Foot & ankle specialist最新文献

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether decision-making regarding implant selection affects the reimbursement margins for the surgical fixation of ankle fractures.

Methods: All ankle fractures treated between 2010 and 2017 within a single-insurer database were identified via Current Procedural Terminology codes by review of electronic medical record. Implant cost was determined via the implant record cross-referenced with the single contract institutional charge master database. The Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) technique was used to determine the costs of care during all activities throughout the 1-year episode of care. Statistical analysis consisted of multiple linear regression and goodness-of-fit analyses.

Results: In all, 249 patients met inclusion criteria. Implant costs ranged from $173 to $3944, averaging $1342 ± $751. The TDABC-estimated cost of care ranged from $1416 to $9185, averaging $3869 ± $1384. Finally, the total reimbursed cost of care ranged between $1335 and $65 645, averaging $13 954 ± $9445. The implant costs occupied an estimated 34.7% of the TDABC-estimated cost of care per surgical encounter. Implant cost, as a percentage of the overall TDABC, was estimated as 36.2% in the inpatient setting and 33% in the outpatient setting, which was the second highest percentage behind surgical costs in both settings. We found a significant increase in net revenue of $1.93 for each dollar saved on implants in the outpatient setting, whereas the increase in net revenue per dollar saved of $1.03 approached significance in the inpatient setting.

Conclusion: There is a direct relationship between intraoperative decision-making, as evidenced by implant choices, and the revenue generated by surgical fixation of ankle fractures. Intraoperative decision-making that is cognitive of implant cost can facilitate adoption of institutional cost containment measures and prompt increased healthcare value.

Level of evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study.

Background: The aim was to assess the recurrence rate and clinical outcome after wide resection for plantar fibromatosis.

Methods: A total of 12 patients, 2 to 13 years after wide resection, were assessed for local and magnetic resonance imaging tomographic signs of recurrence at the clinical follow-up. In addition, a systematic review of the literature was conducted.

Results: After 7.8 years (2-13), 2 patients (17%) suffered a recurrence. At the last follow-up, median Foot Functional Index was 1 (0-66) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 95 (44-100). Six studies with 109 feet (92 patients) were included in the systematic review. The recurrence rate depends on the width of the resection: 67% after local resection, 42% after wide resection, and 27% after fasciectomy.

Conclusion: In patients with symptomatic plantar fibromatosis, we recommend a wide resection or fasciectomy over a local resection because of the inferior recurrence rate.

Levels of evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series.

Background: Midfoot arthrodesis is a common procedure performed both for arthritis and correction of deformity. The optimal fixation for midfoot arthrodesis has not been established, though numerous studies have been investigating the fixation techniques of midfoot arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the union rate of midfoot arthrodesis using 4 different fixation strategies and investigate risk factors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent midfoot joint arthrodesis between January 2014 and May 2019. The rates of nonunion and postoperative complication were compared among 4 different fixation constructs: staple fixation, compression plate fixation, compression plate with lag screw fixation, and compression screw fixation. Predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis were investigated through a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 95 patients (99 feet), including 240 midfoot joints were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 78.4 weeks.

Results: Overall, bony union was achieved in 86 out of 99 (86.9%) patients, which included 218 out of 240 (90.8%) midfoot joints. A significant difference in the nonunion rate according to the type of fixation construct was found (P = .011); the compression screw alone fixation construct was noted to have a significantly higher nonunion rate than other fixation constructs. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] = 0.179 [95% CI: 0.059, 0.542]), the type of fixation construct (compression screw alone; OR =1.789 [95% CI: 1.071, 2.978]), lack of adjuvant bone graft (OR = 2.803 [95% CI: 1.081, 7.268], and postoperative nonanatomical alignment (OR = 3.937 [95% CI: 1.278, 12.126]) were identified as independent predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis.

Conclusion: The rate of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis among 4 different commonly used fixation constructs was compared in this study. Risk factors of nonunion were investigated revealing that diabetes mellitus, compression screw fixation alone, lack of adjuvant bone graft, and postoperative nonanatomical alignment are independent predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis.

Levels of evidence: Level III: Comparative cohort study.

Background: Hepatitis C is associated with increased adverse events following surgery. The goals of this study were therefore to evaluate postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatitis C following ankle arthrodesis.

Materials and methods: A review of Medicare patients was performed to identify patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis. Patients were then divided into those with a preoperative history of hepatitis C and those who did not and were matched using propensity scores. Outcomes of interest were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: A diagnosis of hepatitis C was associated with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, emergency department visits, and readmission within 90 days following surgery. In addition, hepatitis C is associated with an increased length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and total hospital charge.

Conclusions: A diagnosis of hepatitis C was associated with a significant increase in hospital resource utilization during the initial inpatient stay and the immediate post-discharge period.Level of Evidence: III.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine morphological variations and normal parameters of the cross-sectional tibiofibular syndesmotic anatomy.

Methods: Configurations of syndesmosis, anterior syndesmotic width (ASW), posterior syndesmotic width (PSW), and overlap distance, defined as the overlap of medial fibula with a drawn line from tip of anterior tubercle of incisura fibularis to the posterior tip, were measured on normal computed tomography (CT) scans of 110 cases. Results: Seventy seven male (70%) and 33 female (30%) (left: 50 and right: 60) were assessed. Mean age of the cases was 33 ± 13 (range: 15-80) years. Three different syndesmotic configurations were crescent (55.5%), rectangular (39.1 %), and semicircle (5.4 %). Overall, mean ASW, PSW, and overlap distance were 2.72, 3.98, and 1.02 mm, respectively. Upper limit of normal ASW in crescent, rectangular, and semicircle was 4.80, 4.85, and 3.89 mm, respectively. The maximum of PSW in crescent, rectangular, and semicircle was 6.25, 6.50, and 4.97 mm, respectively. There was not significant difference between syndesmotic configurations based on age (P = .69) and sex (P = .16).

Conclusions: During interpreting axial CT scan to diagnose syndesmotic injuries, the normal range of parameters according to the different configurations of the tibiofibular syndesmosis should be carefully considered.

Level of evidence: Level 4.

Steroid-induced avascular necrosis (AVN) of the lower extremity is a destructive process of the bone found in patients who have been treated with these medications for a variety of medical conditions. There are several proposed etiologies for development of this condition, however much debate still remains for the exact pathophysiology. The main clinical characteristics include edema, arthralgias, and restricted joint range of motion. Diagnostic imaging is a key aspect in the analysis of this pathologic process. When steroid-induced AVN affects multiple bones, this atypical presentation is difficult to treat due to its diffuse nature, therefore surgical options are limited. In these cases, conservative therapy is targeted toward pain relief and preserving joint range of motion. This review aims to provide an overview on the presentation of steroid-induced AVN in the foot and ankle, outline the pathophysiology of the process, and describe a variety of both conservative and surgical treatment options. A case study is provided to showcase a patient presentation of diffuse steroid-induced AVN of the foot and ankle and their course of treatment.Levels of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion.

Level of evidence: Level V.

Background: The most common first-line fixation technique for simple Weber B fibula fractures is a lag screw with lateral neutralization plate. The most common surgical technique for unstable Weber B fibula fracture is one-third semi-tubular plate and cortical screws, implemented with lag screw when appropriate. However, the lag technique can be technically challenging in osteoporotic bone or within fibulas of smaller diameter, and in some cases can result in fragmentation at the fracture site, malreduction, or peroneal irritation. The purpose of this study is to examine an alternative first-line method for routine treatment of simple Weber B fibula fractures.

Methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a Weber B fibula fracture by a single surgeon were included in this retrospective study. After reduction, a lateral locking plate was applied with cortical screws proximally and locking screws distally. No screw crossed the fracture in any case. Per published precedent, nonunion was defined as either a gap of >3 mm between fracture surfaces >6 months postoperatively or a fracture line >2 to 3 mm wide and sclerosing of the fracture surfaces. Similarly, malunion was defined as one or more of the following: talar tilt >2º, talar subluxation >2 mm, or tibiofibular clear space ≥5 mm.

Results: The mean (± standard deviation) age of the 52 included patients was 44.2 ± 16.2 years, the mean body mass index was 27.7 ± 6.6 kg/m², and 63.5% of patients identified themselves as female sex. The mean follow-up was 6.2 (range: 1.5-15) months. In addition to undergoing fixation of the lateral malleolus, 21 patients also underwent fixation of the posterior malleolus, 27 underwent fixation of the medial malleolus, 29 underwent fixation across the syndesmosis, and 7 underwent repair of the deltoid. In all patients, bony anatomic union of the fibula and congruence of the mortise were achieved with no cases of malunion or nonunion.

Conclusions: The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fixation technique for simple Weber B fractures with a lag screw and lateral neutralization plating has provided good outcomes for decades. We present an alternative technique for ORIF of these fractures with a lateral locking plate and no lag screw. In our series, we evaluated radiographic union and alignment as our primary outcome measures and found no cases of nonunion or malunion. Prospective cohort testing of lateral locking plates versus traditional fixation in the context of patient-centered value is warranted.Level of Evidence: Level III.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the functional outcomes, radiological outcomes, complication rates, and hardware removal between lateral and posterior surface plating in isolated type B Weber lateral malleolus fractures.

Methods: It was a retrospective study that compared the outcomes of type B Weber lateral malleoli fractures treated by either lateral surface or posterior surface plating. Radiological and functional outcomes were assessed at regular intervals. The follow-up details and the complications and need for implant removal were collected from the hospital records.

Results: Our study included 60 patients (male-35 and female-25). The mean age was 41.7 ± 10.5 years. In all, 28 (46.7%) patients received lateral surface plating and 32 (53.3%) patients received posterior surface plating. The mean time gap between the injury and the surgery was significantly more among patients who underwent lateral plate insertion (P < .001). The mean operative time required for both the procedures was comparable, hence nonsignificant (P = .576). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) after 2 years of operation was significantly higher for posterior plate insertion (P = .014). The complication rates as well as the implant removal rates were higher in patients with lateral plating (P < .05).

Conclusion: Posterior surface plating can be considered as the procedure of choice for isolated type B Weber lateral malleolus fractures with respect to better functional outcome, lesser complications rates, and need for implant removal.

Level of evidence: Level III: Economic/decision.

Background: The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of foot and ankle patient education material generated by the AI chatbots, as they compare to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)-recommended patient education website, FootCareMD.org.

Methods: ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing AI were used to generate patient educational materials on 10 of the most common foot and ankle conditions. The content from these AI language model platforms was analyzed and compared with that in FootCareMD.org for accuracy of included information. Accuracy was determined for each of the 10 conditions on a basis of included information regarding background, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, surgical options, recovery procedures, and risks or preventions.

Results: When compared to the reference standard of the AOFAS website FootCareMD.org, the AI language model platforms consistently scored below 60% in accuracy rates in all categories of the articles analyzed. ChatGPT was found to contain an average of 46.2% of key content across all included conditions when compared to FootCareMD.org. Comparatively, Google Bard and Bing AI contained 36.5% and 28.0% of information included on FootCareMD.org, respectively (P < .005).

Conclusion: Patient education regarding common foot and ankle conditions generated by AI language models provides limited content accuracy across all 3 AI chatbot platforms.

Level of evidence: Level IV.