Anesthesia for the Patient Undergoing Foot and Ankle Surgery

Modern anesthetic management for foot and ankle surgery includes a variety of anesthesia techniques including general anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia, or MAC in combination with peripheral nerve blocks and/or multimodal analgesic agents. The choice of techniques should be tailored to the nature of the procedure, patient comorbidities, anesthesiologist skill level, intensity of anticipated postoperative pain, and surgeon preference.

Impact of tibial transverse transport in tissue regeneration and wound healing with perspective on diabetic foot ulcers

In this editorial, we comment on an article by Liao et al published in the current issue of the World Journal of Diabetes. We focus on the clinical significance of tibial transverse transport (TTT) as an effective treatment for patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). TTT has been associated with tissue regeneration, improved blood circulation, reduced amputation rates, and increased expression of early angiogenic factors. Mechanistically, TTT can influence macrophage polarization and growth factor upregulation. Despite this potential, the limitations and conflicting results of existing studies justify the need for further research into its optimal application and development. These clinical implications highlight the efficacy of TTT in recalcitrant DFU and provide lasting stimuli for tissue re-generation, and blood vessel and bone marrow improvement. Immunomodulation via systemic responses contributes to its therapeutic potential. Future studies should investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms to enhance our understanding and the efficacy of TTT. This manuscript emphasizes the potential of TTT in limb preservation and diabetic wound healing and suggests avenues for preventive measures against limb amputation in diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Here, we highlight the clinical significance of the TTT and its importance in healing DFU to promote the use of this technique in tissue regeneration.

Teriparatide and clodronate combination as a potential treatment for complex regional pain syndrome type I in delayed consolidation after foot surgery: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Complex regional pain syndrome type I is a pathological condition characterized by an exaggerated response of tissues to low or moderate pain stimuli. The exact pathogenesis and optimal medical treatment for complex regional pain syndrome type I are still not fully understood, although bisphosphonates have shown positive effects in reducing pain. Foot surgery can be complicated by the development of complex regional pain syndrome type I, leading to functional decline and difficulties in weight-bearing.

CASE PRESENTATION

The authors present a clinical case involving complex regional pain syndrome type I that developed after surgical foot arthrodesis. The patient, a 42-year-old Caucasian male, did not respond to clodronate treatment but experienced successful outcomes upon the addition of teriparatide, which effectively stimulated the healing of arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION

Teriparatide cannot be considered the primary treatment for complex regional pain syndrome due to insufficient solid clinical data. However, when complex regional pain syndrome is associated with or caused by delayed union, teriparatide can be used to address the underlying cause of complex regional pain syndrome.

[Calcaneoplasty with radiofrequency cementing following balloon reduction]

The standard surgical procedure for complex calcaneal fractures is open reduction, internal reduction and internal stable angle plate osteosynthesis via a lateral approach. More recently, options for minimally invasive and percutaneous surgical strategies have been presented [4, 7]. As a possible procedural alternative for a covered, surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures, calcaneoplasty is discussed and applied in this context [5]. In this case series of five complex calcaneal fractures presented here, a balloon catheter was used for percutaneous reduction to restore the alignment of the calcaneus.This was followed by placement of PMMA cement in radiofrequency application and osteosynthesis using percutaneous cannulated screws. This Vicenti technique allows stable reduction and retention with early partial weight bearing with an overall low complication rate [17].

Biomechanical comparison of different implants for PIP arthrodesis

BACKGROUND

Surgical correction of hammertoe deformities with arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) is one of the most frequent forefoot procedures. Recently, new intramedullary fixation devices for PIP arthrodesis have been introduced. The aim of this study was to compare a newly developed absorbable intramedullary implant made of magnesium (mm.PIP), an already available intramedullary implant made of titanium (PipTree), and the classical Kirschner-wire (K-wire).

METHODS

The three intramedullary devices (mm.PIP, PipTree, and K-wire) for PIP arthrodesis were compared. A classical arthrodesis of the PIP joint was performed on fifty-four composite synthetic bone pairs. After arthrodesis, torsional load, weight-bearing and cyclic load tests were performed, and stability of the synthetic bone pairs was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mm.PIP was the most torsion resistant (mm.PIP vs. PipTree and K-wire, p < 0.001). The PipTree showed the best overall stability during cyclic weight-bearing simulation (PipTree vs. mm.PIP and K-wire, p < 0.001). K-wire demonstrated the highest breaking loads during bending tests (K-wire vs. mm-PIP and PipTree, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Biomechanical properties of two new intramedullar implants, the bioresorbable mm.PIP made of magnesium and the PipTree made of titanium, were found to be comparable to the biomechanical properties of a K-wire which is commonly used for this procedure. Future work should be directed towards a clinical assessment of the bioabsorbable fixation devices for hammertoe procedures.

The surgical care of diabetic feet: a survey about clinics, acute care, and the surgical specialists involved

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic foot problems are becoming increasingly common. Diabetic foot care services are fundamental in managing them, and there is the further issue of acute surgery for foot sepsis. The involvement of different surgical specialists has been variable; this survey aimed to provide information about current service provision.

METHODS

Questionnaires were emailed to Vascular Society members, and targeted approaches were then undertaken.

RESULTS

We aimed to obtain information from 61 localities identified as providing shared services, and received informative responses from 46 (75%). These described diabetic foot clinics each day (11%), or once (50%), twice (13%) or three times (17%) weekly - attended regularly by vascular surgeons, and less frequently by orthopaedic surgeons. The frequency of clinics was considered inadequate by 30% of respondents, and only 75% reported written policies for diabetic foot care pathways. Operations for acute foot sepsis are done by vascular surgeons in 98% of localities and by orthopaedic surgeons in 22% (in some localities by both): the latter are orthopaedic foot specialists in all localities but two. Both specialties perform a range of foot procedures, including toe/foot-preserving operations. Major amputations are done by vascular surgeons in 98% of localities and by orthopaedic surgeons in only 9%. All deformity correction procedures are performed by orthopaedic surgeons.

CONCLUSION

This survey shows that diabetic foot clinics are now held frequently in most localities. There is variation in the involvement of vascular and orthopaedic surgeons. Some localities need to consider increased provision of clinics and better defined pathways of care.

Research priority setting in UK podiatric surgery

Evidence-based practice provides the foundation for high quality patient care, and in the NHS, research is seen as vital to enable service transformation and improve outcomes. Research is one of the four pillars of enhanced and advanced clinical practice and is therefore a fundamental part of podiatric surgery services. In order to meet the UK health research strategies, the most recent being 'Saving and Improving Lives: The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery' (2021), the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery in the UK agreed to support the development of research priorities in order to inform a future research strategy.The Podiatric Surgery Research Strategy Group was set up and embarked on a project with the aim of engaging its members in formulating and agreeing national research priorities. The initial stage included a national research scoping survey to identify key themes, topic, and research questions. The final stage consisted of developing and enabling a live consensus vote conducted at the 2022 national Faculty of Podiatric Surgery Conference. At the end of the vote, the top five research topics that met the agreement criteria were: 1. Surgical treatment - forefoot, 2. Patient reported outcome measures, 3. Post-operative management, 4. Surgical treatment - midfoot and 5. Service delivery. The top five research questions that met the criteria were1. How does quality of life improve following elective foot surgery? 2. How does podiatric surgery benefit the health of the population? 3. How does podiatric surgery benefit the health of the population in the at-risk foot? 4. What is the most effective Lapidus fixation option? and 5. What is the benefit of utilising PASCOM-10 to improve large scale outcome data? These will inform the initial UK podiatric surgery research priorities in the next three to five years.

Ligament Insufficiency with Flatfoot: Spring Ligament and Deltoid Ligament

The objective of this article was to review the deltoid ligament and spring ligament specifically as they pertain to ligament insufficiency and adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Discussion includes the normal and abnormal biomechanical forces that extend through these ligaments in normal and flatfoot deformity. Current literature related to spring ligament repair as part of the flatfoot deformity reconstruction is also reviewed.

Double versus Triple Arthrodesis for Flatfoot Deformity: When, Why, and How?

Different types of arthrodesis for flatfoot deformity have a long history in foot and ankle surgery. Arthrodesis of the rearfoot can be a useful tool in helping correct deformity and maintaining that correction with good long-term results. Questions have risen recently however about the necessity of including the calcaneocuboid joint in the traditional rearfoot arthrodesis or triple arthrodesis. The double arthrodesis of the talonavicular and subtalar joints has grown in popularity and this review helps the reader choose with a review of the biomechanics, surgical approaches, fixation techniques and recent literature outcomes of both procedures.

Responsiveness of the Foot Profile Score in children with hemiplegia

BACKGROUND

The Foot Profile Score (FPS) is a single score that summarises foot posture and dynamic foot motion during the gait cycle based on the kinematic data of the Oxford Foot Model. The FPS enables clinicians and researchers to quantify foot abnormalities during gait, to monitor change in foot/ankle motion over time, and to measure the outcome of intervention. With the creation of a new outcome measure, it is important to test its responsiveness in a clinical population for whom it may be sensitive to change.

AIM

To evaluate the responsiveness of the FPS in a clinical population following isolated foot and ankle surgery.

METHODS

Using previous work completed to validate the FPS, we defined the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the FPS. Using this MCID, we applied it to a clinical population of 37 children with cerebral palsy, spastic hemiplegia, comparing their FPS before and after foot and ankle surgery. A regression analysis looked at potential relationships between the change in FPS and their pre-operative FPS, age at surgery, and time since surgery.

RESULTS

An MCID of 2.4 degrees was calculated through regression analysis. The mean change from the pre-operative FPS to the post-operative FPS was 4.6 (SD 3.7 with a range from -0.1 to 13.4). Twenty-eight children (76%) had a change in their FPS greater than the MCID. A regression analyses only showed a clear regression between pre-operative FPS and change in FPS (R2 = 0.58 p < 0.01).

Anesthesia for the Patient Undergoing Foot and Ankle Surgery

Modern anesthetic management for foot and ankle surgery includes a variety of anesthesia techniques including general anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia, or MAC in combination with peripheral nerve blocks and/or multimodal analgesic agents. The choice of techniques should be tailored to the nature of the procedure, patient comorbidities, anesthesiologist skill level, intensity of anticipated postoperative pain, and surgeon preference.

Prevalence of chronic pain syndrome in patients who have undergone hallux valgus percutaneous surgery: a comparison of sciatic-femoral and ankle regional ultrasound-guided nerve blocks

Background

Chronic pain syndrome (CPS) is a common complication after operative procedures, and only a few studies have focused on the evaluation of CPS in foot-forefoot surgery and specifically on HV percutaneous correction. The objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain levels and incidence of CPS in two groups of patients having undergone femoral-sciatic nerve block or ankle block regional anaesthesia before hallux valgus (HV) percutaneous surgery and the association between postoperative pain levels and risk factors between these patient groups.

Methods

A consecutive patient series was enrolled and evaluated prospectively at 7 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The participants were divided into two groups according to the regional anaesthesia received, femoral-sciatic nerve block or ankle block, and their outcomes were compared. The parameters assessed were postoperative pain at rest and during movement by the numerical rating scale (NRS), patient satisfaction using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), quality of life and return to daily activities. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

One hundred fifty-five patients were assessed, 127 females and 28 males. Pain at rest (p < 0.0001) and during movement (p < 0.0001) significantly decreased during the follow-ups; at 6 months, 13 patients suffered from CPS. Over time, satisfaction remained stable (p > 0.05), quality of life significantly increased and patients returned to daily activities and work (p < 0.0001). No significant impact of type of anaesthesia could be detected. ASA 3 (p = 0.043) was associated to higher pain during movement; BMI (p = 0.005) and lumbago (p = 0.004) to lower satisfaction. No operative-anaesthetic complications were recorded. Postoperative pain at rest and during movement improved over time independently of the regional block used, with low incidence of CPS at last follow-up. Among risk factors, only a higher ASA was associated to higher pain during movement, while higher BMI and lumbago to lower satisfaction.

Conclusions

Both ultrasound-guided sciatic-femoral and ankle blocks were safe and effective in reducing postoperative pain with low incidence of CPS at last follow-up.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial NCT02886221. Registered 1 September 2016.

Repair of acute Achilles tears with plantaris augmentation

PURPOSE

To determine the benefits associated with using the fanned out plantaris tendon as a membrane to cover and augment the acute Achilles tendon midportion end-to-end suture repair.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2018, 31 (67.4%) patients had plantaris augmented reconstruction and 15 simple end-to-end suture. The clinician filled out the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale and the patient the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS). Examination included clinical examination, limb symmetry index (LSI) using the heel rise test, and ultrasound determination of cross-sectional area (CSA).

RESULTS

80.4% were males, mean age 41 (SD 6.7, range 29-57), of which 82.6% were sports accidents. 39/46 were operated in less than two weeks from injury. 82.6% were available at the two year follow-up. Duration of surgery (62.3 min vs 58, p = 0.45), AOFAS (89.6 vs 88.4, p = 0.61 and 97.2 vs 96.8, p = 0.72), ATRS (86.3 vs 83.8, p = 0.33 and 95.6 vs 93.6, p = 0.12), LSI (60.8% vs 58.75, p = 0.24 and 80.5 vs 79, p = 0.29), CSA (3.39cm² vs 3.36, p = 0.82 and 2.57 vs 2.59, p = 0.87), return to sport (80% vs 57, p = 0.15 and 84.6 vs 85.7, p = 1.00), and complications at six months and two years were comparable between the two techniques.

CONCLUSION

Fanned out plantaris augmentation of acute Achilles tendon tears yields excellent and comparable clinical and ultrasonographic results to end-to-end suture at mid-term follow-up.

Accuracy of Palpation to Identify the Medial Branch of the Medial Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve in Medial Column Surgery: Correlation of Preoperative Nerve Marking With Intraoperative Findings During Lapidus Fusion

The medial branch of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve is frequently encountered in medial column surgery. Postoperative sensory nerve symptoms can lead to dissatisfaction and suboptimal outcome. The purpose of this case series is to correlate intraoperative nerve location on direct viewing with preoperative nerve localization to assess the accuracy of a specific nerve palpation technique. Hundred consecutive patients undergoing elective Lapidus fusion were prospectively evaluated. Preoperative nerve localization and intraoperative comparison was performed along with assessment of nerve position in relation to the cuneiform and first tarsometatarsal joint. Preoperative nerve identification correlated with intraoperative findings in 99 of 100 consecutive cases. In 1 of 100 cases, the palpated nerve was proximal to the zone of dissection and was not visualized. The medial branch of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve crossed the dorsal Lapidus incision at the medial cuneiform or first metatarsal base level in 95 of 100 cases; at the mid metatarsal level in 2 of 100 cases; and proximal to the medial cuneiform in 3 of 100 cases.

Modified Mitchell technique for treating hallux valgus: Retrospective case series on a Middle-Eastern population and literature review

Introduction

The hallux valgus deformity is a complex deformity of the first ray of the foot, with more than 100 procedures developed for its treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a modified Mitchell's technique.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2018, 75 patients underwent the procedure. Clinical results were assessed by the AOFAS score. Radiological studies were evaluated by measuring pre-operative and post-operative HVA and IMA angles as well as the relative shortening of the first metatarsal.

Results

Of the initial 75 patients, 42 patients remained eligible with a total of 67 feet. The mean age and follow-up were 47.8 and 5.2 years respectively. Global AOFAS score improved from 45.3 to 88.8 (p < 0.01). Mean HVA and IMA improved from 37.0 to 10.2 (p < 0,01) and 12.1 to 5.6 (p < 0.01), respectively. The mean metatarsal shortening was 3.0 mm (p < 0.01). The statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between preoperative HVA and IMA angles with postoperative shortening, metatarsalgia, AOFAS scores nor the difference between the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores.

Conclusion

Short- and long-term outcomes of this modified Mitchell's osteotomy have been reported. Compared to other studies, these modifications proved to result in very good clinical and radiological outcomes even in severe cases with HVA>40. It has shown to be reliable, reproducible, and cost-efficient with low complication rates. We would like to highlight the importance of proper patient selection, limited soft tissue stripping, and adherence to the proposed surgical steps to avoid unwanted complications.

•

The Modified Mitchell Technique has been shown to be reliable, reproducible, and cost-efficient with low complication rates.

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The addition of intra-articular lateral soft tissue release, preventing a lateral incision, decreasing wound and soft tissue complications.

•

The use of autologous bone graft adjacent to the osteotomy stump helps improve union.

[Diabetic foot syndrome-Part 2 : Revascularization, treatment alternatives, care structures, recurrency prophylaxis]

Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is the most frequent reason for major amputations in Germany. The majority of foot lesions are triggered by repetitive pressure in diabetic polyneuropathy. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) impairs wound healing and is the main risk factor for amputations. The treatment of wounds and infections as well as timely revascularization are decisive. The use of endovascular and vascular surgical methods depends on the distribution pattern and length of the occlusion processes. Both procedures are complementary. Bypass surgery is of great importance for neuroischemic DFS. Multidisciplinary centers that provide revascularization in DFS can achieve an improvement of arterial blood flow in 90% of the cases and reduce the amputation rate by up to 80%. Due to the high recurrence rate of diabetic foot lesions, measures for secondary prophylaxis are of exceptional importance (podological and orthopedic technical care, foot surgery).

[Microvascular reconstruction of foot defects using a free femoral periostal flap]

BACKGROUND

The reconstruction of defects in the foot region is a challenge due to the anatomical peculiarities of the soft tissue covering.

OBJECTIVE

This article presents the results of the reconstruction of postoperative foot defects using the free femoral periosteal flap (FFPF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a patient collective (n = 10) with postoperative wound healing disorders of the foot, the defect zone was covered using a vascularized FFPF from the distal femoral region. The wound healing process was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 20.2 ± 8.22 months (7-35 months). All patients had a soft tissue defect in the foot region with a mean area of 17.9 ± 3.72 cm² (12-24 cm²). On average, a wound healing disorder occurred 2 weeks after the primary surgery. In the group of patients followed up the vascularized FFPF enabled a stable, definitive and aesthetically pleasing reconstruction and contributed to the bony consolidation. The duration of inpatient care after defect closure was 8-10 days and was significantly less than the duration of wound management prior to transplantation of the FFPF.

CONCLUSION

The FFPF is an effective and elegant method for the regenerative reconstruction of defects with accompanying osseous components in the foot region. The FFPF has the advantage of instant thin and pliable tissue coverage in contrast to many other reconstructive methods. The FFPF can promote wound consolidation through the regenerative properties of a vascularized periosteal sheath in the context of a one-step and permanent infection control.

Retrospective review of complications following long tourniquet time in foot and ankle surgery

BACKGROUND

Tourniquet use is ubiquitous in orthopaedic surgery to create a bloodless field and to facilitate safe surgery, however, we know of the potential complications that can occur as a result of prolonged tourniquet time. Experimental and clinical research has helped define the safe time limits but there is not much literature specific to foot and ankle surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the postoperative course of patients with prolonged tourniquet time (longer than 180 min) for foot and ankle procedures was done. Data related to the patient factors and the surgical procedure was collected. The length of stay, re-admissions and complications were the important indicators of the individual patient's recovery.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were identified with longer than 180-min tourniquet times for complex foot and ankle procedures. The average uninterrupted tourniquet time was 191 min. Eight of the twenty procedures were revision surgeries. The average length of stay was 3 days and there were no re-admissions within 30 days. Eight patients (40%) had at least one recorded complication. The complications seen in this group were transient sensory loss, wound issues, superficial infection, ongoing pain and non-union.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series has not revealed any major systemic complications resulting from the prolonged tourniquet such as pulmonary embolism or renal dysfunction. Unlike past literature on knee procedures with extended tourniquet times, no major nerve palsies were seen in our patient group. Our understanding of the local and systemic effects of tourniquet is not complete and this study demonstrates that the complications do not necessarily increase in a linear fashion in relation to the tourniquet time.

[Surgical procedures for the correction and stabilization of pes planovalgus]

The medial column of the foot is a relevant factor of the pathogenesis of pes planovalgus. Crucial anatomic structures are the tibiocalcaneonavicular ligament complex, the naviculocuneiform joints, including the ossa cuneiformia, and the first tarsometatarsal joint. A combination of bony and soft tissue reconstructive techniques must, therefore, be taken into account when treating pes planovalgus. The present article presents stabilizing and correcting surgical procedures for the medial column of the foot, including basic anatomy and biomechanics.

Novel treatment for hallux rigidus using a temporary metal interpositional device

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the results of a consecutive series of patients suffering from grade II-III hallux rigidus who underwent a mobility preserving surgical technique consisting of resection arthroplasty with implantation of a temporary metal spacer.

METHODS

Thirty consecutive patients, 18 female and 12 male with a diagnosis of a grade II-III hallux rigidus, not responding to conservative treatment, underwent a minimal resection arthroplasty followed by the implantation of a temporary metal interpositional device by the same surgeon. All spacers were removed after 6 months through a minimal incision under regional anaesthesia. Patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at 3, 6, 12 months, and 5 years after spacer removal.

RESULTS

The clinical AOFAS scores improved already at first follow-up and continued to improve over time with a statistically significant change until the first year. At 3, 6, and 12 months follow-ups, the number of patients with severely limited ROM (i.e. under 30°, that means grade II-III according to Coughlin and Shaurnas classification) significantly decreased. There were only two minor complications, so defined as both of which resolved spontaneously and did not affect the procedure's effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed good to excellent results with the use of this mobility preserving surgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic grades II and III hallux rigidus. The never before published procedure is easy to perform and inexpensive.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

[Ankle block]

OBJECTIVE

The so-called ankle block represents a local anesthesia form which enables easy performance of all surgical procedures of the foot and ankle.

INDICATIONS

Interventions distal to the medial and lateral malleoli.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Acute and chronic infections in the area of injection; allergy to the local anesthesia.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

All five sensory foot nerves are blocked. The two deep lying nerves, the tibial nerve and the deep fibular nerve, can be directly anesthetized perineurally using anatomical landmarks. The other three nerves are subcutaneously infiltrated near their branches.

RESULTS

The success rate ranges from 88 to 94%; smaller areas may also be further blocked intraoperatively. The ankle block is a cost-effective procedure which can also be performed without problems in multimorbid patients due to its minor side effects.

Orthobiologics

Use of orthobiologics in sports medicine and musculoskeletal surgery has gained significant interest. However, many of the commercially available and advertised products are lacking in clinical evidence. Widespread use of products before fully understanding their true indications may result in unknown adverse outcomes and may also lead to increased health care costs. As more products become available, it is important to remain judicial in use and to practice evidence-based medicine. Likewise, it is important to continue advances in research in hopes to improve surgical outcomes. This article reviews clinical evidence behind common orthobiologics in the treatment of foot and ankle pathology.

Double origin of the extensor hallucis longus muscle: a case report

Most of the anatomic variations of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) muscle are related to the tendon of insertion. We show a double origin of the EHL from the medial aspect of the fibula and the lateral aspect of the tibia. A 27-year-old male with a double closed fracture of tibia and fibula showed an involuntary extension of the big toe during foot plantar flexion after surgery. A tendon fibrosis by the fixation plates could be the cause of the foot functional alteration. Interestingly, the anatomic variation described could be related to the postsurgical foot dysfunction, since when the fibrotic tissue was removed the normal extension of big toe recovered. As illustrated in this case report, knowledge of anatomic variations is very useful, particularly in the context of foot surgery.

Ultrasound-guided ankle block. History revisited

Following forefoot surgery, compared to the traditional multimodal approach, regional anesthesia and analgesia provides high quality pain relief, decreases opioids consumption and leads to very high satisfaction scores. Traditional regional techniques relied either on wound infiltration, landmark technique ankle blocks or popliteal sciatic nerve block. Numerous anatomic variations of the different nerves might lead to failure following a blind technique. The current evolution towards ambulatory care will push surgical teams to favor techniques that simplify postoperative treatment and encourages immediate ambulation. The development of Ultrasound Guided Blocks has enabled us to perform very selective and precise nerve blocks. Ankle blocks provide excellent intraoperative anesthesia as well as long postoperative pain relief. Complications are rare using regional anesthesia for postoperative analgesia even after extensive foot surgery. Revival of ankle blocks is a perfect example of the high impact of new technological advances in improving ambulatory surgical care after foot surgery.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery: a systematic review of the literature

Background

With the advent of bacterial resistance, it is important now more than ever to evaluate use of antibiotic chemoprophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery. Within this area of the body there may be less dissection, surgery time with smaller incisions and importantly smaller sizes of implanted fixation as compared to other bone and joint procedures. Our objective was to systematically evaluate the quality of evidence behind existing guidelines.

Methodology

A systematic literature search was performed: MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE and the Cochrane library from 1990 up to March 2018. To avoid omitting any studies on the subject, Google Scholar was also used. The inclusion criterion were studies exploring perioperative antibiotic use, postoperative infection rates in elective foot and ankle surgery and studies associated with this subject evaluating antibiotic use in clean elective foot and ankle surgery. The exclusion criterion being studies upon contaminated or dirty surgery or those which were inclusive of procedures proximal to the foot and ankle.

Results

Overall 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. From the grading of evidence, 2 level one and 4 level two studies were recognised. These studies ranked relatively highly in comparison to 5 studies that were graded as level three and level four tiers of evidence. Results of SSI rates found within this systematic review ranged from 0% to 9.4% of overall postoperative infections encountered after foot and ankle surgery in the studies analysed.

Conclusion

Whilst fragmented, aspects of antibiotic chemoprophylaxis are established fields in elective surgery with a growing body of evidence. Evidence for antibiotic use however, specifically within elective foot and ankle surgery, is lacking. This systematic review is a seminal paper which delivers an impression of the most influential literature within the field of foot and ankle surgery, with the aim being to entice conclusions and guide future research.

Safe aftercare following foot ankle surgery: Doing less is more: The Jones dressing cast, part 2

BACKGROUND

There is no universal approach to surgery aftercare among foot and ankle surgeons. Although infections following foot and ankle surgery are rare, soft tissue healing can be jeopardized after extensive and multiple approaches.

METHODS

We defined a precise fixation technique of the foot and ankle in the immediate post-operative phase using what we call "the Jones dressing cast". This technique is a modification of the Jones dressing bandage. In a previous study we compared two groups of patients (N=20/23) who underwent similar reconstructive surgery with the application of the described cast for one week and without. At the two-month follow-up we observed that the group treated with the cast required less pain relief, spent less time in hospital and achieved faster autonomy using crutches (Gottlieb and Klaue, 2013). In this study we considered a group of 45 patients who underwent similar reconstructive procedures to those in the first study and who were treated with the cast for two weeks post-operatively. There was no visual check of the soft tissues before removal of the cast.

RESULTS

Unlike the earlier study, the results from this second study were more significant. Revision surgery occurred far less frequently in the group wearing the cast for two weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced strain to the soft tissue around the foot due to the cast and less manipulation of the wound dressing decrease complications in the post-operative period.

The relationship between the distal metatarsal articular angle and intersesamoidal crista: An osteological study

BACKGROUND

As hallux valgus (HV) progresses, the first metatarsal drifts medially and the subsequent lateral drift of the sesamoids results in intersesamoidal crista erosion. This study aimed to provide a novel method of assessing crista erosion and determine if there is a relationship between that erosion and an increase in the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA).

METHODS

The DMAA and size of the intersesamoidal crista was measured on the first metatarsals of 120 adult modern human individuals. There was an equitable spread of both sexes, a wide age range (18-88 years), from three South African population groups (Zulu, Sotho, "European"). The following non-metric features were observed: intersesamoidal crista appearance, metatarsal head shape, and first intermetatarsal facet. Correlation tests, t-tests and Analyses of Variance (ANOVA) were used to determine relationships between variables.

RESULTS

The Pearson correlation test showed no significant correlation between the DMAA and crista ratio (r=0.092, p=0.154, α=0.05). DMAA: there was a significant difference between sides (p=0.009), right side larger; there was a significant difference between Zulu and "European" samples (p=0.036) but not between "Europeans" and Sotho (p=0.270); and there was a slight positive correlation with an increase in age. Crista: there was a significant difference between the sexes (p=0.044), with females having less erosion.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant relationship between the DMAA and crista erosion. Severe cartilaginous erosion is present before osteological changes occur, and the unexpected result may be reflected in skeletal specimens in which no cartilaginous changes can be observed. A novel, experimental method of assessing HV in modern human skeletal material is proposed.

A cost analysis of orthopedic foot surgery: can outpatient continuous regional analgesia provide the same standard of care for postoperative pain control at home without shifting costs?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Same-day surgery is common for foot surgery. Continuous regional anesthesia for outpatients has been shown effective but the economic impact on the perioperative process-related healthcare costs remains unclear.

METHODS

One hundred twenty consecutive patients were included in this assessor-blinded, prospective cohort study and allocated according to inclusion criteria in the day-care or in the in-patient group. Standardized continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block was performed in both groups for 48 h using an elastomeric pump delivering ropivacaine 0.2 % at a rate of 5 ml/h with an additional 5 ml bolus every 60 min. Outpatients were discharged the day of surgery and followed with standardized telephone interviews. The total direct health costs of both groups were compared. Moreover, the difference in treatment costs and the difference in terms of quality of care and effectiveness between the groups were compared.

RESULTS

Total management costs were significantly reduced in the day-care group. There was no difference between the groups regarding pain at rest and with motion, persistent pain after catheter removal and the incidence of PONV. Persistent motor block and catheter inflammation/infection were comparable in both groups. There was neither a difference in the number of unscheduled ambulatory visits nor in the number of readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Day-care continuous regional analgesia leads to an overall positive impact on costs by decreasing the incidence of unplanned ambulatory visits and unscheduled readmissions, without compromising on the quality of analgesia, patients' satisfaction, and safety.

Interpreting outcome following foot surgery in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Foot surgery is common in RA but the current lack of understanding of how patients interpret outcomes inhibits evaluation of procedures in clinical and research settings. This study aimed to explore which factors are important to people with RA when they evaluate the outcome of foot and ankle surgery.

Methods and Results

Semi structured interviews with 11 RA participants who had mixed experiences of foot surgery were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Responses showed that while participants interpreted surgical outcome in respect to a multitude of factors, five major themes emerged: functional ability, participation, appearance of feet and footwear, surgeons’ opinion, and pain. Participants interpreted levels of physical function in light of other aspects of their disease, reflecting on relative change from their preoperative state more than absolute levels of ability. Appearance was important to almost all participants: physical appearance, foot shape, and footwear were closely interlinked, yet participants saw these as distinct concepts and frequently entered into a defensive repertoire, feeling the need to justify that their perception of outcome was not about cosmesis.

Surgeons’ post-operative evaluation of the procedure was highly influential and made a lasting impression, irrespective of how the outcome compared to the participants’ initial goals. Whilst pain was important to almost all participants, it had the greatest impact upon them when it interfered with their ability to undertake valued activities.

Conclusions

People with RA interpret the outcome of foot surgery using multiple interrelated factors, particularly functional ability, appearance and surgeons’ appraisal of the procedure. While pain was often noted, this appeared less important than anticipated. These factors can help clinicians in discussing surgical options in patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13047-016-0153-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Inter and intra-observer reliability in assessment of the position of the lateral sesamoid in determining the severity of hallux valgus

BACKGROUND

The position of the lateral sesamoid on standard dorso-plantar weight bearing radiographs, with respect to the lateral cortex of the first metatarsal, has been shown to correlate well with the degree of the hallux valgus angle. This study aimed to assess the inter- and intra-observer error of this new classification system.

METHODS

Five orthopaedic consultants and five trainee orthopaedic surgeons were recruited to assess and document the degree of displacement of the lateral sesamoid on 144 weight-bearing dorso-plantar radiographs on two separate occasions. The severity of hallux valgus was defined as normal (0%), mild (≤50%), moderate (51-≤99%) or severe (≥100%) depending on the percentage displacement of the lateral sesamoid body from the lateral cortical border of the first metatarsal.

RESULTS

Consultant intra-observer variability showed good agreement between repeated assessment of the radiographs (mean Kappa=0.75). Intra-observer variability for trainee orthopaedic surgeons also showed good agreement with a mean Kappa=0.73. Intraclass correlations for consultants and trainee surgeons was also high.

CONCLUSION

The new classification system of assessing the severity of hallux valgus shows high inter- and intra-observer variability with good agreement and reproducibility between surgeons of consultant and trainee grades.

Impact of podiatry resident experience level in hallux valgus surgery on postoperative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Despite modern advancements in transosseous fixation and operative technique, hallux valgus (i.e., bunion) surgery is still associated with a higher than usual amount of patient dissatisfaction and is generally recognized as a complex and nuanced procedure requiring precise osseous and capsulotendon balancing. It stands to reason then that familiarity and skill level of trainee surgeons might impact surgical outcomes in this surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether podiatry resident experience level influences midterm outcomes in hallux valgus surgery (HVS).

METHODS

Consecutive adults who underwent isolated HVS via distal metatarsal osteotomy at a single US metropolitan teaching hospital from January 2004 to January 2009 were contacted and asked to complete a validated outcome measure of foot health (Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire) regarding their operated foot. Resident experience level was quantified using the surgical logs for the primary resident of record at the time of each case. Associations were assessed using linear and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 102 adult patients (n = 102 feet) agreed to participate with a mean age of 46.8 years (standard deviation 13.1, range 18-71) and average length of follow-up 6.2 y (standard deviation 1.4, range 3.6-8.6). Level of trainee experience was not associated with postoperative outcomes in either the univariate (odds ratio 0.99 [95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.01], P = 0.827) or multivariate analyses (odds ratio 1.00 [95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.02], P = 0.907).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that podiatry resident level of experience in HVS does not contribute appreciably to postoperative clinical outcomes.

The Jones dressing cast for safe aftercare of foot and ankle surgery. A modification of the Jones dressing bandage

Aftercare of surgical procedures is not consensual in the community of foot and ankle surgeons. Although the incidence of infections following foot and ankle surgery is rare, soft tissue healing might be jeopardized after extensive and multiple approaches. We define a precise fixation technique of the foot and ankle in the immediate post-operative phase by what we call "the Jones dressing cast". This technique is a modification of the Jones dressing bandage. We compared two groups of patients (20 and 23 patients) who underwent similar operative reconstructive procedures, with and without the application of the described cast, respectively, for one week. At the two-month follow-up, we observed that the group, which was treated with the cast required less analgetics, had a reduced hospitalization time and achieved faster autonomy using crutches. It may be assumed that reduced strain to the soft tissue around the foot due to the cast may reduce the complications in the post-operative period.

Peripheral nerve blocks for distal extremity surgery

Peripheral nerve block is well suited for distal extremity surgery. Blocking the nerves at the distal extremity is easily done. It does not require ultrasound or stimulators to identify the nerve. Blocking nerves in the distal extremity is safe with low risk of toxicity. The effect of the nerve block is limited to the distribution of the nerve. The distal nerves in the lower extremity are sensory branches of the sciatic nerve. This provides a sensory block only. This has the advantage of allowing the patient to actively contract tendons in the foot and ambulate more quickly after surgery.