Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Research Articles

A Prospective Look at the Link Between Frailty and Shoulder Function in Asymptomatic Elderly Individuals

Introduction:The relationship between shoulder function and overall function in the elderly patients is not well understood. It is hypothesized that there is an increased tolerance of shoulder dysfunction in this population. The purpose of our study was to investigate and better understand the relationship between shoulder function, general musculoskeletal health, and frailty in the elderly patients.Materials and Methods:The dominant shoulders of 75 individuals aged ≥65 years without known dominant shoulder pathology were assessed. Demographic data were collected. Functional evaluation was conducted by administering the Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaires. Shoulder range of motion and strength were measured and the Fried frailty phenotype was calculated. Mean age of the patients was 73.6 years. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were female. Mean body mass index was 31.2 kg/m2.Results:Twenty-eight percent of the patients reported the use of an assistive device for ambulation. As frailty increased among the 3 Fried frailty phenotypes (robust, prefrail, and frail), patients had statistically significant lower mean Constant scores (P < .0001), ASES scores (P < .0001), higher overall SMFA scores (P < .0001), and an increase in the use of assistive device for ambulation. Individuals who reported the use of an assistive device for ambulation had lower Constant and ASES scores (P < .0001 and P = .045, respectively) and higher overall SMFA scores (P < .0001). There was no evidence of correlation between body mass index and any of the other measures.Conclusions:Frailty and the use of an assistive device for ambulation correlate with poor shoulder function in patients who do not register shoulder complaints and have no known shoulder pathology.Level of Evidence:Level IV, Prognostic.

Functional Outcomes of Compression Plating and Bone Grafting for Operative Treatment of Nonunions About the Forearm.

To describe one center's experience with nonunion of one or both bones of the forearm and report on the functional recovery of patients treated for a single- or 2-bone forearm nonunion. We performed a retrospective analysis of 23 patients who presented to our institution over an 11-year period and underwent surgical repair of a forearm nonunion (radius, ulna, or both bones). The main outcome measurements included time to union, visual analog scale pain scores, range of motion, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment scores, and postoperative complications. Of the 23 patients, 21 (91.3%) healed their nonunion after a single surgical procedure. All patients ultimately healed their nonunion; 7 patients were healed at 3-month follow-up, 11 healed at 6-month follow-up, and 5 healed at 12-month follow-up. Mean visual analog scale pain scores improved considerably from presentation to latest follow-up. The mean range of motion at the latest follow-up was as follows: elbow 130.9° flexion-extension arc, forearm 78.5° pronation/77.8° supination, and wrist 76.1° palmar flexion/74.3° dorsiflexion. Mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment arm and hand index scores improved significantly from baseline to the latest follow-up. Mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment function, activity, and bothersome indices demonstrated improvement, though this was not statistically significant. Two patients required further surgery to achieve osseous union. One patient sustained an iatrogenic posterior interosseous nerve palsy, which resolved spontaneously. Repair of forearm nonunion with compression plating and bone grafting provides reliable clinical and functional outcomes. Patients treated surgically for nonunion of one or both of the forearm bones can expect to heal with the potential for considerable improvements in pain and function postoperatively. Therapeutic IV.

Participation in Recreational Athletics After Operative Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures: Predictors and Functional Outcomes of Those Getting Back in the Game.

Background:Tibial plateau fractures can be devastating traumatic injuries to the knee, particularly in active athletes.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to report on the return to participation in recreational athletics after operatively managed tibial plateau fractures. In addition, this study assessed factors associated with the ability to return to participation in recreational athletics after tibial plateau fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation and compared final outcomes between patients who were able to return to recreational athletics and those who could not. The hypothesis was that returning to participation in recreational athletics would be dependent on the time from surgery after operative fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Less severe injuries would be associated with a quicker return to athletics.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:All tibial plateau fractures treated by 1 of 3 surgeons at a single academic institution over an 11-year period were prospectively followed. Final outcomes were evaluated using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment at latest follow-up. All complications were recorded at each follow-up. Differences between the groups were compared using Student t tests for continuous variables. Chi-square analysis was used to determine whether differences between categorical variables existed. Logistic regression was performed to assess independent variables associated with returning to participation in recreational athletics.Results:A total of 169 patients who underwent operative management of their tibial plateau fracture reported participation in recreational athletics before their injury. By the 6-month time point, 48 patients (31.6%) had returned to participation in recreational athletics, and at final follow-up (mean, 15 months), 89 patients (52.4%) had returned to participation in recreational athletics. Predictors of returning to recreational athletics included white race, female sex, social alcohol consumption, younger age, increased range of motion (ROM), low-energy Schatzker patterns (I-III), injuries not inclusive of orthopaedic polytrauma or open fractures, and no postoperative complications. White race, social alcohol consumption, and increased ROM were associated with returning to athletics at both 6-month and final follow-up. Lack of a venous thromboembolism was associated with returning to athletics at final follow-up. Patients who returned to recreational athletics had associations with better functional outcomes and emotional status than those who did not.Conclusion:The number of patients who returned to participation in recreational athletics gradually increased over time after operative fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Less severe injuries and a lack of postoperative complications were associated with a quicker return to athletics. Predictors of returning to participation in recreational athletics after operatively managed tibial plateau fractures can be used to target patients at risk of not returning to play to provide interventions aimed at improving their recovery, such as early knee range of motion, muscle strengthening, and participation in low-impact activities.

Effectiveness analysis of surgical treatment of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fractures

To introduce a surgical protocol based on the location and orientation of the apex of the medial condylar fracture line for the treatment of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fractures and report the preliminary effectiveness. The clinical data of 18 patients with Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation between March 2012 and April 2016 were retrospectively analysed. There were 6 males and 12 females, aged 36-74 years (mean, 45 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 2 cases, falling in 14 cases, bruise injury in 1 case, and crush injury of heavy object in 1 case. All cases were fresh closed fractures, without injury of nerves and blood vessels. According to sub type of Wahlquist tibial plateau type Ⅳ fracture classification, there were 1 case of type A, 5 cases of type B, and 12 cases of type C. The interval of injury and operation was 6-16 days (mean, 9.5 days). The location of the apex of the medial condylar fracture line was determined the surgical approach. After operation, reduction of tibial plateau fractures was evaluated by the DeCoster score evaluation criteria. The knee joint function was assessed by short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) score and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. The incisions all healed by first intension after operation without surgery related complications. All the patients obtained satisfactory exposure and reduction during operation. According to DeCoster score evaluation criteria, the results were excellent in 13 cases and fair in 5 cases. All the patients were followed up 12-30 months (mean, 18 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed at 10-16 weeks (mean, 12 weeks) after operation. There was no plate displacement, screw loosening, and other complications occurred during follow-up. At last follow-up, the SMFA score was 15-48 (mean, 28.5). The HSS score was 52-94 (mean, 81.1), and the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%; the main clinical manifestation was severe traumatic osteoarthritis symptom in 1 case with the fair result. The surgical program should be developed based on the location and orientation of the apex of the medial condylar fracture line. Open reduction and internal fixation for treating Schatzker type Ⅳ fractures can achieve satisfactory effectiveness.

Total hip arthroplasty for arthritis following acetabular fractures—evaluation of radiological, functional and quality of life parameters

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) has been termed as ‘operation of the century’ as it provides a stable and mobile hip to patients who are debilitated by pathologies affecting the hip. Acetabular fractures pose a challenge for their initial management as well for the management of secondary osteoarthritis which is often the outcome of these fractures. The study attempts to evaluate the short term radiological, functional and quality of life outcomes of THA done in patients with prior acetabular fractures and to find a correlation between various factors. Materials and methods47 patients who provided consent for this retrospective study were clinically and radiologically evaluated at their latest follow up. Ratios of horizontal offset, vertical offset, body lever arm and cup inclination were calculated with respect to the opposite normal hip on a radiograph. Questionnaires were filled up for Harris Hip Score (HHS), Short form -12, Short Musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) and WHO-quality of life (WHO-QoL). ResultsHHS and quality of life scores had a tendency to improve over time. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was noted between scores of patients having less than 2 years follow up and more than 4 years follow-up. The HHS, radiological and quality of life parameters were not statistically significantly different when analysed based on acetabular fracture pattern, their primary management and aetiology necessitating the THA. ConclusionThe short term radiological, functional and quality of life parameters are dependent on the accuracy of the THA performed and are not significantly affected by the fracture type, initial management and outcomes of that management. However, longer follow up is necessary to evaluate these parameters even more accurately.

Prospective Evaluation of Structural Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Shoulder.

Structural or bulk osteochondral allograft transplantation for shoulder talar osteochondral lesions as a salvage procedure has demonstrated efficacy in several retrospective reviews. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively patients who received fresh structural allograft transplantation to the talus. Prospective evaluation of a consecutive series of patients who underwent fresh structural allograft transplantation for an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) was performed. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) and plain radiographs were obtained on all patients. The following patient-reported outcomes questionnaires were administered preoperatively and yearly after surgery: 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) pain scale, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, Short Form 36 (SF-36), and the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA). Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed for allograft incorporation and subsequent arthritis. Fourteen patients with an average age of 40 years (range, 18-69) and a mean follow-up of 55 months (range, 24-97) underwent structural fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation to the talar shoulder. The average size of the OLT was 2269 mm3 (range, 813-8366) based on CT imaging and 5797 mm3 (range, 1136-12 489) based on MRI imaging. There was significant ( P < .05) improvement in the VAS pain, AOFAS scale, SF-36, and SMFA scores. Five (36%) of the patients required additional surgery for pain and stiffness. Two patients had cartilage delamination and were considered treatment failures. Therefore, the success rate was 86% (12/14). Significant improvement in pain and function was achieved with structural allograft transplantation for large OLTs at midterm follow-up. This was a safe and effective treatment option in this small series for large OLTs. Level IV, prospective case series.

Trajectory of Short- and Long-Term Recovery of Tibial Shaft Fractures After Intramedullary Nail Fixation.

To determine the trajectory of recovery after tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nail over the first 5 years and to evaluate the magnitude of the changes in functional outcome at various time intervals. Prospective cohort study. A Level 1 trauma center. One hundred thirty-two patients with tibial shaft fracture (OTA 42-A, B, C) were enrolled into the Center's prospective orthopaedic trauma database between January 2005 and February 2010. Functional outcome data were collected at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years. Enrolled patients were treated acutely with intramedullary nailing of their tibia. Evaluation was performed using the Short Form-36 and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Mean SF-36 physical component scores improved between 6 and 12 months (P = 0.0008) and between 1 and 5 years (P = 0.0029). Similarly, mean SMFA dysfunction index scores improved between 6 and 12 months (P = 0.0254) and between 1 and 5 years (P = 0.0106). In both scores, the rate or slope of this improvement is flatter between 1 and 5 years than it is between 6 and 12 months. Furthermore, SF-36 and SMFA scores did not reach baseline at 5 years (SF-36 P < 0.0001, SMFA P = 0.0026). A significant proportion of patients were still achieving a minimal clinically important difference in function between 1 and 5 years (SF-36 = 54%, SMFA = 44%). The trajectory of functional recovery after tibial shaft fracture is characterized by an initial decline in function, followed by improvement between 6 and 12 months. There is still further improvement beyond 1 year, but this is of flatter trajectory. The 5-year results indicate that function does not improve to baseline by 5 years after injury. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategy for Chronic Low Back Pain in a Patient with Bilateral Transfemoral Amputations Integrating Changes in Prosthetic Socket Design

ABSTRACT Introduction Wounded service members with amputations undergo a complex rehabilitation regimen that can often become complicated by skin breakdown, heterotopic ossification (HO), and pain of the residual limb, contralateral limb, or low back. These complications can impact prosthetic socket fit, decreasing one's functional independence, and potentially negatively impact quality of life. The purpose of this report is to present a case involving the treatment of HO along with prosthetic socket modifications, with the intention to address low back pain (LBP), in a patient with bilateral transfemoral amputations. Materials and Methods The patient experienced traumatic bilateral amputations as a result of an improvised explosive device blast. He was initially fit with ischial containment sockets to provide stability and enhance early mobility. He became a community ambulator but was experiencing LBP and issues with HO. After extensive HO resection, a multidisciplinary discussion took place to determine the best way to diminish LBP by improving spinopelvic alignment while restoring function. It was decided to refit the patient with subischial containment sockets. Subjective questionnaires and three-dimensional gait analysis were used to quantify results. Results After HO resection and prosthetic socket modifications, the patient's complaints of LBP decreased, along with subjective improvements in the Oswestry Disability Index and Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment. During upright standing, anterior pelvic tilt decreased from 27.6° to 18.1°. During walking, excursion of the trunk relative to the pelvis decreased in all planes after changing prosthetic socket design to subischial and completing 6 months of rehabilitation: from 24.0° to 17.6° in the frontal plane, 12.4° to 7.8° in the sagittal plane, and 23.1° to 19.1° in the transverse plane. Conclusions A multidisciplinary team approach to the care of patients with bilateral transfemoral amputations can help to improve functional outcomes. For this patient with nonradicular, mechanical LBP, a subischial prosthetic socket design that minimized intrusion on the pelvis had a significant influence on static and dynamic sagittal spinopelvic alignment and overall outcomes. In the end, contributions by orthopedic and plastic surgeons, pain management strategies by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, rehabilitation by a physical therapist, and prosthetic modifications all played a role in reduction of this patient's LBP. Among the numerous interventions provided to this patient, including surgical revisions, prosthetic socket design, prosthetic alignment, and physical therapy, it is hypothesized that the change in prosthetic socket design from ischial containment to subischial had a significant, long-lasting impact on LBP and function.

Midterm Outcomes of a Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Arthroplasty With Deformity Analysis.

We present our results with an INBONE I (Wright Medical, Memphis, TN) prosthesis that have a minimum of 4 to 10 years of follow-up and include a preoperative deformity analysis on outcomes. A consecutive series of 149 patients, from 2007 to 2011, at a single institution were enrolled. Pain and patient-reported function were assessed preoperatively and at yearly follow-ups. We analyzed the data for complications, reoperations, and failures (defined as undergoing revision for exchange or removal of one or both metallic components for any reason). Patients were also grouped according to coronal plane tibiotalar alignment; either ≥10 degrees or <10 degrees, and these outcomes were compared. Our follow-up ranged from 48 to 113 months (average 5.9 years). There was significant improvement ( P < .05) in the visual analog scale for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scale, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, and Short Form 36-Item Health Survey scores at most recent follow-up. There were 14 implant failures with overall survivorship of 90.6% (135/149). Reasons for failure included cysts/loosening (7), talar subsidence (4), fractured component (1), impingement pain (1), and infection (1). Seventy-two patients (48.3%) with preoperative coronal plane deformity of ≥10 degrees varus or valgus were compared to 78 patients (51.7%) with <10 degrees deformity. There was no difference in patient outcome scores or revision rates between these patient groups. There was a statistically significant difference ( P = .039) in reoperation rates among patients with ≥10 degrees deformity (22.2%) compared to those without such a deformity (37.7%) Conclusion: Patients who underwent INBONE I fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty demonstrated significant improvement in outcomes at a mean of 5.9 years. Catastrophic talar component collapse did occur (2.7% of cases), but relatively rarely. The patients with preoperative coronal plane tibiotalar deformity had similar pain relief, function, and need for revision of implant components. Despite the presumed shortcomings of the INBONE I's design, this implant showed promising results, with or without deformity, at midterm follow-up with survivorship of 90.6%. Level III, comparative study.

Postoperative Computed Tomography Evaluation of Posterior Tibial Plateau Fractures: Mean 7-Year Clinical Follow-Up.

The aim is to assess the association between computed tomography (CT) findings and clinical outcomes in posterior tibial plateau fractures (TPF). This is a retrospective analysis of the records of 23 patients with posterior TPF treated at our institution between 2004 and 2011. Two indices of residual articular displacement of posterior TPF (gap and step-off) were measured from CT images, and clinical outcomes were assessed using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis was used to evaluate the correlations between the postoperative posterior TPF radiological findings and the clinical outcomes. Both the intraobserver and the interobserver correlation coefficients were high (0.90 and 0.92, respectively), indicating excellent agreement between the reviewers for the assessment of residual displacement via CT scans. Additionally, residual articular step displacement showed a strongly negative correlation with clinical outcomes (R = 0.700, p = 0.036), whereas the residual gap displacement did not (R = 0.400, p = 0.505). More importantly, the medial posterior step displacement was significantly correlated with the clinical outcomes (p = 0.040), whereas the lateral posterior step displacement was not (p = 0.618). Based on the data of this study, the higher the step-off deformity of the medial posterior tibial plateau, the worse the SMFA. More attention should be paid to this factor when treating medial posterior TPF.

Comparison of treatment outcomes of Arthrodesis and Two Generations of Ankle Replacement Implants

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis, Arthroscopy, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: We tested clinical equipoise in ankle arthrodesis and ankle arthroplasty during a time of transition from older to newer generation implants using a prospective cohort. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study comparing outcomes in 273 consecutive patients treated for ankle arthritis by arthrodesis or ankle arthroplasty between 2005 and 2011. Adult Patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, who were ambulatory and willing and able to respond to surveys were included. Patients were excluded from the study if they had another significant lower limb problem that might affect ambulation. At baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months follow up visit, participants completed a pain and satisfaction survey, a Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA), and a Short Form-36 (SF-36) survey. Surgery was performed by surgeons trained in both foot and ankle reconstruction and hip and knee arthroplasty. The participants were primarily enrolled from a tertiary teaching hospital but also at three sites in different states that included both teaching hospitals and private practice settings. Results: Linear mixed effects regression adjusted for baseline differences (age, BMI, and surgery type.) There were no significant baseline differences in MFA or SF-36 by surgery type. There was significant mean improvement after surgery regardless of procedure (p&lt;0.001). The greatest improvement occurred at 6 month follow-up; Mean ± SE, (%) improvement was 12.6±0.7, (32%) for MFA, 22.0±1.4, (58%) for Physical Function (PF); 32.4±1.6, (96%) for Bodily Pain (BP), 4.0±0.2, (60%) for pain score. Average improvement was significantly better with arthroplasty in MFA (3.6 ± 1.6, p=0.023) and in PF (7.5 ± 2.9, p=0.0098). The difference between arthrodesis and arthroplasty was greater for patients receiving the newer Salto Talaris implant; average improvement for MFA (3.9±1.4, p=0.031), PF (8.8±3.3, p=0.0074), BP (7.3±3.6, p=0.045), and pain score (0.8±0.4, p=0.038). Conclusion: Conclusions Both ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis are highly effective treatments for ESAA. When treated by surgeons with expertise in both foot reconstruction and hip and knee arthroplasty, patients reported improved comfort and function with both treatments. Average improvement was significantly better in those with arthroplasty in MFA and in SF-36 PF scale (7.5 ± 2.9, p=0.0098). That difference was greater when earlier generation implants were removed from the analysis. Younger patients had greater functional improvements than older patients. Patients with low BMI had better improvement that those with high BMI.

Quantifying musculoskeletal motion using dynamic MRI techniques: A systematic review of validity and perspectives for musculoskeletal disorder evaluation

This systematic review reports the evidence of validity and reliability of dynamic MRI (dMRI) techniques in quantifying in vivo skeletal joint movement (kinematics) or muscle tracking and to propose recommendations of use for the assessment of normal and impaired musculoskeletal function. A systematic search was conducted on six bibliographic databases (Web of science, PubMed, Scopus, Academic search Premier, Pascal, and Cochrane Library) for articles published between 1990 and January 2017. Prospective studies that reported the concurrent validity and/or reliability of determining in vivo skeletal joint or muscle motion using dMRI techniques were included after assessment by two independent reviewers for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected articles were assessed using an adapted quality assessment tool and a data extraction process. Concurrent validity and reliability measurement results were categorized as poor, moderate, or excellent for this review. Bibliographic search identified 20 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean quality assessment score for all the selected articles was 66% (±10.4). Concurrent validity and/or reliability of eight dMRI techniques evaluating the musculoskeletal motion were reported. Selected studies spanned various joints and muscles with knee joint being the most evaluated joint (seven studies), followed by ankle and temporomandibular joint (two studies each). Moderate to excellent concurrent validity and reliability were reported for most of the dMRI techniques. Based on the current level of metrological evidence Cine Phase-Contrast and Real-time MRI techniques stand out for determining skeletal joint motion whereas Spin tag MRI technique stands out for determining muscle motion. dMRI techniques can be effectively applied to understand in vivo skeletal joint and muscle movement mechanics for both healthy and pathological populations. However, caution must be exercised as the evidence of validity and reliability of using these techniques in all the skeletal joints and muscles have not been systematically evaluated. Furthermore, clinical utility of the techniques in impaired population is not addressed yet in terms of concurrent validity and reliability measures setting up a good research direction for future studies. Examples of the best available techniques and outcomes for rehabilitation application will be provided during the presentation.

The Value of Motion

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: The onus has been placed on surgeons to prove the value of procedures to patients, payers, policymakers and other key stakeholders. Demonstration of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) constitutes an integral component of success within the context of value-based healthcare. The proposed benefit of total ankle replacement (TAR) over ankle fusion is preserved ankle motion, thus we hypothesized that an increase in range of motion (ROM) is positively correlated with validated PROMs in individuals receiving TAR. Methods: Patients undergoing TAR at a single academic medical center between 2007-2013 were evaluated in this study. In addition to a minimum of two-year follow-up, complete preoperative and postoperative outcome measures for the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) Bother and Function Indices, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were requisite for inclusion. Standardized weightbearing maximum dorsiflexion and plantarflexion sagittal radiographs were obtained and previously described ankle and foot measurements were performed to determine ankle ROM. Results: Eighty-eight patients met inclusion criteria (33 INBONE, 18 Salto-Talaris, 37 STAR). Mean time to final ROM radiographs was 43.8 months (range: 24-89 months). All aforementioned PROMs improved between preoperative evaluation and most recent follow-up (p&lt;0.01). Final ankle ROM was significantly correlated with postoperative FADI, SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS), SMFA Bother and Function Indices, and VAS. Additionally, dorsiflexion was positively associated with FADI, SF-36 MCS and SMFA Function (p&lt;0.05) but plantarflexion had no such influence on outcomes. No differences were identified with subset stratification by prosthesis type, fixed versus mobile-bearing design or etiology. Conclusion: In this TAR cohort with prospectively collected outcomes data, radiographic sagittal plane ankle motion was positively correlated with multiple PROMs. Disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life PROMs demonstrated improvement postoperatively in all domains. TAR is a viable option for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis and increased ROM is associated with improved patient-centric metrics.

Functional Impairment of Patients Undergoing Surgical Correction for Charcot Foot

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Investigations using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Healthy Survey (SF-36) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Diabetic Foot Questionnaire (AOFAS-DFQ) have demonstrated a poor quality of life in patients with Charcot Foot arthropathy. The Short Musculoskelatal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire has been widely used in patients with a broad range of musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing surgical correction for diabetes-related Charcot Foot Arthropathy of the midfoot completed the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) prior to undergoing surgery. There were 16 males and 9 females. The average BMI was 37.35 (range 25.83-50.22), and the average Hemoglobin A1C was 7.54 (range 5.3-10.1) prior to surgery. Results: All twenty-five patients exhibited significant impairment in all six domains of the SMFA (p&lt;0.0001) as compared to the normative data. There was a high correlation between each of the six domains of the SMFA, even after correcting for BMI. Conclusion: Charcot foot severely impairs quality of life in impacted patients beyond the impact of morbid obesity. This impairment equally impacts all of the functional and emotional domains measured with the SMFA as compared with population norms. This investigation provides an excellent benchmark for measuring the impact of surgical correction. In addition, the SMFA appears to be a valid tool for evaluating this complex patient population.

Does Hardware Removal Improve Function Following Ankle Open Reduction and Internal Fixation?

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Orthopaedic hardware removal (HWR) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures performed, with rates reported between 5% and 16%. Despite the high rates of HWR, there is still no consensus or guideline for removal after osseous healing without infection. Outcome studies for HWR are scarce, particularly in the lower extremity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of removal of symptomatic ankle hardware using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) dysfunction index as the primary outcome. We hypothesize that HWR after ankle fracture will result in improved functional outcomes. Methods: Utilizing a prospectively collected ankle fracture registry, all patients that underwent HWR between 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were skeletal maturity, closed intra-articular ankle fracture, symptomatic ankle hardware and completion of the SMFA questionnaire prior to and 5-months after hardware removal. Exclusion criteria were development of a nonunion, infection or complex regional pain syndrome from initial surgery. The primary outcome was change in SMFA score from baseline. Paired t-test was used to compare baseline and follow-up SMFA scores. A multiple linear regression model evaluated the effects of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, number of comorbidities, and Lauge-Hansen fracture classification on outcomes. Results: The study included 43 patients (31 females, 12 males), mean age 49.9 (range, 19 to 83). Mean time from initial surgery to HWR was 37±46 months (range, 2.2 to 209). Follow-up SMFA questionnaires were completed 5.7±0.5 months (range, 5.1 to 7.4) after HWR. The fractures were classified as 23 (53%) supination-external rotation, 6 (14%) pronation-external rotation, 2 (4.7%) pronation-abduction and 1 (2.3%) supination-adduction. Eleven fractures (26%) were classified as pilons. The SMFA dysfunction index improved significantly from baseline to follow-up (3.71±7.4, p=0.002). Significant improvement was seen in the secondary outcomes of SMFA bother index (4.40±8.9, p=0.003) and SMFA daily activities domain (4.12±9.1, p=0.006). Regression analysis revealed a significant improvement in the bother index correlating with female gender (p=0.01) and decreasing number of comorbidities (p=0.03). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that patients with ankle fractures have a significant improvement in function following the removal of symptomatic ankle hardware. Patients also showed a significant improvement in the bother index and daily activities domain of the SMFA. Further investigation into the specific indications for HWR and the impact of injury and fracture pattern on outcomes is warranted.

Long Term Outcomes Following Syme’s Amputation

Category: Ankle, Diabetes, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The metabolic cost of walking following Syme’s ankle disarticulation amputation is minimally more than similar non-amputees. The ability to end-bear makes prosthetic fitting relatively simple, and very few patients require extensive rehabilitation or placement in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility. In spite of these potential benefits, there is a paucity of objective information on the actual long term outcomes. Methods: Fifty-one patients were identified who underwent single stage Syme’s ankle disarticulation amputation with excision of the lateral and medial malleoli by a single surgeon during a twenty three year period. None of these patients had sufficient tissue to allow amputation at the transmetatarsal or tarsal-metatarsal levels. Thirty-three underwent amputation due to diabetic forefoot infection, eleven secondary to crush injury, three for non-diabetic infection, three for non-correctable acquired deformity and one for neoplasm. The average age at surgery for the di-abetic patients was 62.1 (range 36-81) years, with a follow-up of 6.8 (4-11.6) years. The nondi-abetic patients averaged 37.8 (range 21-65) years, with a follow-up of 9.3 (range 2.2-25.0) years. Patients who were alive and could be contacted were invited to complete a Short Musculoskele-tal Functional Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire that was scored for functional, mobility and bothersome indices. Results: Seventeen of the 33 diabetics died. Four (12.1%) were converted to the transtibial amputation level. One of the non-diabetics had died and one (5.5%) was converted to the transtibial amputation level. Eleven of the thirty-three patients who were con-tacted completed the SMFA. All of these patients demonstrated favorable outcome scores in the mobility, functional and bothersome indices (non-diabetic mean mobility score of 17.2, function-al index of 14.7 and bothersome of index of 16.7 compared to 34.7, 29.9 and 30.6 in the diabetic patients, respectively). Conclusion: The objective information derived from this investigation supports the opinion that patients with Syme’s ankle disarticulation amputation appear to fare better than sim-ilar patients with transtibial amputation. This data also refutes the notion of high complication rates and difficulties with prosthetic fitting. These patients require less rehabilitation and achieve improved levels of functional independence as demonstrated by favorable functional, mobility, and bothersome indices.

Mid-term (5-10 year) Results of the Salto Talaris Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: The Salto Talaris total ankle replacement is a modern fixed-bearing implant used to treat symptomatic ankle arthritis with the goals of providing pain relief, restoring mechanical alignment, and allowing motion of the ankle joint. This prosthesis has been used in the United States increasingly over the last 10 years, primarily for older patients with end-stage ankle arthritis but indications are expanding to younger and more active patients. The goal of this study is to report the midterm clinical results of one of the largest cohort of patients in the United States who underwent ankle replacement with this prosthesis. Methods: This is a review of patients with a minimum of 5-year up to 10-year follow-up who were prospectively registered within our institutional database prior to proceeding with total ankle arthroplasty using the Salto Talaris prosthesis. Follow-up examinations were scheduled annually after the one-year postoperative mark to evaluate patients both clinically and radiographically. At each annual assessment, patients rated their current level of pain using the visual analog score (VAS) and reported their functional level using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health survey. These scores were analyzed to assess differences between their levels preoperatively, one year postoperatively and at their most recent follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed for component loosening. Criteria for failure was defined as undergoing revision requiring exchange or removal of the metallic components for any reason. Results: We identified 106 patients who had a Salto Talaris total ankle replacement between March 2007 and February 2012. Of these, 72 patients (mean age, 61.9 years) met the requirement for a minimum follow-up of 5 years (range 60 to 115 months, mean 81.1 months). Average outcome in the VAS was 7.1 at one year post-op and 11.7 at last follow-up (preop: 70.0). Significant improvements were seen in the SMFA, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, and the SF-36 from preoperatively to their final follow-up. Survivorship was 97.2% with two patients undergoing revision arthroplasty for aseptic loosening and a third patient scheduled for revision for a chronic wound infection. 14 patients (19%) with midterm follow-up required a total of 17 additional surgical procedures on the ipsilateral ankle or hindfoot. Conclusion: Patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the Salto Talaris prosthesis have continued to show significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. This has shown to be an effective treatment option with durable results for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis.

Mid-Term (4-10 year) Outcomes of INBONE I Total Ankle Arthroplasty with Deformity Analysis

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Concerns for limited coronal plane stability prompted the manufacturer and designers of the INBONE total ankle arthroplasty system to replace the original saddle-shaped talar component (INBONE I) with a sulcus-shaped talar component (INBONE II). Prior to the availability of the INBONE II talar component, numerous INBONE I total ankle replacements were performed. To our knowledge mid-term outcomes of INBONE I total ankle arthroplasty have not been reported. This study compares the mid-term outcomes of patients with and without preoperative coronal plane deformity who underwent total ankle replacement with the INBONE I prosthesis. In our opinion, the longer-term outcomes of the INBONE I prosthesis are important for patient and surgeon education. Methods: A consecutive series of patients, from May, 2007 to September, 2011, at a single institution who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the INBONE I Total Ankle Arthroplasty (Wright Medical) were prospectively enrolled. Pain and patient- reported function were assessed preoperatively and at yearly follow-ups with use of a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot &amp; Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle- hindfoot score, the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. We analyzed the data for complications, reoperations, and failures (defined as undergoing revision for exchange or removal of the metallic components for any reason). Patients were grouped according to coronal plane tibiotalar alignment (preoperative coronal plane malalignment of &gt;10 degrees and &lt;10 degrees deformity) and outcomes compared. Results: One-hundred fifty-five INBONE I prostheses were implanted in 151 patients, with minimum 4 year clinical and radiographic follow-up. Follow-up ranged from 48-113 months with an average of 67 months. There was significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in the VAS, AOFAS, SMFA, and SF-36 scores at most recent follow-up. Forty-five patients (29%) had 49 additional surgeries for impingement, loosening/subsidence, malalignment, ligament instability, polyethylene exchange, and/or infection. There were 14 implant failures with overall survivorship of 90.3%. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between patients with coronal plane deformity &gt;10 degrees (47.7%) and &lt;10 degrees (52.3%). Patients with &gt;10 degrees had fewer reoperations (19 vs. 30) and fewer revisions (5 vs. 9) when compared to patients with &lt;10 degrees deformity. Conclusion: Patients who underwent INBONE I total ankle arthroplasty demonstrated significant improvement in pain and patient-reported outcomes at a mean of 5.7 years post-operatively. The patients with preoperative coronal plane tibiotalar deformity had similar pain relief, function, and need for additional surgeries and revisions. Despite the presumed shortcomings of the INBONE I’s saddle-shaped talar design, this operation shows promising results, with or without deformity, at mid-term follow- up with survivorship of 90.3%.

Racial disparities in outcomes of operatively treated lower extremity fractures.

Whether racial differences are associated with function in the long term following surgical repair of lower extremity fractures has not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to compare how race affects function at 3, 6 and 12months post-surgery following certain lower extremity fractures. Four hundred and eighteen patients treated operatively for a lower extremity fracture (199 tibial plateau, 39 tibial shaft, and 180 rotational ankle fractures) were prospectively followed for 1year. Race was stratified into four groups: Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic origin, and other. Long-term outcomes were evaluated using the short musculoskeletal function assessment (SMFA) and pain scores were assessed at 3, 6months and 1year. There were 223 (53.3%) Caucasians, 72 (17.2%) African-Americans, 53 (12.4%) Hispanics, and 71 (17.0%) patients from other ethnic groups, included in our study population. Minority patients (African-American, Hispanics, etc.) were more likely to be involved in high velocity mechanisms of injury and tended to have a greater percentage of open fractures. Although there were no differences in the rate of wound complications or reoperations, long-term functional outcomes were worse in minority patients as assessed by pain scores at 6months and functional outcome scores at 3, 6 and 12months. Multivariate analysis revealed that only African-American and Hispanic race continued to be independent predictors of worse functional outcomes at 12months. Racial minorities and those on medicaid had poorer long-term function following fractures of the lower extremity. While minority patients were involved in more high velocity accidents, this was not an independent predictor of worse outcomes. These disparities may result from multifactorial socioeconomic factors, including socioeconomic status and education levels that were not controlled in our study. Prognostic Level III.

Complications and unplanned outcomes following operative treatment of tibial plateau fractures

IntroductionThe operative management of tibial plateau fractures is challenging and post-operative complications do occur. The purpose of this study was three-fold. 1). To report complications and unplanned outcomes in patients who had sustained tibial plateau fractures and were operatively managed 2). To report predictors of these post-operative events 3). To report if differences in clinical outcomes exist in patients who sustained a post-operative event. MethodsOver 11 years, all tibial plateau fractures were prospectively followed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the validated Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) score. Demographics, initial injury characteristics, surgical details and post-operative events were prospectively recorded. Student’s t-tests were used for continuous variables and chi-squared analysis was used for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were conducted for independent predictors of post-operative events and complications and functional outcomes, respectively. Results275 patients with 279 tibial plateau fractures were included in our analysis. Ten patients (3.6%) sustained a deep infection. Six patients (2.2%) developed a superficial infection. One patient (0.4%) presented with early implant failure. Two patients (0.7%) developed a fracture nonunion. Eight patients (2.9%) developed a venous thromboembolism. Seventeen patients (6.2%) went on to re-operation for symptomatic implant removal. Nine patients (3.3%) underwent a lysis of adhesions procedure. Univariate analysis demonstrated bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (P<0.001), Moore fracture-dislocations (P=0.005), open fractures (P=0.022), and compartment syndrome (P=0.001) to be associated with post-operative complications and unplanned outcomes. Long-term functional outcomes were worse among patients who developed a post-operative complication or unplanned outcome (P=0.031). ConclusionOrthopaedic trauma surgeons should be aware of complications and unplanned outcomes following operatively managed tibial plateau fractures, along with having the knowledge of factors that are associated with development of post-operative events.