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Category: Arthroscopy; Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are one of the most common types of fractures, yet there is currently no consensus about how best to treat these patients. The treatment approach typically includes open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF), but not all patients have a good clinical outcome. Intra-articular injuries have been suggested as one potential cause of these sub-optimal outcomes. Use of arthroscopy at the time of surgery is useful in identifying intra-articular lesions in acute ankle fractures, however, there is no evidence that arthroscopic intervention changes the patient’s outcome. Ankle arthroscopy increases the duration and potential complications of anesthesia administration and also increases cost. Our study assesses the clinical impact of arthroscopy accompanying an ankle fracture ORIF, which is essential to promote positive outcomes, while decreasing unnecessary complications and costs. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review. We queried all patients that underwent operative fixation of a bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fracture at our institution from January 1, 2014 through November 1, 2018. From this list, we excluded patients less than 18 years old and patients that had concomitant injuries to other body parts that required surgery. In addition, we only included Weber B and Weber C fibula fracture to homogenize the data. We then performed a chart review to extract all demographic data, fracture pattern, surgical procedures performed, tourniquet times, any revision surgeries, arthroscopic findings and any interventions performed due to the arthroscopic portion of the procedure. We then conducted a phone and email survey utilizing the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Short Form and the two question Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). Results: Our study included 213 total patients (142 traditional ORIF, 71 ORIF plus arthroscopy) with an average age of 40 (standard deviation 14.2). The average follow up was 32.4 (13.1) months with a survey follow up rate of 50.7%. The demographic information between the two cohorts was statistically similar. The average tourniquet time for the arthroscopy cohort is 10 minutes longer (89 minutes versus 79 minutes). During the arthroscopy, there was a 28.2% rate of full thickness osteochondral lesions, 33.8% rate of loose bodies, and a 49.2% rate of small cartilage injury not requiring intervention. The mean PROMIS physical function score amongst Weber B fibula fractures was 45.8 and 42.3 in the arthroscopy and non-arthroscopy groups respectively (P value 0.012). In addition, the patient satisfaction rate in Weber B fibula fractures was higher in those patients that underwent arthroscopy as compared to ORIF alone (93.1% versus 75.5%, P value of 0.05). Patients that suffered a tibiotalar joint dislocation at the time of the ankle fracture had a significantly higher PROMIS physical function score (46.6 versus 40.2, P value 0.005) when their surgery included arthroscopy. Conclusion: Ankle arthroscopy at the time of ORIF led to higher mean patient reported outcomes for every tested metric but this reached statistical significance only when looking at the Weber B fibula fractures and ankle dislocations. There was no increase in complication rate and the arthroscopy took only 10 minutes longer on average.

Background: Ankle fractures are one of the most common orthopedic injuries, and although most patients have a satisfactory outcome following operative fixation, there are patients that have persistent pain despite anatomic reduction. Intra-articular injuries have been suggested as one potential cause of these suboptimal outcomes. Our study assesses the clinical impact of performing an ankle arthroscopy during ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent operative fixation of a bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fracture at our institution from 2014 through 2018. We extracted all demographic data, fracture pattern, operative procedures performed, tourniquet times, arthroscopic findings and any arthroscopic interventions. We then conducted a phone and e-mail survey. Our study included 213 total patients (142 traditional ORIF, 71 ORIF plus arthroscopy) with an average age of 40 years. The average follow-up was 32.4 months with a survey follow-up rate of 50.7% (110/213). Results: The average tourniquet time for the arthroscopy cohort was 10 minutes longer (89 minutes vs 79 minutes). During the arthroscopy, there was a 28% (20/71) rate of full-thickness osteochondral lesions, 33% (24/71) rate of loose bodies, and a 49% (35/71) rate of partial-thickness cartilage injury. The mean Patient Reported Outcome Information System (PROMIS) physical function score among Weber B fibula fractures was 45.8 and 42.3 in the arthroscopy and nonarthroscopy groups, respectively ( P = .012). In addition, the patient satisfaction rate in Weber B fibula fractures was higher in those patients who underwent arthroscopy compared with ORIF alone (93% vs 75%, P = .05). Patients who had a tibiotalar joint dislocation at the time of the ankle fracture had a significantly higher PROMIS physical function score (46.6 vs 40.2, P = .005) when their surgery included arthroscopy. Conclusion: Ankle arthroscopy at the time of ORIF led to statistically significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes for Weber B fibula fractures and ankle dislocations. There was no increase in complication rates and the arthroscopy took 10 minutes longer on average. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures encompass 9% of all orthopaedic fractures and when they require surgical fixation can use 1/3 rd tubular plates, locking plates, antiglide plates, lagging screws, intramedullary nails which have been made from various metals most commonly stainless steel or titanium alloys. Carbon fiber implants have been used for a number of years more frequently in the humerus, the femur, and the spine. Our hypothesis is that the carbon fiber plates are just as efficacious in fixing ankle fractures as titanium and stainless steel plates. Methods: This is retrospective study of one surgeon’s ankle fractures which were fixed by ORIF with carbon fiber plates. All patients from Jan 2013-May 2015 who underwent a ankle orif with carbon fiber plate were collected and assessed for time to fracture consolidation, return to function, and complications and these were compared to historical models of fracture fixation with titanium and stainless steel plates. The results were assessed by ANOVA statistical models. Results: We found that the carbon fiber plates are equal in their time to consolidation, wound healing, and return to function, however we found that the carbon fiber plates allow for better fracture site visualization post operatively to determine fracture consolidation Conclusion: The carbon fiber plate is a viable alternative to ankle fracture ORIF especially in patients where close follow up of the fracture site is of benefit.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is a salvage procedure for end-stage pathology of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints including primary arthritis, severe deformity, failed total ankle arthroplasty, failed ankle arthrodesis with subsequent subtalar arthritis, talus avascular necrosis and Charcot arthropathy. Although many different fixation techniques of TTCA have been proposed, there is still no consensus gold standard fixation strategy. The various options include plate and screw constructs, intramedullary nails and external fixator systems. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with rigid fixation using a commercially available 4.5 mm locking plate for TTCA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts and radiographs of 17 patients who underwent TTCA during the time period of 2012-2014. We used a lateral surgical approach with fibular osteotomy and a 4.5 mm Smith and Nephew™ PERI-LOC ankle fusion plate. Two senior foot and ankle surgeons at our institution performed all surgeries. The main outcomes were postoperative fusion rate and complication rate. Results: Of the 17 patients, 9 were male and 8 were female with a mean age of 53. 29% of patients had diabetes mellitus and 69% were either current or former smokers. The average BMI was 32.9. The average follow up was 17.7 months. The nonunion rate in our patient series was 76%. Nonunion was defined as no radiographic evidence of fusion at 6 months post-surgery. This failure rate is very high in comparison to historical data of nonunion rates in TTCA, which are often reported to be 7-26%. Only four out of 17 patients had a successful arthrodesis using this locked plate construct. Complications included nonunion, hardware failure (with screws and/or plate fracture), deep infection (35% of patients), and pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion: Too rigid of fixation with thick stainless steel plates and locking screw constructs can lead to failure in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Increased nonunion rates due to overly rigid fixation has been demonstrated in many other contexts but never in the foot and ankle literature.

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an effective treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis and is increasing in utilization. Need for blood transfusion is one potential complication of TAA. While numerous studies have associated blood transfusions with increased complications in hip and knee arthroplasty, little is known of its effect in TAA. This study aims to use a large nationally representative database to determine the effect of blood transfusion on inpatient complications and total hospital costs following TAA. Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2002-2012, 19,190 patients undergoing TAA were identified, with 294 (1.5%) receiving a blood transfusion. Univariate analysis was performed to determine patient and hospital factors associated with blood transfusion during inpatient stay following TAA. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine if blood transfusion was associated with other inpatient complications after controlling for age, race, gender, and comorbidities. Results: Patients receiving a blood transfusion were more likely to be older, female, African American race, on Medicaid insurance, and in a non-teaching hospital. The average length of stay for patients undergoing blood transfusion was 5.4 days compared to 2.5 days for those who did not (P < 0.001), while the average inpatient cost was $101,214.77 vs. $58,076.23. Blood transfusion was associated (P < 0.001) with acute renal failure, acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, length of stay and inpatient cost greater than 75th percentile. After controlling for age, race, gender, and comorbidities, blood transfusion was determined to be an independent risk factor for acute renal failure (P=0.001, OR=3.17), acute myocardial infarction (P < 0.001, OR=66.76), extended length of stay (P < 0.001, OR=5.82), and increased inpatient cost (P < 0.001, OR=2.68). Conclusion: Peri-operative blood transfusions are associated with increased inpatient complications and increased hospital costs following total ankle arthroplasty. Careful preoperative assessment and medical optimization of these patients should be performed in order minimize the risk of peri-operative blood transfusion.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is a salvage option reserved for severe ankle and hindfoot deformities, arthritis of the ankle and subtalar joints, avascular necrosis of the talus, failed total ankle arthroplasty, and Charcot arthropathy. Implants have long been made from various metals most commonly stainless steel or titanium alloys. Disadvantages of metal implants include limited fatigue life, mismatch of modulus of elasticity, potential for wear debris, corrosion, and radiodensity that can preclude accurate radiographic visualization. Carbon fiber implants have been available for years. The advantageous properties of carbon fiber for use as orthopaedic implants include a similar modulus of elasticity to bone to decrease stress shielding, biocompatilibity, with minimal cellular response when studied invitro and invivo, ability to withstand prolonged fatigue straining and radiolucency on XR. Methods: A Carbofix TM carbon fiber TTC fusion nail was used in 15 patients with for Tibiotalocalcaneal /TC fusion. All patients received preop, intra op xrays, and follow up xrays at weeks 2/6/12. After 12 weeks xrays were taken every 3 months until 1 year. All xrays were read by a radiology attending to assess for consolidation and maintenance of alignment. We also performed CT scan for the nonunion [clinical & Radiological] Results: We were able to find comparable results [patients operated with carbon fiber nail] to the historical data of the patients treated with different metal implants. We were also able to check the safety of using the implant [no tissue reaction or reactivity], easily able to see the fusion across the joints secondary to radioluceny and artifact free CT scan or MRI when required. There were no metal related complications noted. Conclusion: These studies have shown the usefulness of carbon fiber implants but there are no studies which explicitly review Tibiotalocalcaneal/Tibiocalcaneal fusion. We present a retrospective case series of 15 patients who were treated with carbon fiber tibiotalocalcaneal fusion nail.

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Hindfoot arthrodesis is often the treatment of choice for hindfoot pain due to arthritis or advanced deformity. Good results are dependent on secure fixation while avoiding hardware related side effects. A small radiolucent locking dorsal circular plate placed into the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints may provide a low-profile solution for secure fixation of these joints. The goal of this study is to compare the fixation strength of a locking dorsal circular plate to that of the current gold standard technique of screw fixation. Methods: Eight matched fresh-frozen cadaveric foot-ankle pairs were obtained for comparison of the two fixation methods. One side of each matched pair was plated with a locking dorsal circular plate and the contralateral foot was fixed with partially threaded 4.5 mm cannulated screws. All subtalar joints were fixed with two 7.3 mm cannulated screws. Translational forces through a mechanical testing system (MTS) were applied to the constructs cyclically for 40 cycles followed by loading to failure. Displacement was recorded using two high-speed infrared cameras, following sets of orthogonal marker systems attached to each bone. Results: Cyclical loading trials found there to be no significant difference in resistance to motion between the two methods. However, specimens instrumented with plates had an approximately 400% higher load to failure (513.3 N vs 127.7 N) than specimens instrumented with screws. Conclusion: Locking dorsal circular plates are a viable option that provide equivalent and possibly better fixation strength than screw fixation for the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid components of a triple arthrodesis of the hindfoot. These plates are radiolucent allowing easy assessment of the fusion site. In addition, these plates have the theoretical benefit of being low profile to decrease tendon irritation and wound healing problems.