Foot and Ankle International between 1980 and 2017 were reviewed. Papers were characterized in terms of number of authors, number of institutions, and number of references. The first and corresponding authors were also characterized in terms of country of origin, gender, and degree qualification. Each of these characteristics was tested for trends over time. Results: In total, 5,323 publications were reviewed, including 4,297 research articles, 367 case reports, 262 editorials, 159 letters, and 121 technique tips. The mean number of authors per paper increased from 2.3 during the 1980s to 4.3 during the 2010s (p0.05). The mean number of references to other work increased from 13.8 during the 1980s to 24.4 during the 2010s (p

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Chronic opioid use and abuse is one of the greatest public health challenges in the United States and continues to worsen. Orthopaedic surgeons stand at #4 on the list of top prescribers of opioid analgesics by specialty and are squarely positioned to have an impact on the problem. A recent study revealed an 8% prevalence of new persistent opioid usage following abdominal surgery. At present, the incidence of persistent opioid use after foot and ankle surgery is largely unknown. Operative bunion correction is one of the most commonly performed elective foot and ankle surgeries in this country. We sought to determine the incidence of new persistent opioid use following surgical treatment of hallux valgus and to identify patient factors associated with persistent opioid use. Methods: A nationwide insurance claims data set from January 2010 to June 2015 was used to identify opioid naive patients (defined as patients with no prior opioid use 12 months prior to injury) who underwent surgical treatment of hallux valgus with either a proximal or distal first metatarsal osteotomy. The incidence of new persistent opioid use, defined by opioid prescription fulfillment between 90 and 180 days after surgery was then calculated. Data were assessed for patient factors which may be predictors of new persistent opioid use including surgery type, health insurance type, age, gender, household income, and comorbidities. Results: A total of 38,312 patients underwent surgical treatment of hallux valgus with either a distal or proximal first metatarsal osteotomy and filled a perioperative opioid prescription. The rate of new persistent opioid use among all patients was 5.6%. The majority of patients (90%) underwent treatment with a distal metatarsal osteotomy. Patients who underwent treatment with a proximal metatarsal osteotomy were more likely to have new persistent opioid use (aOR: 1.16; p=0.04). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patient factors independently associated with new persistent opioid use included depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, and certain preoperative pain disorders. Age, gender, and income were not associated with new persistent opioid use. Conclusion: Despite rising national attention, opioid abuse continues to be a growing epidemic. In order for foot and ankle surgeons to help solve this problem, it must first be better defined. New persistent opioid use following surgical treatment of hallux valgus affects a substantial, growing number of patients. Fifty percent of patients using opioids for 3 months will be using them at 5 years. Understanding patient factors associated with persistent opioid use can help clinicians identify and counsel at-risk patients and ultimately focus strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating and eliminating this massive public health problem.