BACKGROUND:Primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc fracture-dislocations is a reliable treatment option, yet concerns remain about nonunion. Nitinol staple use has recently proliferated in midfoot arthrodesis. The purpose of this study is to examine the union rate of primary arthrodesis of acute Lisfranc fracture-dislocations treated with nitinol staples compared with traditional plate-and-screw fixation. The secondary objective is to assess the difference in operative times and reoperation rates. METHODS:Midfoot fracture-dislocations treated with primary arthrodesis by 7 foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons were reviewed. Of 160 eligible patients, 121 patients (305 joints) met the required 4-month minimum radiographic follow-up. Radiographic outcomes were analyzed at the individual joint level. Each joint was classified as either staples alone (45 patients, 154 joints), staples plus plates and screws (hybrid) (45 patients, 40 joints), or plates and screws alone (31 patients, 111 joints). The primary outcome was arthrodesis union at each joint fused. RESULTS:Nonunion was more common (9.0%, 10/111) among joints fixed with plate and screws than with hybrid (2.5%, 1/40) or staples only (1.3%, 2/154) (P = .0085). Multivariable regression demonstrated that autograft use was independent associated with union (P = .0035) and plate-and-screw only fixation was an independent risk factor for nonunion (P = .0407). Median operating room and tourniquet times were shorter for hybrid (92 and 83 minutes) and staple only (67 and 63 minutes) constructs compared to plate-and-screw only fixation (105 and 95 minutes) (P ≤ .0001 and .0003). There was no difference in reoperation rates among patients with different fixation types. CONCLUSION:We found that use of nitinol compression staple and bone autograft in primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc and midfoot fracture-dislocations was associated with both improved union rates and shorter tourniquet and operative times compared to traditional plate-and-screw fixation techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Level III, therapeutic.

Background: Total talus replacement (TTR) implants are designed to replace the diseased talar anatomy, reduce pain, maintain ankle range of motion, and restore ankle function after conservative treatments have failed. Currently TTR implants are produced by 3D printing a patient-specific implant designed from the patient’s preoperative anatomy. TTR surgery using patient-specific implants is a relatively new technique that remains understudied in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the early safety and potential benefit of the TTR implant in patients with talar avascular necrosis. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter, cohort study evaluates the safety and potential benefits of TTR using 3D-printed patient-specific implants across 4 US centers. The primary outcome was the occurrence of early adverse events after TTR surgery. Secondary outcomes including, pain, and physical function were assessed using the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF), respectively. Results: The study team analyzed 15 patients with more than 1 year of follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up was 25.9 months (range: 18.3-41 months). Although 33.3% (5 of 15) of patients experienced adverse events, primarily occurring within the initial 6 months postoperatively, 93% (14 of 15) of patients reported implant survivorship. Of the 5 cases (33.3%) resulting in an adverse event, 3 (60.0%) were determined to be unrelated to the subject device, 2 (40.0%) were determined to be possibly procedure-related, and none (0%) were determined to be device-related. Conclusion: Although further studies are needed to compare TTR with the standard of care, the results of this study demonstrate the relative early safety of TTR surgery using a 3D-printed implant for the treatment of challenging talar pathologies. A larger and longer clinical study is required to see if the efficacy of this approach will be statistically and clinically meaningful.

Background Hallux interphalangeal joint arthrodesis (HIPJA) is indicated for a variety of pathologies. Despite high nonunion rates, techniques remain unchanged. The aim of this study is to examine nonunion and complication rates and describe risk factors for treatment failure.Methods A query of an institutional database was performed to identify all patients undergoing HIPJA procedure over a 10-year period. Records were reviewed to the procedure, evaluate patient factors, indications, and radiographic/clinical arthrodesis. Radiographic union was defined as 2 cortical continuations or bridging at the arthrodesis site, absence of hardware failure, and the absence of lytic gapping of the arthrodesis. Clinical fibrous union was defined as radiographic nonunion with painless toe range of motion and physical examination consistent with fusion across the interphalangeal joint.Results Two hundred twenty-seven primary HIPJA procedures were identified. Our cohort demonstrated a 25.5% nonunion rate (58/227) and 21.1% reoperation rate (48/227). Patients with diabetes were at higher risk for nonunion (P = .014), but no significant differences were identified based on smoking status or diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. No difference was seen between implant groups: single screw, multiple screws, screw plus other fixation, nonscrew fixation. Patients with prior hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis did not have a significantly higher nonunion rate than patients without prior first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Patients diagnosed with radiographic nonunion were at higher risk for reoperation (P < .0001).Conclusion Our cohort represents the largest single-center series of HIPJA procedures published to date. We found relatively high nonunion and reoperation rates with standard current techniques.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case series.

Background: The traditional lateral extensile approach to the calcaneus allows for excellent visualization but is associated with high wound complication rates. The sinus tarsi approach has been shown to produce similar radiographic outcomes with much lower rates of wound complications. The purpose of this study is to prospectively determine clinical and radiographic outcomes in calcaneus fractures treated with a sinus tarsi approach. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with 30 calcaneus fractures underwent operative fixation through a sinus tarsi approach and were prospectively evaluated. Routine pre- and postoperative radiographs were obtained, in addition to computed tomography (CT) scans at 6 weeks and 12 months after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), and Foot Functional Index (FFI) were recorded. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year postoperation. Results: Twenty-one patients with 22 calcaneus fractures completed 1 year of follow-up. At 12 months postoperation, 20 of 22 patients (91%) had 0 to 2 mm of fracture displacement at the posterior facet on CT scans whereas 2 of 22 patients had 2 to 4 mm of fracture displacement. There was no significant change in posterior facet fracture displacement comparing 6-week and 12-month postoperative CT scans ( P > .99). Mean postoperative Bohler angle was 26.1 degrees compared to 13.2 degrees preoperatively. All patients had complete union of fracture site. There were no major wound complications. Four of 22 patients (18.2%) had minor wound complications. AOFAS, FFI, and VAS pain scores improved postoperatively but were not found to correlate with Bohler angle or critical angle of Gissane. Conclusion: We found that in select patients excellent anatomic alignment and good clinical outcomes with low wound complication rates can be achieved when fixing calcaneus fractures through the sinus tarsi approach. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Previous studies have documented improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following primary total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with mean two-year postoperative Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores reported as >80 (Norvell et al. JBJS 2019). As TAAs become more common, complications including chronic prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) will be encountered more frequently. Although well-documented in the hip and knee arthroplasty literature, no studies have reported on PROs following a two-stage revision procedure for a chronic PJI after a TAA. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes at a minimum of two-years postoperatively following a two-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI. Secondary outcomes were to identify the need for soft-tissue coverage and postoperative complications following the revision. Methods: Patients who underwent a two-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI (>4 weeks after a primary TAA) between January 2010 and December 2019 were eligible to be included in this study. Chronic PJI was defined as a sinus tract that directly communicated with the prosthesis or the same organism identified in 2 synovial fluid samples. Patients were excluded if they did not have at least two-year postoperative Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, which are validated patient-reported outcome tools. Twelve patients were eligible to be included in this study. One patient died prior to two-year follow-up, which left 11 patients available for analysis. All eleven patients underwent reimplantation with a stemmed tibial implant and flat-cut talus. Patients were contacted to determine if they had any additional reoperations since their last office note. The data was found not to be normally distributed; therefore, medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) are reported. Results: The median time from primary TAA to resection was 17 months (IQR 2-24 months). Seven of 10 patients required a free flap for soft-tissue coverage prior to reimplantation. At a median of 3.0 years (IQR 2.0-4.0 years) following the second stage of their revision arthroplasty, the median FAAM ADL, Sports, Current Function, and Current Sports Level scores were 60.7 (IQR 52.4, 79.8), 31.3 (IQR 9.4, 40.6), 70 (IQR 25.0, 90.0), and 10 (IQR 0.0, 75.0) (Figure 1). Patients rated their current level of function as 'Severely Abnormal' in 3 patients, 'Abnormal' in 4 patients, 'Nearly Normal' in 3 patients, and 'Normal' in 1 patient. Six patients required a reoperation including three patients who underwent a subsequent irrigation and debridement, one patient who had a below knee amputation, one patient who required a dorsiflexion first metatarsal osteotomy, and one patient who had a subtalar and talonavicular arthrodesis. Conclusion: Our study suggests that a two-stage revision TAA is a viable option for patients with a chronic PJI with 90.9% of patients retaining their metal components at a minimum two-year follow-up. However, patients who undergo a two-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI have lower than previously published two-year FAAM scores and a high rate of flap coverage and reoperation. Only 36.4% of patients rated their function as 'Normal' or 'Near Normal.' This data may be used to help counsel patients about the expected outcome following a two-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI.

While flatfeet are normal in children, persistence into adolescence with associated pain or asymmetry warrants additional evaluation. Rigidity of a flatfoot deformity, whether a clinical report or evident on examination, should raise suspicion for pathology. The differential diagnosis includes tarsal coalition, neurogenic planovalgus, and peroneal spasticity. History must include pointed inquiry into birth and neurologic histories to probe for a source of central spasticity. Examination must include standing assessment of hindfoot and midfoot alignment. Hindfoot rigidity may be assessed by the double limb heel rise test and manual examination. Radiographs should include standing ankle (anterior-posterior and mortise) and whole foot (anterior-posterior, external rotation oblique, and lateral) images. Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive for identifying coalitions and better characterizes adjacent cartilage, subchondral edema, and tendon pathology, yet CT better characterizes the anatomy of a bony coalition. Conservative treatments are pathology-dependent and play a more prominent role in neurogenic or peroneal spastic flatfoot. Surgical management of coalitions is centered on coalition resection coupled with arthrodesis in the case of a talocalcaneal coalition with a dysplastic subtalar joint; concomitant planovalgus reconstruction is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Category: Diabetes; Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Operative correction of Charcot is generally accepted for nonplantigrade deformity that cannot be accommodated with commercially available therapeutic footwear, painful 'nonunion' type pain, in addition to the accepted indications of osteomyelitis, persistent wounds, and non-braceability. Classification schemes associated with Charcot foot are primarily descriptive in nature. Scant literature has attempted to correlate characteristics of the deformity with a specific operative strategy to enable correction of the acquired deformity. Hence, the purpose of this study is to create a database that will shed light on much needed guidelines in the management of Charcot arthropathy. Among those guidelines, identifying risk factors for conversion to operative treatment of non-operative Charcot feet is essential. Methods: A query of our institution administrative database was performed based on the Charcot ICD-10 codes for reconstruction procedures between 2015 - 2018. Clinic and hospital medical records were reviewed to determine if Charcot neuropathy was diagnosed and identify treatment plan. Minimal follow up was established at 2 years. Patient must have completed all surveys in the outcomes portion during their follow up period. If bilateral patients are identified, all records will be retained, and patients will be addressed as separate sides. The primary outcome was conversion to surgery. Independent risk factors analyzed were demographics, history of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, use of anticoagulants, tobacco use, shoe wear, bracing, plantigrade foot, neuropathy, presence of ulcer, infection, and Brodsky classification. The data was both stored and analyzed in the REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at our institution. Results: A total of one hundred and eighty (180) records were initially queried for. Thirty-four (34) patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the 34 patients, fourteen (41%) patients had conversion to surgery. Average age of patients who converted to surgery was 53.1 compared to patients who remained in the non-operative treatment arm (age = 66.1) (p=0.05) (Table 1). Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, anticoagulant, and tobacco use were not found to be significant risk factors. 11 (78.6%) patients who underwent surgery had diabetes compared to 8 (40%) patients in the nonoperative arm (p=0.160). 12 (85.7%) patients in the conversion arm were diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (p=0.184). Type of shoe wear, bracing, plantigrade foot, neuropathy, presence of ulcer, and Brodsky classification were not found to be significant risk factor. Conclusion: Identification of risk factors that lead to conversion to surgical treatment of Charcot is important. There are no well-established guidelines with regards to management or indications for surgery. This database aims to provide valuable insight into guidelines and recommendations for Charcot treatment. Preliminary results did not find independent risk factors for conversion to surgical treatment other than age. Presumably, younger patients with higher functional demands, or patients with high disease burden at younger ages are at higher risk of requiring surgical intervention. As our database expands, we will better identify risk factors and include treatment outcomes Charcot patients.

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Despite substantial advancements in Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA), catastrophic failure due to implant subsidence remains a common and serious problem. While there are many studies of short and some of intermediate term follow- up of TAA, the number of long-term studies, especially with prospectively collected data, is much fewer, and the data on the incidence and impact of talar subsidence on those results is even more limited. Talar subsidence can be especially challenging to manage, given the limited talar bone stock and revision options as compared to the larger tibial bone stock. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence and characteristics of TAA implant failure. Methods: A prospectively collected database of TAAs performed in a tertiary referral center began enrolling in 1999. Medical records/radiographs were reviewed to evaluate outcomes of TAA and final radiographs were reviewed to identify implant failure from 1999-2016. Minimum radiographic follow-up was two years. Pre-operative and post-operative radiographs were measured for ankle, foot, and implant coronal and sagittal alignment Failure and reoperation rates of two different implants, the mobile bearing Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) and the fixed bearing Salto Talaris (Salto) were analyzed. Paired Student t- tests were performed between groups. TAA revision surgeries were excluded if the primary TAA was performed at another institution. Reoperations were recorded according to the Reoperations Coding System (CROCS) classification of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS). There were 149 TAAs reviewed in 146 patients (136 STARs and 13 Saltos), with an average follow-up of 7.03 years (range 2-20 years). Results: Implant survival was 85.8% at mean 7 years. 25 TAAs demonstrated radiographic catastrophic failures, 21 underwent re- operation, and 4 declined revision surgery (Table 1). One failure was due to infection (CROCS 10), others were aseptic (CROCS 9). 13/25 failures were related to talar subsidence, all STARs (9.6% of all STARs in the series). Nine STARs (6.4%) had less severe talar subsidence but were asymptomatic, The STAR talar component, in total, subsided in 17.6% (24/136) of STARs, requiring revision in 13 (9.6%) of cases at mean 3.8 years post-op. There was no difference in pre-operative/post-operative radiographic alignment between the TAAs that did and did not fail. Twenty-six ankles (17.4%) underwent additional surgery with retention of metal components, bringing the total reoperation rate to 47/149 (31.5%). Conclusion: At long-term follow-up, TAA demonstrates reasonable implant survival rates, especially given the learning curve that includes STARs implanted prior to the Food and Drug approval study. We describe a unique mode of failure in STARs that highlights one of the risk factors for failure in total ankle arthroplasty. This represents the highest reported rate of talar subsidence in the literature with almost 10% of STARs demonstrating talar-sided failure at mean 7-year follow-up. Surgeons who utilize the STAR total ankle should be vigilant for talar subsidence given the high rates reported in this series.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify associated risk factors for complications, need for a higher level of amputation such as below-knee amputation (BKA) or above-knee amputation (AKA), and mortality after transmetatarsal amputation (TMA). Methods: We identified 265 patients who underwent 286 TMA procedures between June 2002 and July 2016. Medical records were reviewed for revision surgery and amputation. Mortality was verified using the National Death Index. We identified and documented potential risk factors including diabetes, hemoglobin A1c level, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, history of revascularization, contralateral amputation, and neuropathy. Sixty-eight percent were male, the mean age was 56.9 years (SD 12.8; range 24.1 to 92.1), and the median body mass index was 28.6 (interquartile range, 24.5 to 33.1). Results: Twenty-seven percent of the patients required a subsequent BKA or AKA after the index TMA surgery. The results of a multivariable model indicated that women (odds ratio [OR], 3.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.716 to 7.672), patients aged 57 to 64 years (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.51), and patients with a history of revascularization (OR, 7.06, 95% CI, 2.86 to 17.44) had markedly higher odds than the relevant comparison groups. Forty percent of the patients died after the index TMA at a median of 27 months. After adjusting for all patient factors, history of end-stage renal disease (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.206 to 4.014) and cardiovascular disease (OR, 2.879; 95% CI, 1.615 to 5.131) remained markedly associated with mortality after TMA. Discussion: There are high rates of additional amputation after nontraumatic TMA and a high mortality rate. Surgeons should set realistic expectations with patients considered for TMA and identify risk factors, which may guide treatment. Treatment is multidisciplinary, requiring attention to surgical details, correction of vascular deficiency or contracture when present, and perioperative medical optimization. Level of Evidence: IV

BACKGROUND:As total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) becomes more common, chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) will be encountered more frequently. No studies have reported on patient-reported outcomes following a 2-stage revision procedure for a chronic PJI after a TAA. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative clinical outcomes at a minimum of 2 years following a 2-stage revision TAA for chronic PJI.METHODS:Patients who underwent a 2-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI (>4 weeks after a primary TAA) between January 2010 and December 2019 were eligible to be included in this study. Chronic PJI was defined as a sinus tract that directly communicated with the prosthesis or the same organism identified in ≥2 synovial fluid samples. Twelve patients were eligible to be included in this case series. One patient died prior to 2-year follow-up, which left 11 patients available for analysis. All 11 patients underwent reimplantation. The data were found not to be normally distributed; therefore, medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported.RESULTS:At a median of 3.0 years (IQR 2.0-4.0 years) following the second stage of their revision arthroplasty, the median Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living and Sports scores were 60.7 (IQR 52.4, 79.8) and 31.3 (IQR 9.4, 40.6), respectively. At final follow-up, 10 patients (90.9%) were ambulating with a TAA in place. Seven patients (63.6%) required a reoperation including 1 patient who underwent a below-knee amputation.CONCLUSION:Our study suggests that a 2-stage revision TAA may be an option for patients with a chronic PJI. However, patients who undergo a 2-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI have lower than previously published 2-year FAAM scores and a high rate of reoperation.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Level IV, case series.

Background: The major complication and reoperation rates after distal triceps repair are poorly defined. The purpose of this large retrospective cohort study of distal triceps repairs performed by multiple surgeons within a large orthopedic group was to more clearly define the rates and risk factors of clinically impactful major complications and reoperations. Methods: All distal triceps tendon repairs for traumatic injuries performed from January 2006 to April 2017 with a minimum 2-month follow-up were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology code 24342. A total of 107 patients were included in this study. The primary outcome measure was total major complication rate. Reoperations, minor complications, and risk factors were also tracked. Results: Repairs were performed via bone tunnels (63.5%), suture anchors (13%), or a combination of the two (17.8%). A 14% complication rate and 13.1% reoperation rate were observed. Indication for reoperation included 9 reruptures, 3 infections, and 2 others. The time between injury and surgery was not found to be a risk factor for tendon rerupture. Smoking status, gender, utilization of a splint or controlled motion brace, and time to first active mobilization were not shown to influence rates or rerupture. Conclusion: Distal triceps repair for traumatic injuries is associated with 14% complication and 13.1% reoperation rates. Patient, rehabilitation, and surgeon-specific factors did not influence the complication rate.

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Basic Sciences/Biologics; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Preoperative factors influencing functional disability imparted on the patient by ankle arthritis have not previously been assessed with gait analysis. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of ankle arthritis etiology and deformity, measured radiographically, on gait performance in a dedicated gait lab utilizing a multisegment foot model. With three calcaneal and four metatarsal markers in addition to standard lower extremity markers, the modified Helen Haynes model allows for the evaluation of range of motion (ROM) within the 'ankle-hindfoot segment.' The primary hypothesis was that three- dimensional ankle-hindfoot segment ROM would be more restricted in patients with post-traumatic ankle arthritis than other etiologies. The secondary hypothesis was that temporospatial and kinetic measures would not vary by etiology. Methods: A longitudinal cohort of 183 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis were prospectively enrolled from 2008-2018. Mean age was 61, BMI 29, and 56% were male. Four etiologic groups were defined: Post-fracture (100), arthritis caused by planovalgus foot deformity (23), chronic instability associated with cavovarus (32), and miscellaneous (28), comprised of inflammatory (7), idiopathic (6), instability without deformity (5), septic (2), and avascular necrosis (3) as causes. The four-segment Milwaukee foot model was used in a dedicated gait lab with a 12-camera motion capture system. Gait data was collected over a minimum 20 gait cycles across a 10-meter walkway. Kinetic data was simultaneously collected with two force plates embedded in the walkway operating at 1 MHz. AP and lateral tibiotalar angles, lateral talus-first metatarsal angles, calcaneal pitch, and tibiotalar ratio were measured. Multivariate regression analyzed the effect of etiology and radiographic measures on gait function, controlling for age, gender, and BMI. Results: The primary hypothesis was confirmed. Sagittal plane ankle-hindfoot segment ROM was lower in post-traumatic and higher in valgus patients compared to other etiological groups (P<0.0001) (Figure 1). Sagittal plane ankle-hindfoot segment ROM restriction relative to the contralateral limb was also more severe in the post-traumatic group than others (P=0.0005). Valgus AP tibiotalar angles were associated with greater sagittal plane ankle-hindfoot ROM (P=0.0016). The secondary hypothesis was disproven. Post-traumatic patients ambulate with greater maximum ankle moment than other groups (P=0.0043). Valgus patients ambulate with a comparatively longer step length (P<0.0001). Significant reductions in affected limb walking speed (P<0.0001), step length (P<0.0001), and maximum ankle moment (P=0.036), as well as increases in double limb (P=0.0007) and total support percentage (P<0.0001) were found among the miscellaneous etiology group. Conclusion: Of the four groups, patients with post-traumatic ankle arthritis ambulated with the greatest ankle and hindfoot stiffness, but also the greatest ankle moment. Patients with valgus ankle arthritis had the greatest ROM through the ankle and hindfoot and the longest step length. In addition to diminished ROM, patients in the miscellaneous group had the lowest cadence, symmetry, and torque of gait. The etiology of severe ankle arthritis can predict the pattern of gait dysfunction, which, in turn, may inform choices of surgical reconstruction.

Category: Trauma; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/ Purpose: Primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc and midfoot fracture-dislocations is a reliable treatment option, yet concerns remain about nonunion and dorsiflexion malunion. The use of a new generation of nitinol staples has proliferated in midfoot arthrodesis. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of nitinol staples in primary arthrodesis of acute Lisfranc fracture-dislocations, comparing outcomes to traditional plate and screw fixation. The primary hypothesis is that nonunion rates are lower with constructs that include nitinol staples than those with plates and screws alone. Secondary hypotheses are: 1. Total operative and tourniquet time are shorter using nitinol staples. 2. Reoperation rates are lower using nitinol staples. 3. Dorsiflexion malunion rates are lower using nitinol staples. 4. Functional outcome scores will indicate comparable post-arthrodesis disability. Methods: Midfoot fracture-dislocations treated with primary arthrodesis by seven foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons at a tertiary referral center from 1/1/2012 to 8/1/2021 were reviewed. Patients with open fractures, fractures managed with external fixation, Charcot arthropathy, neuropathy, previous midfoot surgery, or concomitant hindfoot/ankle fractures were excluded. Of 160 eligible patients, 121 patients met the required 4-month minimum radiographic follow-up. Preoperative records were reviewed, evaluating for associated metatarsal and cuneiform fractures, operative and tourniquet time, joints included, and fixation construct. Outcomes were analyzed at both patient and individual joint levels. Patients (121 total) and individual joints (305 total) were categorized as either staples alone (45 patients, 154 joints), staples plus plates and screws (hybrid) (45 patients, 40 joints), or plates and screws alone (31 patients, 111 joints). Postoperative radiographs were analyzed for union and malunion at each joint fused. Medical records were reviewed for postoperative complications. FAAM, VR-12, and NPRS were collected. Results: When assessed at the individual joint level, the nonunion rate was higher (8.1%, 9/111) among joints fixed with plate and screw constructs than with hybrid (2.5%, 1/40) or staple only constructs (1.3%, 2/154) (P = 0.017). Of the 12 nonunions in the study, 6 had either a metatarsal or cuneiform fracture. Median OR and tourniquet time were both shorter for hybrid (92 & 83 minutes) and staple only (67 & 63 minutes) constructs compared to plate and screw only fixation (106 & 95 minutes) (P = 0.0003 & < 0.0001). There were 15 (12.4%) reoperations including 10 hardware removals, 3 nonunion revisions, and 1 malunion revision. There was no difference in reoperation, malunion (14 total, 11.6%), or patient reported outcome measure between fixation types. Conclusion: Nitinol staples are effective in achieving bony fusion when used alone or in combination with plates and screws. Their use should be considered for primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc and midfoot fracture-dislocations due to lower rates of nonunion and shorter tourniquet and operative time compared to traditional plate and screw fixation. Further studies are needed to determine if staples decrease the risk for dorsiflexion malunion and improve patient reported outcomes.

Background:Distal biceps repair is a commonly reported procedure in male patients, with reliable outcomes and minimal long-term complications. Information on female patients, however, is limited, and variation in presentation and clinical outcomes is unknown.Questions/Purpose:We sought to report on the presentation, treatment algorithm, and outcomes of a case series of female patients with distal biceps pathology.Methods:A retrospective evaluation was performed from a large, single specialty orthopedic group from 2005 to 2017. Inclusion criteria were surgical treatment of the distal biceps in female patients, with minimum 3 months of follow-up. The primary outcome variable was the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).Results:Of 26 patients who met inclusion criteria, 18 (70%) were available for follow-up with patient-reported outcomes. Median age at time of injury was 56.1 years; 46.2% of patients presented with a complete tear of the distal biceps, and the remaining 53.8% presented with a partial tear that failed nonoperative treatment. Six patients had lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuritis in early follow-up, which ultimately resolved. Median MEPS score was 100 (interquartile range: 20).Conclusion:This study represents the largest case series to date describing the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of female patients with distal biceps repair. Women tend to be older than men, have more insidious onset of pain, present with partial tearing, and may benefit from nonoperative treatment. Ultimately, based on this case series we believe distal biceps repair in female patients is a successful operation with minimal complications and high patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND In vivo gait analysis provides objective measurement of patient function and can quantify that function before and after ankle reconstruction. Previous gait studies have shown functional improvement for up to 4 years following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), but to date, there are no published studies assessing function at ≥5 years following TAA. We hypothesized that patients who underwent TAA would show significant improvements in walking function at a minimum follow-up of 5 years, compared with their preoperative function, as measured by changes in temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters. METHODS Three-dimensional gait analysis with a 12-camera digital motion-capture system and double force plates was utilized to record temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic measures in 33 patients who underwent TAA with either the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (Stryker; n = 28) or Salto Talaris Ankle (Integra LifeSciences; n = 5). Gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 5 years (mean, 7.6 years; range, 5 to 13 years). RESULTS Significant improvements were observed in multiple gait parameters, with temporospatial increases in cadence (+9.5 steps/min; p < 0.0001), step length (+4.4 cm; p = 0.0013), and walking speed (+0.2 m/s; p < 0.0001), and kinematic increases in total sagittal range of motion (+2.0°; p = 0.0263), plantar flexion at initial contact (+2.7°; p = 0.0044), and maximum plantar flexion (+2.0°; p = 0.0488). Kinetic analysis revealed no loss of peak ankle power, despite patients aging. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to report 7-year functional outcomes of TAA, quantified by objective, in vivo measurements of patient gait. Patients were shown to have sustained improvement in multiple objective parameters of gait compared with preoperative function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) have a proven track record of clinical improvements in subjective patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and objective measures with three dimensional gait analysis. Each represents a valid, but different kind of information, and both are important. What is unknown is whether and how objective improvements as measured by gait analysis correlate with the improvements measured by PROMs. The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between objective function and PROMs in patients undergoing TAA. Methods: Seventy-six patients (28m/48f) aged 61 (37-79) with a mean BMI of 29.60 (19.63-46.64) and greater than 1-year follow-up underwent preoperative and postoperative gait analysis. Temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of gait were recorded. Patients also completed AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot scores, visual analog score for pain (VAS), and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires within two weeks of their preoperative gait analysis and at the one-year postoperative gait analysis. A t-test for dependent means was used to compare preoperative and postoperative outcomes. Additionally, a Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to measure the strength of association between parameters of gait and PROMs. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Gait Analysis: Patients had a statistically significant improvement in all temporal-spatial parameters of gait, in total range of motion, mean maximum plantarflexion, and ankle power. Patient-reported outcome measures: A statistically significant and clinically meaningful significant improvement was detected for AOFAS score, VAS score, and SF-36-Physical score. Changes in the SF-36-Mental score were not detected to be statistically significant or clinically significant. Correlation: The AOFAS score had a moderate positive correlation with preoperative walking-speed, step-length and ankle-power, postoperative walking-speed, step-length and ankle-power, and improvement in walking-speed, cadence, and ankle-power. The SF-36-Physical score had a weak to moderate positive correlation with preoperative walking speed, step length, and ankle power and postoperative walking speed, step length and ankle power. No correlation between VAS or SF-36-Mental score and function could be detected. Conclusion: There is a moderate correlation with AOFAS and SF-36-Physical scores between walking speed (temporal-spatial parameters), and ankle push-off power (kinetic parameters). PROMs did not correlate with improvements in ROM (kinematic parameters). This may challenge the assumption that preservation of motion is the most important role of TAA. The data may be interpreted to mean cadence, walking-speed, step-length and ankle power are the most important aspects of gait with respect to patients’ perceived outcomes. However, perhaps ROM is important to patient satisfaction – but the outcome measures we use are not sufficiently sensitive/specific to measure the effect of improved or maintained motion.

Background Although it is a widely accepted clinical principle that cavovarus deformity predisposes to peroneal tendon problems, there are limited data to support that assumption. This study tested the hypothesis that cavovarus is associated with peroneal tendon tears and evaluated which radiographic measures correlated with that association. Methods: A retrospective comparison of radiographic measures of cavovarus in 234 consecutive patients operatively treated for chronically symptomatic peroneal tendon tears was compared to a matched control group. Measures included calcaneal pitch, anteroposterior (AP) talometatarsal and talocalcaneal angles, and talonavicular coverage angle. A novel coordinate system analyzed midfoot and hindfoot components of cavovarus. Analysis of variance was used to compare cohorts, and a Tukey-Kramer test used to analyze 3 subgroups of brevis and longus tears, and concomitant tears. Results: The distribution of tears was 73% peroneus brevis, 8% longus, and 19% both tendons. Compared with controls, the study group, and subgroups, had multiple measures of increased cavovarus, including greater calcaneal pitch ( P = .0001), decreased AP talo–first metatarsal angle ( P = .0001), and increased talonavicular coverage angle ( P = .0001). Elevated medial longitudinal arch, and rotational changes in the radiographic profiles of the hindfoot were found with the coordinate system described by Yokokura. Conclusion: This study found a statistically significant association of increased cavovarus deformity with peroneal tendon tears, compared to controls. It documented the relative incidence of tears of peroneus brevis, peroneus longus, and concomitant tears in a large surgical series. It demonstrated which simple radiographic angles and complex coordinate measurements of cavovarus deformity were significantly associated with peroneal tendon tears. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative cohort study.

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Compared to women, hallux valgus in men is less common, more severe, and has higher rates of undercorrection, recurrence and greater distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). Bunionectomies that correct metatarsus primus varus (MPV) by valgus rotation paradoxically increase 1stMTP valgus in high DMAA, contributing to recurrence and undercorrection. While proximal valgus osteotomy or arthrodesis plus distal varus-producing metatarsal osteotomy can correct both components, there is a simpler solution. A modified Scarf osteotomy technique was developed in which the osteotomy is simultaneously translated laterally to correct MPV, while rotating the distal metatarsal in varus to correct DMAA. While previous literature on male hallux valgus is comprised of many studies using a combination of surgical techniques, all patients in this series had the same procedure. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed in male patients treated with modified scarf osteotomy and soft tissue realignment for symptomatic hallux valgus, who failed conservative treatment. Preop and postop range of motion (ROM), radiographs, and validated patient reported outcome (PROM) scores including Pain VAS and SF-36, were tabulated, as well as complications, and AOFAS Hallux scores for historical comparison. There were 22 patients (26 feet), mean age 53 (17-79). Mean clinical and radiographic follow up was 24 months, and mean postop PROM’s follow up was 4.7 years. Six of 26 feet (23%) required a modified Akin osteotomy for a congruent 1stMTP joint. A subset of patients with minimum 4-year and mean 7.6 -year follow up (9 patients, 10 feet), was also analyzed. Weightbearing radiographs were evaluated for DMAA, hallux valgus angle (HVA) and 1st-2ndintermetatarsal angles (IMA). Results: Statistically significant improvements were found in VAS scores (5.8 to 1, p<0.001); SF-36 physical (44 to 56.7, p<0.001); IMA (15.9 to 8.7, p<0.001), HVA (36.1 to 15.1, p<0.001), DMAA (12.7 to 6.9, p=0.01) and AOFAS scores (44 to 79, p<0.001). Total 1stMTP ROM decreased from 60.9 to 50.8 degrees (p=0.06). One patient had delayed wound healing requiring oral antibiotics and wound vacuum application. Statistically significant improvements were maintained over time in the 7.6-year follow up sub-group, with VAS scores 6.2 to 1.3 (p<0.001), SF-36 physical from 40.8 to 61.3 (p=0.008), and SF-36 mental from 55.7 to 62.3 (p=0.002). Conclusion: This study found statistically significant improvements in both subjective validated PROM’s and objective radiographic measures using a special modification of the scarf osteotomy to address the characteristic increased DMAA that underlies complications and under correction previously reported in male hallux valgus. The corrections were well maintained at long-term follow-up including a robust correction of the DMAA.

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Cheilectomy and arthrodesis are the primary surgical treatments of hallux rigidus. While cheilectomy preserves limited motion, that motion can be the source of persistent pain that later requires arthrodesis. Cheilectomy with interposition arthroplasty using a synthetic hydrogel implant (Cartiva) has been proposed as an alternative to arthrodesis. Previous studies compared Cartiva to arthrodesis, but Cartiva is really a modification of cheilectomy, meant to improve its results by distracting the bony surfaces of the first MTP joint. This study compared outcomes of cheilectomy with Cartiva to cheilectomy alone. Methods: A retrospective cohort study assessed the results at 1-year minimum follow-up, identifying patients by CPT code for cheilectomy with (28291) and without (28289) Cartiva interposition. There were forty-five patients: 26 in the Cartiva group and 19 in the cheilectomy group. Tabulated data included: age, gender; preoperative, 6-month, and final postoperative total first MTP ranges of motion (ROM); preoperative and final postoperative VAS and SF-36 scores; and reoperation information. Hallux rigidus grade was assessed by Coughlin and Shurnas criteria. First MTP joint space was measured at the medial, midline, and lateral portions of the joint on both AP and lateral radiographs before, immediately following, and at maximum postoperative follow-up (16 month mean). For analysis, medial, midline, and lateral joint measurements were averaged to generate a composite measure of radiographic joint space. Follow-up means were 23 months for all patients, 18 for Cartiva and 28 for cheilectomy. Results: Mean age was 54. Mean preoperative grade was 2.6 for Cartiva and 2.1 for cheilectomy (p=0.037). Mean preoperative ROM was 44°. At 1 year follow-up, ROM was 39° for Cartiva and 47° for cheilectomy (p=0.95). Mean VAS improved from 5.8 to 2.0 and 3.0 for Cartiva and cheilectomy, respectively, at final follow-up (p=0.002, p=0.004). Following Cartiva, two week postoperative joint space means increased: AP midline 1.4 to 2.6 mm, AP composite 1.4 to 2.2 mm, and lateral midline 1.3 to 2.7 mm (p<0.001). At final follow-up, joint space measures returned to levels similar to cheilectomy: AP midline 1.3 vs. 1.2 mm, AP composite 1.1 vs. 1.2 mm, and lateral midline 1.6 vs. 1.2 mm (p>0.3). Five patients in each group (22%) underwent revision. Conclusion:: Cartiva offers similar intermediate-term ROM preservation and pain relief as cheilectomy in a cohort with higher grade hallux rigidus. Joint distraction gained by synthetic hydrogel interposition subsides with time to levels similar to cheilectomy. Revision surgery for persistent pain is common in both groups.