Foot And Ankle Ability Measure Scores Research Articles

Validation of Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundAnkle sprain is the most common lower limb injury in physically active individuals. Loss of function, decreased postural control (PC), strength deficit, and reduced range of motion (ROM) are common after acute lateral ankle sprains. Some patients experienced long lasting symptoms, with recurrent sprains, and episodes of giving-way: a condition known as chronic ankle instability (CAI). Evaluating the function in patients with CAI in the clinical environment is important to identify the severity of the condition, in addition to allowing to assess the effectiveness of a given treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the validation of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) in terms of muscle strength, PC and ROM in adults with CAI.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. Individuals with CAI aged between 18 and 45 years were eligible. Individuals with CAI were identified using the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI). All patients filled in the FAAM and FAOS scores. Muscle strength was assessed by manual dynamometry, ROM by the Lunge test, PC by computerized posturography, modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) and modified Balance Error Score System (mBESS).Results50 participants were enrolled in the present study. The mean age of the patients was 27.2 ± 6.3 years, and the mean body mass index was 26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2. 58% (29 of 50) were men and 42% (21 of 50) women. 18 individuals had unilateral (36%) and 32 bilateral (64%) CAI. The results of FAAM were associated with MCT, mSEBT, invertor muscles strength, plantar flexor muscles strength, dorsiflexor muscles strength, and external hip rotator muscles strength (P < 0.05). The results of FAOS were associated with mSEBT, invertor muscles strength, plantar flexor muscles strength, dorsiflexor muscles strength, evertor muscles strength, and external hip rotator muscles strength, and mBEES (P < 0.05).ConclusionBoth the FAAM and FAOS demonstrated validity to evaluate postural control and muscle strength in patients with CAI, while no association was found in relation to ankle dorsiflexion.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bone Marrow Edema in the Talus in Professional Ballet Dancers: Preliminary Data from 2-Year Prospective Study

Category:Ankle; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Bone marrow edema (BME) appears as increased interstitial fluid accumulation within the bone marrow on magnetic resonance images (MRI). Asymptomatic BME has been found incidentally and described in competitive athletes, long- distance runners, and patients with altered biomechanics where the true etiology remains unclear. The natural history and clinical implications of asymptomatic BME in the elite and actively-competing athlete is not well characterized. Moreover, there is debate on how to manage and counsel patients on these findings in a high-risk bone such as the talus. This study presents early data from a prospective enrollment study of professional ballet dancers characterizing the prevalence of asymptomatic BME in the talus.Methods:Fourteen (14) professional ballet dancers enrolled in the 2-year prospective, IRB-approved study after informed consent was obtained. Exclusion criteria included: subjects reporting foot and ankle pain or disability on initial preseason evaluation, foot and ankle surgery or injury within the last year prior to evaluation, and any contraindications for MRI. Subjects underwent a physical examination and completed Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index scores (FADI). Bilateral foot and ankle MRIs without contrast were completed upon study enrollment and interpreted by a blinded, fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist.Results:Of 14 professional ballet dancers enrolled in the study, 6 were female, 8 were male, and the mean age was 24.4 years. All dancers reported no pain or disability in their feet and ankles at the time of evaluation and had physical exam findings unremarkable for performance-limiting pathology. Of the 14 dancers, 64% (9) had MRI evidence of talar BME. 6 subjects had bilateral talar BME and 3 had unilateral findings. 53% (8) had BME localized to the posterior process of the talus, 13% (2) localized in the talar body, 13% (2) localized to the talar head and neck, and 20% (3) subjects had pan-talar BME. All subjects had BME seen only on T2 sequences with one patient demonstrating bilateral pan-talar BME on both T1 and T2 sequences. There was no significant correlation using Welch’s unequal variances t-test (α = 0.05) between talar BME and either FADI or FAAM scores.Conclusion:These findings demonstrate a high prevalence (64%) of talar bone marrow edema in asymptomatic professional ballet dancers with benign physical exams and normal functional scores. Yet, the long-term clinical significance of these findings are unknown.

Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common chronic degenerative foot condition associated with pain in the bottom of the foot (enthesiopathy), encountered by an orthopaedic practitioner. Various treatment options have been implicated and it has been frustrating problem for both patients and treating doctors. Very limited studies are available showing the variable effects of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), the autologous conditioned plasma, in human tissues. Aim: To determine the role of PRP in the management of patients with PF. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics in collaboration with blood bank in SRM Medical College and Hospital, Potheri, Chengalpet district, Tamil Nadu, India, between November 2017 to April 2019. In this study, 70 patients with PF were treated with single dose of local injection of 3 mL autologous PRP. These patients were assessed for pain relief using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). In addition ultrasonographic evaluation of thickness of plantar fascia was done six months after treatment. The statistical analysis of each clinical outcomes was analysed individually, using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Statistical significance was done with student's t-test and p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients in this study was 38.8±4 years. There were 39 (55.7%) female and 31(44.3%) male patients in the study. The mean symptom duration from the approximate onset of symptom to the study enrollment was 7±2.3 months. The statistically significant reduction in VAS score from the baseline and reduction in thickness of plantar fascia was observed in the study. FAAM score also gradually improved from mean 32.05±8.20 at baseline to 60.97±8.94 after 24 weeks with mean difference of 28.92. Conclusion: The present study observed that PRP is potentially effective and safe treatment option for long term relief of PF

Dynamic Syndesmotic Stabilisation and Reinforcement of the Antero-Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament with Internal Brace: Early Results and Clinical Outcome

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; Sports; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Syndesmotic injuries are associated with long recovery times and high morbidity. Systematic reviews show a trend toward better outcomes of dynamic suture buttons compared to screw fixation. Higher rates of malreduction have been reported with screw fixation. The anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) confers the most significant component of translational and rotatory stability. Techniques have developed which reinforce the AITFL. This study aimed to assess results of syndesmotic stabilisation with dynamic stabilisation and reinforcement of the AITFL, with an early mobilisation program.Methods:Retrospective case series of 30 patients (mean age 31 years). Syndesmotic instability was confirmed with clinical examination, MRI and weightbearing-CT. In all cases arthroscopic assessment confirmed the instability intraoperatively and anatomic reduction with an AO clamp was achieved under direct vision. Dynamic syndesmotic stabilisation with a single suture button was performed followed by the placement of an Internal Brace over the AITFL. A standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocol was established. Patients were asked to immediately weight bear in a CAM boot for 6 weeks, commence sagittal Range of Motion (ROM) at 2 weeks, cycling at 4 weeks. At 6 weeks patients continued with full ROM and strengthening, running and cutting at 8 weeks and return to sports at 10 weeks. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were collected postoperatively and outcome of acute and chronic injuries were compared.Results:The average follow-up was 13 months. The total FAAM score for ADL was 95+-4.9% (range, 83 - 100%) and for sport activities 87+-13.6% (range, 50 - 100%). The rating of mean postoperative function for ADL was 94+-5.5% (range, 80 - 100%) and 90+-13% (range, 35 - 100%) for sportv. The difference between acute and chronic injuries was statistically higher (p<0.05) for daily activities and sport, but the rating of current level of sport activites as well as for daily activites did not show a significant difference (p=0.9296 and p=0.1615, respectively). Twenty-seven patients (90%) rated their overall current level of function as normal or nearly normal.Conclusion:This technique aims to directly stabilise the AITFL and the interosseous components of the syndesmosis, and allow early mobilisation and return to sport as early as 10 weeks. Early results show the procedure is safe, with comparable results to the literature. Acute injuries showed better results of the FAAM score than chronic injuries. Long term follow up will address long term outcomes, requirement for removal of devices and how well the Internal brace is tolerated.

Correlation of Patient Wearable Outcomes to Self-Reported Patient Outcome Measures

Category:Other; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), especially computerized adaptive testing (CAT), are the gold standard for outcome reporting in the field of orthopaedic surgery. Wearable technology (fitbit, apple watch, etc) and other health monitoring capabilities available on smart phones applications (i.e. apple health) are rapidly evolving and being considered as alternative methods of measuring outcomes in orthopaedics. This patient wearable outcome (PWO) method has yet to be directly compared to PROMs, nor evaluated as a viable option for outcome measurement in orthopaedics. The purpose of this study is to directly compare PWOs to PROMs and determine the advantages and disadvantages of using the health monitoring capabilities of smart phones as outcome measuring tools in orthopaedics.Methods:This study is designed as a nonrandomized prospective cohort focused on a small subset of subjects within the field of orthopaedics. Subjects were recruited from an orthopaedic foot and ankle clinic with diagnoses of ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis, and achilles tendonitis. These conditions were chosen as these would generally represent nonoperative conditions at presentation. Subjects under 16 years of age and surgical candidates were ineligible. Standard PROM surveys, all of which have been previously validated by the AOFAS for outcome measurement were administered at enrollment and then electronically delivered at 3 and 7 weeks. Surveys utilized were the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and PROMIS physical function, mobility and pain interference scores. An application (ActiveTrack) is installed on the subjects' smartphones to pull all past and future health data including step counts, distance traveled, etc. Statistical analysis was then performed to correlate PWO's with PROMs.Results:28 subjects consented and enrolled in the study. This has provided strong encouragement for the goals of the study. 21 patients were observed at 3 weeks with a Pearson correlation of step count of 0.6975 (95% CI: 0.3804-0.8679). 7 subjects were observed at 7 weeks with a Pearson correlation of step count of 0.8387 (95% CI: 0.2325-0.9756). We found that step counts and FAAM scores generally increased after treatment, and that the correlation between the changes was positive. The strongest signal was obtained from the FAAM ADL subscale.Conclusion:This study shows that there is a correlation between a patient's self-reported function (PROMs) and their activity (PWOs). PWO data may represent a more accurate measurement of a patient's activity and therefore may be a great tool in assessing functionality before and after an intervention (be it surgical or nonoperative treatments). Further analysis of the data obtained from this prospective study over time may help establish a new standard of care for measuring patients' response to orthopaedic treatment.

Outcomes and Complications of Open vs Posterior Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Multicenter Study.

Open subtalar arthrodesis is the standard treatment for subtalar arthritis. Posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (PASTA) has recently gained increasing popularity due to a shorter recovery time and better cosmesis. However, studies comparing outcomes and complications between these 2 techniques are limited. In total, 56 patients with subtalar joint arthritis were prospectively randomized to 2 parallel groups to receive either PASTA (n = 28 patients) or open subtalar arthrodesis (n = 28 patients). The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Primary outcome was union rate confirmed on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Secondary outcomes were union time; visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores; tourniquet time; and complications. Union time (9.4 vs 12.8 weeks) and recovery time (time to return to activities of daily living [8.4 vs 10.8 weeks], work [10.6 vs 12.9 weeks], and sports [24.9 vs 32.7 weeks]) were significantly shorter with PASTA than with the open technique (P < .05 all). Both techniques led to significant improvements in all functional outcomes (FAAM, SF-36, and VAS scores; P < .01 all); however, there was no significant difference between the techniques in these outcomes (P > .05 all). Other outcomes, including tourniquet time (55.8 vs 67.2 min), union rate (96.3% vs 100%), and complication rate, were not significantly different between the techniques. Both open and PASTA techniques led to significant improvements in pain and function in patients with isolated subtalar joint arthritis. Although short-term functional outcomes and complication rates were not significantly different between the techniques, the PASTA technique was better at shortening the union and recovery times. Level I, prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Surgical Treatment of Clubfoot in Children with Moebius Syndrome

Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare disease, with paralysis of the VI and VII cranial nerves, frequently associated with clubfoot (CF). The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical treatment of CF in MS, providing its peculiarities. Between 1990 and 2019, we collected data of 11 MS patients with unilateral (n = 5) or bilateral (n = 6) CF, for a total of 17 feet (9R,8L). Six patients (3M,3F) for a total of 10 feet (6R,4L) were treated elsewhere, performing first surgery at an average age of nine months, and in our hospital for relapse surgery at an average age of 4.5 years (Group 1). Five patients (3M, 2F), for a total of seven feet (3R,4L), were primarily treated in our hospital with a peritalar release according to McKay at an average age of 9.4 months (Group 2). Diméglio score was used to assess CF severity. Three questionnaires were submitted for evaluation of subjective and functional results: American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Society for Hindfoot (AOFAS), Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Average AOFAS/FAOS/FAMM scores were 82.8, 84.8, and 82.3 for Group 1, and 93.2, 94.7, and 95.1 for Group 2 at an average follow-up of 16.9 and 13.3 years, respectively. The average Diméglio score improved from 15.5 to 4.8 in the long-term follow-up in Group 1 and from 14.6 to 3.8 in Group 2. The comparison between the groups showed better results for AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores for Group 2, particularly for pain, function, and foot alignment and for the post-surgical Diméglio score. CF in MS is more severe and presented a higher relapse rate (58.8%) than idiopathic CF. Peritalar release showed no relapse and better subjective and functional results in the long-term follow-up compared to other surgical techniques

Total ankle arthroplasty results using fixed bearing CT-guided patient specific implants in posttraumatic versus nontraumatic arthritis

BackgroundPatients who undergo total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for end-stage posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis have previously reported more complications and lower satisfaction than those with non-traumatic etiologies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes in these two patient groups after TAA using a newer generation implant. MethodsPatients underwent TAA with a third generation implant using CT-based patient-specific cutting guides. Patients were evaluated clinically using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and radiographically at a mean follow up of 32, and 24 months respectively. ResultsForty-one patients were studied (26 posttraumatic, 15 nontraumatic). There were no significant differences between the two study groups in FAAM scores (p=0.3423) and radiographic measurements. ConclusionWe were able to show comparable results in terms of patient satisfaction, short term clinical and radiographic results between traumatic and nontraumatic patients using newer patient specific implant systems.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Total Ankle Arthroplasty Between End-Stage Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is known to be a reliable operative option for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis. However, higher risk of postoperative complications related to chronic inflammation and immunosuppressive treatment is still a concern. With the use of a newer prosthesis and modification of anti-rheumatic medications, we compared clinical outcomes after TAA between patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Forty-five patients with end-stage osteoarthritis (OA group) and 19 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA group) were followed for more than 3 years after 3 component mobile-bearing TAA (ZenithTM). Perioperative anti-rheumatic medications were modified using an established guideline used in total hip and knee arthroplasty. Clinical evaluations consisted of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). In the preoperative and postoperative evaluation at final follow-up, there were no significant differences in AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores between 2 groups. Despite statistical similarity in total scores, the OA group showed significantly better scores in FAOS sports and leisure (mean, 57.4 ± 10.1) and FAAM sports activity (mean, 62.5 ± 13.6) subscales than those in the RA group (mean, 52.2 ± 9.8, P = .004; and 56.4 ± 13.2, P < .001, respectively). There were no significant differences in perioperative complication and revision rates between 2 groups. Patients with end-stage ankle RA had clinical outcomes comparable to the patients with OA, except for the ability related to sports activities. In addition, there were no significant differences in early postoperative complication rates, including wound problem and infection. Level III, prognostic, prospective comparative study.

Evaluation of Donor Ankle Function after Harvesting Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction- A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Primary full thickness Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft (PLTG) for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) has been used with good clinical outcome. Recently, it is designated as a promising graft option for ACLR. The effect of harvesting PLTG on donor ankle function is still not completely understood. Peroneus Longus Tendon (PLT) is thought to play a major role in proprioceptive regulation of the ankle joint. All the studies till date did cross-sectional assessments of ankle and foot function at or after 6 months that might have overlooked the timely detection of donor site morbidities. Aim: To evaluate the ankle function and compare the affected and sound limb function in subjects with an ACLR with autologous PLTG starting at an early postoperative visit upto six months. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary rehabilitation centre from March 2019 to March 2021 including the follow-up evaluation. As per the inclusion criteria, 63 participants after ACLR with PLTG were considered for assessment using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hind foot scale and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scale at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-ACLR follow-up. Comparison between sound and affected limbs was done during all follow-ups. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. Both FAAM and AOFAS ankle and foot scores were analysed with non parametric tests. Results: Mean age of 63 participants were 29.25 years. Median of AOFAS and FAAM score at 6 week, 3 month, and 6 month post- ACLR follow-ups were (88, 98 and 100) and (97.22, 98.80 and 100), respectively. Statistically significant increase in AOFAS and FAAM scores were observed at 3 month and 6 month as compared to 6 week follow-ups with p=0.001 and p-value=0.001 respectively. The group comparison between the affected and sound side functional scores at different study visits showed statistically significant greater values for the sound ankle than the affected ankle (FAAM: 6 week: p-value=0.001; 3 month: p-value=0.001; 6 month: p-value=0.001 and AOFAS p-value=0.001; p-value=0.001; p-value=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The evaluation of functional outcomes showed gradual and linear improvement at subsequent postoperative visits and restores fully to 100% at 6 month indicating a near- normal to normal donor ankle function following ACLR with PLTG by 6 months. The group comparison showed only marginal but significant difference between affected and sound ankle function.

Application of Computerized Adaptive Testing to the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure.

Patient-reported outcome measures are an increasingly important tool for assessing the impact of treatments orthopedic surgeons render. Despite their importance, they can present a burden. We examined the validity and utility of a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) method to reduce the number of questions on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), a validated anatomy-specific outcome measure. A previously developed FAAM CAT system was applied to the responses of patients undergoing foot and ankle evaluation and treatment over a 3-year period (2017-2019). A total of 15 902 responses for the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale and a total of 14 344 responses for the Sports subscale were analyzed. The accuracy of the CAT to replicate the full-form score was assessed. The CAT system required 11 questions to be answered for the ADL subscale in 85.1% of cases (range, 11-12). The number of questions answered on the Sports subscale was 6 (range, 5-6) in 66.4% of cases. The mean difference between the full FAAM ADL subscale and CAT was 0.63 of a point. The mean difference between the FAAM Sports subscale and CAT was 0.65 of a point. The FAAM CAT was able to reduce the number of responses a patient would need to answer by nearly 50%, while still providing a valid outcome score. This measure can therefore be directly correlated with previously obtained full FAAM scores in addition to providing a foot/ankle-specific measure, which previously reported CAT systems are not able to do. Level IV, case series.

Prospective, Multicenter, Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of a Biointegrative, Fiber-Reinforced Implant for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis.

Background:A novel biointegrative implant was developed for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis to treat hammertoe deformity. Composed of continuous reinforcing mineral fibers bound by bioabsorbable polymer matrix, the implant demonstrated quiescent, gradual degradation with complete elimination at 104 weeks in animal models. This prospective trial assessed the implant’s safety, clinical performance, and fusion rate of PIPJ arthrodesis for hammertoe correction.Methods:Twenty-five patients (mean age 63.9±7.5 years) who required PIPJ arthrodesis were enrolled at 3 centers. Outcomes included radiographic joint fusion, adverse events, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and patient satisfaction. Patients were evaluated 2, 4, 6, 12, and 26 weeks postoperatively.Results:Twenty-two patients (88%) achieved radiographic fusion at 26 weeks. All joints (100%) were considered clinically stable, with no complications or serious adverse events. Pain VAS improved from 5.3±2.5 preoperatively to 0.5±1.4 at 26 weeks postoperatively. FAAM-ADL total scores and level of functioning improved by mean 19.5±19.0 points and 24.4±15.7 percentage points, respectively, from preoperation to 26 weeks postoperation. Improvements in pain VAS and FAAM scores surpassed established minimal clinically important differences. All patients were very satisfied (84%) or satisfied (16%) with the surgery. Patient-reported postoperative results greatly exceeded (72%), exceeded (20%), or matched (8%) expectations.Conclusion:This prospective, multicenter, first-in-human clinical trial of a novel biointegrative fiber-reinforced implant in PIPJ arthrodesis of hammertoe deformity demonstrated a favorable rate of radiographic fusion at 12 and 26 weeks, with no complications and good patient-reported clinical outcomes.Level of Evidence:Level IV, prospective case series.

2020 Roger A. Mann Award Winner: Application of Computerized Adaptive Testing to the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure

Category:OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are an increasingly important tool for assessing the impact of treatments orthopaedic surgeons render to patients. They provide information directly reported by the patient pertaining to the perception of their own outcome, functional status, and quality of life. Despite their importance, they can present a burden for patients as well as for a busy outpatient clinic. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a freely available validated anatomy-specific outcome measure consisting of 32 questions, and has been found to be reliable for patients with a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. We examined the validity and utility of a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) method to reduce the number of questions on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure.Methods:A previously developed FAAM CAT system was applied to the responses of patients undergoing foot and ankle evaluation and treatment at a busy tertiary referral orthopaedic practice over a 3-year period (2017-2019). A total of 15,902 responses for the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale and a total of 14,344 responses for the Sports subscale were analyzed. The accuracy of the CAT to replicate the full-form score was assessed using the mean and standard deviation of scores for both groups (FAAM versus CAT), frequency distributions of the scores and score differences for both groups, Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman assessments of patterns in score differences.Results:The CAT system required 11 questions to be answered for the ADL subscale in 85.1% of cases (compared to 22 questions for the FAAM) and 12 in 14.9% of cases. The number of questions answered on the Sports subscale was 6 in 66.4% of cases (compared to 10 for the FAAM) and 5 in 33.6% of cases. The mean difference between the full FAAM ADL subscale (out of 100 points) and CAT was 0.6266 of a point and scores were within 7.5 points in greater than 95% of cases. The mean difference between the FAAM Sports subscale (out of 100 points) and CAT was 0.5967 of a point and scores were within the minimal clinically important difference of 9 in greater than 95% of cases.Conclusion:The FAAM CAT was able to reduce the number of responses a patient would need to answer by nearly 50%, while still providing a valid outcome score. This measure can therefore be directly correlated with previously obtained full FAAM scores in addition to providing a foot/ankle-specific measure, which previously reported CAT systems are not able to do.

Long-term evaluation of the distal transverse plantar approach for Morton's neuroma excision.

There is currently no consensus on the ideal approach for the operative treatment of Morton&rsquo;s neuroma. The distal transverse plantar approach aims at optimal exposure without the scar complications associated with the longitudinal plantar approach. Long-term evaluation based on validated outcome instruments is lacking. The main purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of this approach using validated function and scar evaluation scores. Forty-nine patients operated on at our institution were examined clinically by two independent observers using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Patients who underwent neurectomy alone and those who had additional foot surgery were compared. Assessment at a mean of 7.9 years (range 4&ndash;12) postoperatively revealed a mean FAAM score of 84.8 &plusmn; 25% and a mean VSS score of 1.57 &plusmn; 1.7. Patients who underwent neurectomy alone had higher FAAM scores at follow up. We observed no complication that required an additional procedure. The transverse plantar approach results in good objective outcome scores, including scar healing, in the long term. This is our preferred technique because, in our experience, it offers optimal visualisation of the nerve, does not require deep dissection and allows the exposure of two adjacent web spaces of the foot through a single incision.

Hindfoot blast injuries caused by improvised explosive devices: long-term functional assessment in French military personnel.

The chosen treatment and long-term evaluation of hindfoot blast injuries are not well-represented in the literature. The first objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate functional outcomes in French service personnel who had sustained such injuries caused by improvised explosive devices. The second objective was to compare the results for patients who had amputations with those who did not. The hypothesis was that amputee recovered better function. Long-term functional evaluations were carried out using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale (AOFAS), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the Short Form 12 health survey (SF-12). Eight servicemen with ten hindfoot blast injuries were reviewed at a mean follow-up time of seven years. Primary management was always conservative although half of the patients required late amputation for chronic pain. The patients who underwent amputation reported significantly lower levels of pain than those who did not have an amputation, with higher FAAM and SF-12 scores. In this series, long-term functional results appear better in the amputated group.

Cartiva case series: The efficacy of the cartiva synthetic cartilage implant interpositional arthroplasty at one year

BackgroundThe Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) is licenced for use in management of symptomatic hallux rigidus in several countries including the UK. As of now, there are no independent series for treatment of hallux rigidus utilising polyvinyl alcohol implants. MethodsPatients at a single centre with symptomatic hallux rigidus who underwent Cartiva implant interpositional arthroplasty were identified. First metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis was radiographically graded according to the Hattrup and Johnson (HJ) classification. Pre-operative and post-operative patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living subscale and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Results55 patients (14M, 41F) (37R and 18L) were followed up for an average of 21 months (min = 12, max = 38). 14 patients suffered from HJ2/moderate arthritis and 41 patients with grade HJ3/severe arthritis.Post-operative mean FAAM scores showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.0001). Patients reported a 40% increase in functionality during activities of daily living.All 3 MOXFQ Domain scores improved significantly (p < 0.02). The Index score improved by 34 points (p < 0.0001).There was no correlation between length of follow up or age and PROMs (r = 0.129). No statistical difference was demonstrated between sexes. Clinically, however, males and older patients exhibited better outcomes. ConclusionsOur study shows excellent results with statistically significant improvements in functional outcomes, and promising short-term follow-up with low early revision rates. Durability and survivability of the implant will continue to be studied in this cohort.

Synthetic Cartilage Implant Hemiarthroplasty for Second MTP Joint Osteoarthrosis

Synthetic cartilage hemiarthroplasty has been used successfully in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and might also provide an alternative surgical intervention for second MTP joint osteoarthritis and Freiberg disease. Synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty was performed on 23 consecutive patients for the treatment of painful second MTP joint disease. Joint damage ranged from mild to severe. Mean follow-up period was 43 months ± 17.6 (range, 28-79 months). Mean age at the time of surgery was 55 years ± 16 (range, 20-73 years). Each participant attended for clinical assessment and an interview which included completion of 2 patient-reported outcome measures: the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). The implant failed in 2 participants (9%) and required removal and revision. Four participants (17%) reported dissatisfaction with the surgery because of continued pain. Nine participants (43%) reported second MTP joint stiffness; however, this was symptomatic in just 5 cases. Sixteen participants (70%) were pain free and totally satisfied with their outcome. Eleven of 21 participants (52%) reported an improvement in all 3 categories of the MOXFQ. FAAM scores demonstrated good overall function and activity, with a mean score of 91 ± 16 (range, 44-100). There were no postoperative infections, transfer metatarsalgia, or floating toe deformity. In preserving metatarsal and phalanx length as well as the collateral ligaments of the joint, synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty avoids some of the important risks of metatarsal osteotomy and basal phalangectomy. A range of alternative surgical options are still available if the synthetic cartilage implant fails to resolve symptoms.

Effectiveness of tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy

To investigate the effectiveness of tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. The clinical data of 21 patients with unilateral foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy between October 2009 and September 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 9 females with an average age of 32.1 years (range, 23-47 years). The causes of peroneal nerve injury were iatrogenic injury in 7 cases, tibiofibular fractures combined with compartment syndrome in 5 cases, nerve exploration surgery after stab or cut injury in 3 cases, direct violence in 4 cases, and the fibular head fracture in 2 cases. The average time from injury to operation was 5.6 years (range, 2-8 years). There was 1 case of hallux valgus and 5 cases of toe flexion contracture. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, range of motion (ROM), and dorsiflexion strength of ankle joint were used to evaluated the ankle function. Radiographic evaluation for the changes of postoperative foot alignment included Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and hindfoot alignment angle. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 18-42 months (mean, 30.2 months). The dorsiflexion strength of ankle joint recovered from grade 0 to grade 3-4 after operation. There was no patient with a postoperative flat foot deformity and claw toe during follow-up. There was no significant difference in Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and hindfoot alignment angle between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). The AOFAS score, FAAM score, and ROM of dorsiflexion significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative values ( P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in ROM of plantar-flexion between pre- and post-operation ( t=4.239, P=0.158). There were significant differences in AOFAS score, FAAM score, and ROM of dorsiflexion between affected and healthy sides ( P<0.05); but no significant difference in ROM of plantar-flexion was found ( t=2.319, P=0.538). Tibialis posterior tendon transfer is an effective surgical option for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. And no postoperative flat foot deformity occurred at short-term follow-up.

Perioperative axial loading computed tomography findings in varus ankle osteoarthritis: Effect of supramalleolar osteotomy on abnormal internal rotation of the talus

BackgroundWe used axial loading computed tomography (AL CT) to evaluate preoperative and postoperative talocrural joints of patients who underwent supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) to treat varus ankle osteoarthritis. MethodsWe performed retrospective analyses of 16 patients (18 feet) who underwent SMO including fibular osteotomy. Radiographic assessment was performed with weightbearing radiographs and AL CT. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). ResultsThe mean 2-year follow-up tibial-ankle surface angle, talar tilt angle, Takakura stage, and tibial-lateral surface angle were all significantly different relative to preoperative parameters (P<.05). The mean 6-month follow-up talus rotation ratio was significantly corrected compared to the preoperative value (P=.001). The mean 2-year follow-up AOFAS, VAS at gait, and FAAM scores were all significantly improved relative to preoperative measurements (P=.001). ConclusionsAbnormal internal rotation of the talus in mild to moderate varus ankle osteoarthritis found on AL CT was significantly corrected after SMO. Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level IV

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs): Influence of Motor Tasks and Psychosocial Factors on FAAM Scores in Foot and Ankle Trauma Patients

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) are being increasingly used as a quality of care metric. However, the validity and consistency of PROMS remain undefined. The study sought to determine whether Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores improve after patients complete motor tasks evaluated on the survey and to examine the relationship between depression and self-efficacy and FAAM scores or change in scores. We conducted a prospective comparison study of adults with isolated foot, ankle, or distal tibia fractures treated operatively at level I trauma center. Twenty-seven patients completed the FAAM survey at the first clinic visit after being made weightbearing as tolerated (mean 3 months). Patients then completed 6 motor tasks queried on FAAM (standing, walking without shoes, squatting, stairs, up to toes), followed by a repeat FAAM and General Self-Efficacy scale (GSE) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) instruments. FAAM scores before and after intervention; GSE and PHQ-2 scores compared with baseline FAAM and change in FAAM scores. Performing motor tasks significantly improved postintervention scores for squatting (P = .044) and coming up to toes (P = .012), the 2 most strenuous tasks. No difference was found for the remaining tasks. Higher depression ratings correlated with worse FAAM scores overall (P < .05). Higher self-efficacy ratings correlated with increase in FAAM Sports subscale postintervention (P = .020). FAAM scores are influenced by performing motor tasks. Self-reported depression influences baseline FAAM scores and self-efficacy may influence change in FAAM scores. Context and patient factors (modifiable and nonmodifiable) affect PROM implementation, with implications for clinical care, reimbursement models, and use of quality measure.