Surgical and medical morbidity following failed non-traumatic partial foot amputation in diabetic patients

Category: Ankle, Diabetes, Lesser Toes, Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Maximal limb preservation is often the goal in choosing partial foot amputation (PFA) as a treat-ment for diabetic foot infections. Some of these patients will go on to experience multiple hospital admissions, IV antibiotic courses, surgical debridements, re-amputations and other medical compli-cations. This study describes the treatment course of these patients starting at second partial foot amputation and ending at 5 year follow-up. Methods: A retrospective cohort was built from a database of all amputation procedures performed on diabet-ic patients at the University of Iowa Department of Orthopedics from 2000 – 2015. The cohort was evaluated over time frame starting at second PFA (index procedure) and ending at 5 years after in-dex procedure. Of 264 patients who underwent partial foot amputation, 49 experienced two lower extremities PFA between January 2000 and December 2011 (cut-off used to allow minimum of 5 years post-PFA). Demographic data was recorded at index PFA and included surgical dates, laterali-ty, surgery type, diagnoses at time of initial surgery, and death date. A chart review collected in-formation on 5 year post-index PFA incidence of: non-surgical hospitalizations, antibiotic admin-istrations, total contact cast applications, and complications (such as osteomyelitis and acute renal failure). Results: Thirty-two (65%) of the second partial foot amputations (index) were ipsilateral and 17 were con-tralateral to first partial foot amputation (pre-index procedure). Eighteen (37%) of the partial foot amputation patients eventually experienced transtibial / transfemoral amputations in the 5 years fol-lowing index PFA. Eleven (22%) had at least a third partial foot amputation (and as many as 7) dur-ing study period. Sixteen (32%) patients had 17 transtibial / transfemoral amputations within 5 year time frame. 11 of the 17 (65%) TT / TF procedures were ipsilateral to index (second) PFA. Seven (17%) of the patients died. Conclusion: Maximal limb preservation may not be beneficial in all cases, particularly in the case of repeat PFAs. This cohort of repeat PFA patients demonstrated a complicated medical course with long pe-riods of hospitalization, leg immobilization in cast, and home-going antibiotics (requiring PICC). This study suggested that over a 5 year period following second PFA, patients on average experi-enced at least 31 days in TCC, 17 days hospitalized and underwent one additional amputation pro-cedure. These are likely underestimates due to follow-up or outside hospital cares. A large number of patients (18 or 37%) ultimately required higher-level amputation. There is a potential morbidity with PFA that may not be communicated to patients when making these decisions. In this cohort, the average days to second PFA was 360 days. 18 of 49 repeat PFA patients underwent tran-stibial or transfemoral amputation within 5 years of their initial PFA. The morbidity of the interim medical course over 5 years added to the poor quality of life after PFA

Outcomes and Complications of Total Ankle Replacement in Patients with Post-traumatic, Primary, and Inflammatory Ankle Arthritis

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle replacement has been evolved and proven to be an effective treatment for varieties of ankle arthritis. Previous literatures reported higher complications in patients who underwent total ankle replacement resulted from post-traumatic and inflammatory arthritis compared to primary arthritis. However, there is a lack of comparative studies to demonstrate outcomes and complications among the three groups of patients who underwent total ankle replacement. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 247 consecutive patients with 268 ankles who were diagnosed with end-stage ankle arthritis from primary (73 patients /86 ankle), post-traumatic (149 patients/154 ankle), and inflammatory arthritis (25 patients/ 28 ankle) and underwent total ankle replacement between October 1997 and May 2015. Data was collected prospectively and minimum follow-up was 6 months to allow comparison of early complications and longer term survival in all groups (mean, 41.6 months (range, 6 to 132 months), mean 43.4 months (range, 6 to 180 months), and mean 75.1 months (range, 12-162 months) for primary, post-traumatic, and inflammatory arthritis, respectively). The primary outcome was Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI, pain, disability, activity limitations, and total scores), Short Form-36 (SF-36, PCS and MCS), and the secondary outcomes included 5-year and 10-year survival rate, the length of hospital stay, time to return to work, sport activity, and activity daily living, ankle range of motion at final post-operative visit, and complications. Results: There were post-traumatic (57.5%), primary (32.1%) and inflammatory arthritis (10.4%). Total ankle replacement of all three groups demonstrated significant improvement in the VAS, FFI, SF-36(p 0.05). Ankle range of motion was significantly improved in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in all groups(p 0.05). Tibial subsidence was significantly higher in the inflammatory group compared to the post-traumatic group (p=0.036), but others complications were similar among the three groups. Conclusion: Total ankle replacements demonstrated significant improvement in term of functional outcomes, clinical outcomes, and pain relief as measured with FFI, SF-36, VAS scores, and range of motion of the ankle joint for treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. The functional outcomes and complications were comparable among the primary, post-traumatic, and inflammatory groups except the talar implant subsidence was significant higher in the inflammatory group. Further prospective clinical study is indicated

Tarsal Tunnel Release

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Tarsal tunnel release is a standard surgical treatment for patients who have tarsal tunnel syndrome and failure of conservative treatment. However, there remains little evidence demonstrating the medium-term of functional outcomes and complications of tarsal tunnel release. The purpose of this study was to report functional outcomes and complications of tarsal tunnel release. Methods: Retrospective chart review with prospectively collected data of 79 consecutive patients with 87 feet (primary surgery = 74/80 and revision surgery = 5/5) who were diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome and underwent tarsal tunnel release between 2008 and 2014. Diagnosis bases on history and physical examination. All patients were failure of conservative treatment at least 6 weeks and the minimum follow up to be included in the study was 12 months (mean, 32.2 months; range, 12 to 80 months). The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36); physical and mental component scores, and Foot Function Index (FFI); pain, disability, activity limitation, and total score. Pre- and post-operative SF-36, and Foot Functional Index (FFI), pain (Visual Analog Scale) were obtained and compared using pair t-test. The secondary outcomes were operative time, time to return to activity of daily living and work, and complications. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare non-parametric data and Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare parametric data. Results: The VAS was significantly decrease from 7.6 to 2.0(p = 0.001) and SF-36 was significantly improved from 33.2 to 40.2, for PCS (p= 0.001) and 47.7 to 49.7 for MCS (p = 0.005). The FFI was significantly decreased from 63.0 to 36.0, 61.9 to 35, 72.5 to 34.9, and 65.8 to 35.3 for pain, disability, activity limitations, and total scores(p=0.001, all). Mean operative time was 36.1 minutes for primary surgery and 54.8 minutes for the revision surgery. There 45 of 87 feet (51.7%) had positive Tinel test pre-operatively and 9 of 87 feet (10.3%) post-operatively. Revision surgery demonstrated significantly worse outcomes (VAS,SF-36,and FFI) compared to primary surgery(p 12 months and Tinel sign did not affect the outcomes compared to duration >12 months and Tinel sign negative (p>0.05 all). An average time to return to activity of daily living and work was 8.1 and 9.5 weeks. Complications were painful scar(14.9%), wound infection(6.9%), CRPS(2.3%), and paresthesia on the foot(20.7%). Conclusion: Tarsal tunnel release demonstrated significant improvement of functional outcomes and pain relief in medium-term follow-up as measured with SF-36, FFI, and VAS. Revision surgery demonstrated less favorable outcomes while pre-operative Tinel test and duration of symptom more than 12 months did not affect the outcome. This procedure was effective and feasible for tarsal tunnel syndrome with minor complications

Outcomes and Complications of Four Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle replacement has been proven to be effective method for treatment of patient with end-stage ankle arthritis alternative to ankle fusion. STAR implant was initially used followed by SALTO, INBONE and ZIMMER implants. While four implants are currently used, there is a paucity of evidence in literature to compare outcomes and complications between them. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 247 consecutive patients with 258 arthritic ankles who were diagnosed with end-stage ankle arthritis and underwent total ankle replacement using STAR (98 ankles, 38.0%), SALTO (121 ankles, 46.9%), INBONE (24 ankles, 9.3%), and Zimmer (15 ankles, 5.8%) implants between October 1997 and May 2015. There was prospectively collected data and minimum follow-up for inclusion was 6 months with an average of follow-up of 101.2 months (range, 18 to 211 months), 52.3 (range, 6 to 90 months), 15.3 (range, 6 to 27 months), and 13.7 months (range, 6 to 26 months) for STAR, SALTO, INBONE, and ZIMMER, respectively). The primary outcome was Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI, pain, disability, activity limitations, and total scores), Short Form-36 (SF-36, PCS and MCS), and the secondary outcomes included 2- year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rate, ankle range of motion at the final post-operative visit, and complications. Analysis of VAS, SF-36, and FFI was performed between the four groups using one-way ANOVA. Independent Sample T-test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, and Chi-square test were used to compare other parameters and complications. Results: All four implants demonstrated significant improvement of functional outcomes (SF-36,FFI,VAS) (p 0.05, all). The 2-year survival rates were 98.9%, 100%, 100%, and 100% for STAR, SALTO, INBONE, and Zimmer implants respectively. The 5-year survival rates were 91.7% and 96.2% and for STAR and SALTO implants respectively but 10-year survival was 86.1% for the STAR implant. Short- term complication for STAR, SALTO, INBONE, and ZIMMER implants were superficial wound infection (8.4%, 8.5%, 0%, and 0%), deep wound infection (2.1%, 1.7%, 0%, and 0%), medial malleolar fracture (6.3%, 6.8%, 0%, and 0%), lateral malleolar fracture (0%, 2%, 0%, and 0%), numbness on the incision (5.3%, 1.7%, 0%, and 0%), stiffness of the ankle joint (1.1%, 1.7%, 0%, and 0%), gutter impingement (14.7%, 2.5%, 0%, and 13.3%), talar component subsidence (9.5%, 0.8%, 0%, and 0%), and tibia component subsidence (4.2%, 3.4%, 0%, and 0%), polyethylene fracture (6.3%, 0%, 0%, and 0%). Conclusion: Based on our findings, all implants demonstrated significant improvement in term of functional outcomes, clinical outcomes, and pain relief as measured with FFI, SF-36, VAS scores, and range of motion of the ankle joint for treatment of end- stage ankle arthritis. The functional outcomes were comparable in all four types. Short-term complications were comparable in all groups but long-term complications of INBONE and Zimmer implants required longer follow-up time. Further prospective clinical investigation is important

Outcomes and Complications of Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Tibio-talo-calcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is usually a salvage procedure to address several hindfoot and ankle conditions. Non-union rate after TTC fusion is variably reported 3.4% - 48%. The aims of this study were to describe the outcomes and complications of this procedure and to determine potential risk factors associated with non-union. Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective cohort study, we used the following codes (28705,28725 and 27870) to search the medical records for all patients who underwent TTC fusion between 2006-2022. All relevant demographic data, surgical indications, surgery details (type of the graft, type of the implant, and surgical approach, associated procedures), post-operative course (complications and union rate) and follow-up duration were extracted. Descriptive statistics were performed, and continuous variables were described using median (interquartile range) and categorical variables were described using frequency (%) and mean (standard deviation, SD). Patients and surgery characteristics were compared between united and non-united cases using Wilcoxon Rank Sum Tests for continuous variables and Chi-squared or exact tests, as appropriate, for categorical variables. Analyses were performed using SAS statistical software version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Results: Fifty-one patients (53 feet) were included in the study. Long hindfoot fusion nails were used in 51 cases.Ten cases were routinely dynamized 8-10 weeks after surgery. In 24 (45.3%) patients, morselized allograft was combined with infuseTM and reamer irrigation aspiration autograft (RIA). In 20 (37.7%) patients, morselized allograft was combined with infuseTM only. There were 6 non-union cases (11.3%). When comparing patients and surgery characteristics between non-union versus union group, smoking (P = 0.0150) and routine dynamization (P= 0.0297) were higher in the non-union group. No difference in union rates between different types of graft. Frequency of other complications is listed in (Figure 1). Follow up duration was 27.2 months (range 4-108 months). Conclusion: TTC fusion achieves good union rate (88.68%), however it carries a relatively high risk of complications. Routine dynamization of the TTC nail at 8-10 weeks could be a risk factor for non-union. Smoking was also associated with a high non- union rate

Conservative Sharp Wound Debridement by Nurses in the Outpatient Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: With approximately 29.1 million diabetics in the United States and estimated total annual cost of $245 billion, diabetes and its associated complications continue to be an increasing burden on society. The management of diabetic foot ulcers accounts for a significant portion of those expenses. We propose a safe, efficacious and economically prudent model for the outpatient treatment of uncomplicated diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: Enrolled patients had initial sharp wound debridement by one of two foot and ankle fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons. Patients were treated with total contact casting and subsequently evaluated every two weeks by nurses who utilized a clinical management algorithm and performed conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD). Results of healing and complications were recorded. Digital photographs of the ulcers from each clinical encounter were retrospectively reviewed in a blinded fashion by two orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons and compared to the nursing decisions at the time of treatment. Financial calculations estimated the potential cost savings by having nurses perform CSWD. State boards of nursing were systematically surveyed to assess current policies related to CSWD. Results: Average time to clinical healing was 6.03 weeks. There were no identified complications of CSWD performed by nurses. The sensitivity for the timely identification of wound deterioration was 100$774.60 per patient. When extrapolated to the estimated number of diabetic foot ulcers annually within the United States, this could approach $1.8 to$2.1 billion in potential annual healthcare savings. Conclusion: CSWD of diabetic foot ulcers and calluses by trained nurses is a safe, effective and fiscally responsible clinical practice supported by greater than 90% of state boards of nursing. Utilizing a clinical decision algorithm, nursing evaluation and appropriate referral of ulcers at risk demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 89.58% accuracy. There were no complications associated with nurses performing conservative sharp debridement. When considering the most recent CDC estimates of 29.1 million diabetics with an 8% annual incidence of DFU, implementation of this clinical model on a national scale could result in approximately $2 billion in annual healthcare savings

The Dorsal Intermetatarsal Approach for Plantar Plate and Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: Access to the plantar plate has been described using either a plantar approach or an extensile dorsal approach that required complete joint destabilization and often a metatarsal osteotomy. Clinical scenarios related to plantar plate tear vary and the pathologies in early stages are frequently limited to unilateral soft tissue structures, a more focused surgical approach deemed appropriate. A novel approach requiring a release of only the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate was described and the adequacy of joint exposure was evaluated in a cadaver model. The ability to place a suture through the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate were analyzed and validated with pull-out strength. Methods: Nine fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected in a randomized fashion across the 2nd to 4th MTP joints through the intermetatarsal space dorsally. Under distraction, soft tissue was sequentially released including dorsal capsule, lateral collateral ligament, and the lateral half of the plantar plate. Integrity of the extensor tendons, deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament, proximal attachment of the plantar plate, and osseous structures was carefully preserved. The joint exposure was quantified after each step with sizing rods. 2/o non-absorbable sutures were passed into the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate using a suture passer; and their pullout strength was measured using a tensiometer. Results: Progressive increase in mean of joint exposure was noted after each step of soft tissue release with the final exposure of 6mm after release of the lateral half of the plantar plate. Joint exposures after a capsulotomy and a lateral collateral release were 3mm and 4mm, respectively. Under distraction, the unilateral release of soft tissue created a lateral opening of the joint while the proximal phalangeal base adducted and medially deviated. Successful suture passage was noted in all specimens with mean pullout strength of 76 N for the lateral collateral ligament and 67 N for the plantar plate. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.01) higher suture pullout strength for the lateral collateral ligament in males when compared to female specimens Conclusion: The dorsal intermetatarsal approached appeared to be feasible for the access to the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate. The average joint exposure of 6 mm allowed a quality suture passage by a suture passer in both structures in all specimens without the need of a metatarsal osteotomy

Integrity of the First Metatarsal Head Vascularization and Soft-Tissue Envelope Following Minimally Invasive Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus (HV) Deformity: A Micro-CT and Anatomical Assessment

Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) Chevron-osteotomy for HV treatment offers a surgical alternative to open surgery with minimal surgical dissection and a hypothetical decreased risk for soft-tissue complications. During this procedure, there is a concern regarding the injury to the blood supply of the 1st-metatarsal-head. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of injuries: (1) to the soft-tissue envelope around the first metatarsal head complex and, (2) to the blood supply of the first metatarsal head and also by using Micro-CT, (3) looking for safe zones close to the first metatarsal head to perform MIS Chevron osteotomy. We hypothesized that the MIS Chevron-type osteotomy procedure would preserve the soft-tissue envelope of the first-metatarsal-head complex and the blood supply of the 1st-metatarsal-head. Methods: Sixteen HV deformity cadaveric specimens were used to perform MIS Chevron-type osteotomy of the first metatarsal head. Anatomical dissection of all specimens was then performed to assess macroscopic injury to the first metatarsal head complex soft-tissue structures, including Extensor Hallucis Longus (EHL) tendon, Extensor Hallucis Brevis (EHB) tendon, Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) tendon, Flexor Hallucis Brevis (FHB) tendon, Abductor Hallucis tendon, Adductor Hallucis tendon, Sesamoid complex, Dorsolateral and Dorsomedial digital branches of the first toe and the Dorsomedial digital branch to the second. Macroscopic injuries were classified using a calibrated digital caliper. Any chondral damage to the first metatarsal head was quantified in mm². To assess the amount of first metatarsal head blood supply, specimens were perfused with 200 ml of a low viscosity radiopaque polymer, MV 117 (Flowtech), preoperatively, followed by Micro-CT assessment. Descriptive statistics and percentages were utilized for categorical data. Results: We did not find injuries in the EHL, EHB, FHL, Abductor-Hallucis, and Adductor-Hallucis tendons. We found a 2mm injury in the FHB tendon in one specimen. No injuries were found in the Dorsomedial and Dorsolateral nerves of the first-toe, the Dorsomedial-nerve of the second-toe, and Medial branch of the dorsomedial-nerve of the first-toe. In 3 cases, we found an injury on first-metatarsal-head (1mm) due to the passage of the K-wire and, in 1 case, due to the inadvertent passage of the drill (4.41mm). Macroscopically and using Micro-CT, we did not observe injuries in the First-Dorsal-Metatarsal-Artery (FDMA), Lateral-Dorsal-Branch of FDMA, and Plantar-Metatarsal-Artery. Micro-CT helped estimate a safe distance to finish the proximal exit of Chevron-osteotomy (25mm from the most distal point of the first metatarsal head). Conclusion: In this study, the minimally invasive Chevron osteotomy for treating HV seems to be a technically safe procedure, presenting a low rate of iatrogenic injuries with a low degree of severity. In addition, using Micro-CT promoted a better visualization of the microvasculature that nourishes the first metatarsal head. We observed that a proximal distance of 25 mm from the most distal part of the first metatarsal head could be a safe place to finalize the Chevron osteotomy, minimizing the risk of injury to the blood supply of the first metatarsal head