Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome: Mid-Term Clinical Results and a Learning Curve

Development of Diaryl Hydrazones for Alleviation of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome, linked to oxidative stress, affecting 5-8% of pregnancies, with no effective treatment available. Here, diaryl-hydrazones have been designed, synthesized, and investigated as mitochondria-targeting antioxidants to reduce placental oxidative stress and mitigate preeclampsia symptoms. The design, based on density functional theory studies, revealed that conjugated electron structure with the NH-motif appeared to explain their effect. Thirty compounds were synthesized and tested in three assays, where they exhibited excellent radical scavenging activity, significantly greater than that of the standard, Trolox. Based on the data, eight compounds were selected for cell-based assays. Oxidative stress was induced in human trophoblast cells and assessed whether the compounds reduced downstream antiangiogenic responses using ascorbic acid and MitoTEMPO as standards. The pretreatment with the hydrazones reduced mitochondrial superoxide and sFLT-1 production in H2O2-exposed trophoblast cells, indicating that mitochondrial oxidative stress and the anti-angiogenic response can be alleviated by these compounds.

The Utilization of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Os Trigonum Syndrome: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

A symptomatic os trigonum is a common cause of posterior ankle pain that has been traditionally managed with open excision. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been proposed as an alternative to open excision for improved outcomes and decreased complication rates; however, no systematic review to date has examined the utilization of MIS for a symptomatic os trigonum.

PURPOSE

To examine patient outcomes, return to sport, and complications associated with MIS for a symptomatic os trigonum.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed on February 22, 2023, using the PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from database inception until February 22, 2023, on the topic of MIS for a symptomatic os trigonum.

RESULTS

Of 885 articles retrieved from an initial search, 17 articles (N = 435 patients) met full inclusion criteria. The mean age of the cohort was 26.01 ± 4.68 years, with a mean follow-up time of 34.63 ± 18.20 months. For patients treated with MIS, the mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 55.85 ± 12.75, the mean final postoperative AOFAS score was 94.88 ± 4.04, the mean preoperative visual analog scale pain score was 7.20 ± 0.43, and the mean final postoperative visual analog scale score was 0.71 ± 0.48. The mean time to return to sport for patients undergoing MIS was 7.76 ± 1.42 weeks. MIS had an overall complication rate of 5.0%, the majority of which consisted of transient neurapraxia of the sural or superficial peroneal nerve.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive management of a symptomatic os trigonum appears to be a viable alternative to open surgery in terms of outcomes, return to sport, and complication rates. More high-quality evidence will be required to definitely recommend minimally invasive approaches as the standard of care over open surgery.

Foot pain in children and adolescents: a problem-based approach in musculoskeletal ultrasonography

Various etiologies and risk factors contribute to foot pain in children and adolescents, including conditions such as Kohler's disease, Sever's disease, Iselin's disease, rigid flat foot, accessory navicular, Freiberg's disease, sesamoiditis, os trigonum syndrome, and more. High-frequency musculoskeletal ultrasonography can show both the bone surface and the surrounding soft tissue clearly from various angles in real-time, thereby providing a higher level of detail that is helpful for identifying the etiology of foot pain and monitoring disease progression compared with other imaging modalities. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and characteristic ultrasonographic findings of select foot pain conditions in children and adolescents.

Arthroscopic treatment of ankle impingement syndrome

Arthroscopic treatment of ankle impingement syndrome (AIS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to address symptoms caused by impingement in the ankle joint. This syndrome occurs when there is abnormal contact between certain bones or soft tissues in the ankle, leading to pain, swelling, or limited range of motion. Traditionally, open surgery was the standard approach for treating AIS. However, with advancements in technology and surgical techniques, arthroscopic treatment has become a preferred method for many patients and surgeons. With improved visualization and precise treatment of the arthroscopy, patients can experience reduced pain and improved functionality, allowing them to return to their daily activities sooner. In this paper, we reviewed the application and clinical efficacy the of arthroscopic approach for treating AIS, hoping to provide a reference for its future promotion.

Treatment of Intra-Articular Lesions After Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Injury: A Case Series of Elite Rugby Players

Background

Surgical intervention is not typically used to treat symptoms after mild tibiofibular ligament injuries without ankle dislocation or subluxation.

Purpose

To describe outcomes in patients arthroscopically treated for unique intra-articular lesions after sustaining syndesmosis injury of the ankle.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A total of 11 elite male rugby players with a mean age of 21.0 years (range, 17-28 years) were referred to our hospital for prolonged posterior ankle pain after a high ankle sprain during rugby football. The patients were examined using standing view radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the extent of ligament damage. Posterior ankle arthroscopy was performed to examine intra-articular lesions. The patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot rating scale and sports activity score of the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q).

Results

The average reduced tibiofibular overlap on the standing mortise view was 1.2 mm (range, 0.5-2.0 mm) compared with the opposite ankles. Mason type 1 fracture was detected on CT in 6 patients, and ossification of the interosseous membrane was detected in 2 patients. A bone bruise in the posterior malleolus was observed on MRI in all but 1 patient. Intra-articular fragments located in the posterior ankle were observed and removed arthroscopically. Symptoms improved rapidly after arthroscopic treatment in all patients. All patients returned to rugby games at a median of 11 weeks postoperatively. The median AOFAS scores improved from 77 preoperatively to 100 postoperatively (P < .01), and the median SAFE-Q sports activity subscale score improved from 49.4 to 100 (P < .01).

Conclusion

All unique intra-articular lesions that developed in rugby football players after syndesmosis injury were able to be treated arthroscopically. Patients returned to playing rugby football without syndesmosis reduction. Posterior ankle arthroscopy was effective in patients with residual symptoms after syndesmosis injury.

Risks Associated With Posterior Ankle Hindfoot Arthroscopy Complications

BACKGROUND

The use of posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy (PAHA) has been expanding over time. Many new indications have been reported in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to report the rate of PAHA complication in a large cohort of patients and describe their potential associations with demographical and surgical variables.

METHODS

In this IRB-approved retrospective comparative study, patients who underwent posterior ankle and/or hindfoot arthroscopy in a single institution from December 2009 to July 2016 were studied. Three fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon performed all surgeries. Demographic data, diagnosis, tourniquet use, associated procedures, and complications were recorded. To investigate a priori factors predictive of neurologic complication after PAHA, univariate and multivariable logistic regression was utilized. Where appropriate, sparse events sensitivity analysis was tested by fitting models with Firth log-likelihood approach.

RESULTS

A total of 232 subjects with 251 surgeries were selected. Indications were posterior ankle impingement (37%), flexor hallux longus disorders (14%), subtalar arthritis (8%), and osteochondral lesions (6%). Complications were observed in 6.8% (17/251) of procedures. Neural sensory lesions were noted in 10 patients (3.98%), and wound complications in 4 ankles (1.59%). Seven neurologic lesions resolved spontaneously and 3 required further intervention. In a multivariable regression model controlled for confounders, the use of accessory posterolateral portal was the significant driver for neurologic complications (odds ratio [OR] 32.19, 95% CI 3.53-293.50).

CONCLUSION

The complication rate in this cohort that was treated with posterior ankle and/or hindfoot arthroscopy was 6.8%. Most complications were due to neural sensorial injuries (sural 5, medial plantar nerve 4, medial calcaneal nerve 1 ) and 3 required additional operative treatment. The use of an accessory posterolateral portal was significantly associated with neurologic complications. The provided information may assist surgeons in establishing diagnoses, making therapeutic decisions, and instituting surgical strategies for patients that might benefit from a posterior arthroscopic approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Complications following ankle arthroscopy

This systematic review aimed to summarize the full range of complications reported following ankle arthroscopy and the frequency at which they occur. A computer-based search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Emcare, and ISI Web of Science. Two-stage title/abstract and full-text screening was performed independently by two reviewers. English-language original research studies reporting perioperative complications in a cohort of at least ten patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy were included. Complications were pooled across included studies in order to derive an overall complication rate. Quality assessment was performed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence classification. A total of 150 studies describing 7,942 cases of ankle arthroscopy in 7,777 patients were included. The overall pooled complication rate was 325/7,942 (4.09%). The most common complication was neurological injury, accounting for 180/325 (55.4%) of all complications. Of these, 59 (32.7%) affected the superficial peroneal nerve. Overall, 36/180 (20%) of all nerve injuries were permanent. The overall complication rate following anterior ankle arthroscopy was 205/4,709 (4.35%) compared to a rate of 35/528 (6.6%) following posterior arthroscopy. Neurological injury occurred in 52/1,998 (2.6%) of anterior cases using distraction, compared to 59/2,711 (2.2%) in cases with no distraction. The overall rate of major complications was 16/7,942 (0.2%), with the most common major complication - deep vein thrombosis - occurring in five cases. This comprehensive systematic review demonstrates that ankle arthroscopy is a safe procedure with a low overall complication rate. The majority of complications are minor, with potentially life-threatening complications reported in only 0.2% of patients.

Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome

Posterior ankle impingement is typically seen in athletes, primarily dancers and soccer players, secondary to dynamic and repetitive push-off maneuvers and forced hyperplantarflexion. Posterior ankle impingement results from chronic, repetitive trauma to the posterior ankle capsule, flexor hallucis longus tendon, and/or os trigonum. It is important to perform a thorough workup by isolating and testing the posterior compartment muscles and obtaining proper imaging with radiographs to identify any osseous abnormalities and MRI to evaluate the soft tissue structures. Nonsurgical treatment includes activity modification, physical therapy, and steroid injections.

Ankle Arthroscopy Procedural Volume Is Low Among Graduating Orthopaedic Surgery Residents

Purpose

To evaluate graduating orthopaedic resident case volume and variability for ankle arthroscopy from 2016 to 2020.

Methods

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education surgical case log data from 2016 to 2020 for graduating United States orthopaedic surgery residents was assessed. Arthroscopy procedures of the leg/ankle were categorized. The average number of cases performed per resident was compared from 2016 to 2020 to determine the percent change in case volume. The 10th, 30th, 50th, 70th, and 90th percentiles of case volumes from 2016 to 2020 were presented to demonstrate case volume variability.

Results

There was no significant change in the average number of leg/ankle arthroscopy cases from 2016 to 2020 (6.2 ± 5 [range 0-35] vs 6.1 ± 6 [range 0-76] P = .732), despite a 19% increase in the average number of total leg/ankle procedures performed over time (168.4 ± 47 [range 55-414] in 2016; 200.8 ± 57 in 2020 [range 67-601], P < .001). There was wide variability in ankle arthroscopy case volume among residents. The 90th percentile of residents performed 13 cases in 2020, compared with 5 in 50th percentile, and 1 in the 10th percentile.

Conclusions

Orthopaedic surgery resident exposure to ankle arthroscopy has remained low and highly variable overtime, despite an overall increase in the total number of leg/ankle procedures performed.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding ankle arthroscopy in case volume and variability is important for programs to ensure that orthopaedic residents are gaining adequate exposure to increasingly popular procedures. Orthopaedic surgery residency programs should explore methods to increase resident exposure to ankle arthroscopy.

Improved Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction of In-Office Needle Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Posterior Ankle Impingement

PURPOSE

To investigate the short-term clinical outcomes and satisfaction for the first set of patients at our institution receiving in-office needle arthroscopy (IONA) for the treatment of posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate patients who underwent IONA for PAIS between January 2019 and January 2021. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference, and Pain Intensity scores. Patient satisfaction was measured at the final follow-up visit with a 5-point Likert scale. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative outcome scores.

RESULTS

Ten patients (4 male and 6 female) with a mean age of 41.9 ± 15.5 years (range, 24-66 years) were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 13.3 ± 2.9 months (range, 11-17 months). All mean preoperative FAOS scores demonstrated improvement after IONA, including FAOS symptoms (71.48 ± 10.3 to 80.3 ± 12.6), pain (69.3 ± 11.0 to 78.2 ± 13.9), activities of daily living (61.7 ± 8.8 to 77.93 ± 11.4), sports activities (55.6 ± 12.7 to 76.0 ± 13.6), and quality of life (46.6 ± 9.2 to 71.1 ± 12.1). There were 7 patients who participated in sports activities before the IONA procedure. Within this group, all patients returned to play at a median time of 4.1 weeks (range, 1-14 weeks). The median time to return to work was 3.4 ± 5.3 days. Patients reported an overall positive IONA experience with a mean rating scale of 9.5 ± 1.5 (range, 5-10).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that IONA treatment of PAIS results in significant pain reduction, a low complication rate, and excellent patient-reported outcomes. In addition, IONA for PAIS leads to high patient satisfaction with a significant willingness to undergo the same procedure again.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic case series.

Posterior Hindfoot Needle Endoscopy in the Office Setting

Posterior hindfoot disorders encompass a spectrum of bony, cartilaginous, and soft-tissue pathology. Traditional open surgical techniques have been increasingly replaced by less-invasive arthroscopic and endoscopic approaches. Recent innovations such as the advent of the needle arthroscope continue to push the boundary of minimally invasive interventions. This Technical Note highlights our technique for posterior hindfoot needle endoscopy for common posterior hindfoot pathologies in the wide-awake office setting, including indications, advantages, and technical pearls.