Abnormal foot pressure in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive disease affecting the biomechanics of the knee and other parts of the lower extremities, such as the ankle and foot. Little is known about the pathophysiology of plantar pressure in patients with KOA, which could lead to foot disability. This review aimed to provide more in-depth information regarding the pathophysiology of plantar pressure patterns and their related parameters in older adults with KOA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the PubMed database was searched with the keywords "foot pressure and knee osteoarthritis" and "center of pressure and knee osteoarthritis". The eligible articles were evaluated based on five characteristics: KOA stages, sample size, country, study tool, and findings. The primary outcomes were plantar pressure and center of pressure (COP) in each area. Other outcomes were also evaluated, such as knee flexion angle, knee abductor moment, and clinical scores.

RESULTS

Nine full-text articles were eligible for review, including 495 participants (256 patients with KOA and 239 healthy individuals). The mean age of patients with KOA was 60.2-77 years. Patients with KOA had a higher tendency for pronounced plantar pressure on the medial forefoot, mid-foot, or the foot's central area. The COP patterns were shorter and more lateralized in patients with KOA, reflecting the functional ability, pain, and well-being of patients with KOA.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities in plantar pressure and COP were observed in older adults with KOA. This information could be a basis for designing biomedical devices, orthoses, and other realignment osteotomies of the lower extremities that could relieve symptoms at the knee or foot, or reduce KOA progression.

APKASS Consensus Statement on Chronic Syndesmosis Injury, Part 2: Indications for Surgical Treatment, Arthroscopic or Open Debridement, and Reconstruction Techniques of Suture Button and Screw Fixation

Background:

The indications for surgical treatment of chronic syndesmosis injury are challenging for many orthopaedic clinicians, as there is no international consensus on the optimal management of these injuries.

Purpose:

An international group of experts representing the field of sports injuries in the foot and ankle area was invited to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence regarding chronic syndesmosis injury. All were members of the Asia-Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society (APKASS).

Study Design:

Consensus statement.

Methods:

From November to December 2020, a total of 111 international experts on sports medicine or ankle surgery participated in a 2-stage Delphi process that included an anonymous online survey and an online meeting. A total of 13 items with 38 statements were drafted by 13 core authors. Of these, 9 items with 17 clinical questions and statements were related to indications for surgical treatment, arthroscopic versus open debridement, and suture button versus screw fixation reconstruction techniques and are presented here. Each statement was individually presented and discussed, followed by a general vote. The strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; and unanimous, 100%.

Results:

Of the 17 questions and statements, 4 achieved unanimous support, 11 reached strong consensus, and 2 reached consensus.

Conclusion:

This APKASS consensus statement, developed by international experts in the field, will assist surgeons and physical therapists with surgical indications and techniques for chronic syndesmosis injury.

Ankle synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus: a novel cell harvesting technique and clinical applications

OBJECTIVE

To describe a novel technique for harvesting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from ankle synovium and demonstrate their multipotency for chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in the treatment of a large osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MSCs were harvested under local anesthesia from a biopsy of the ankle synovium of a patient with OLT and cultured for 4 weeks. In accordance with the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) criteria, synovial-derived MSCs were analyzed for cell surface markers using flow cytometry and grown in differentiation induction medium to demonstrate multilineage differentiation potentials in vitro. The patient received an injection of synovial-derived MSCs in a collagen matrix with a fibrin sealant to augment surgery for the lesion.

RESULTS

Harvesting of ankle synovium yielded a culture of 30 million spindle-shaped stem cells in 4 weeks. Cell surface marker expression of the MSCs met the ISCT standards. After 21 days, cultured cells could be differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. The patient recovered uneventfully from surgery and showed satisfactory improvements in pain and ankle motion.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle synovium is a potential source of MSCs for the treatment of OLT. We developed a novel harvesting technique that was simple, convenient and had no complications.

Total talar prosthesis with and without ankle ligament reconstruction using the three-dimensional computer-aided design and computer numerical control manufacturing techniques

Severe damage and bone loss of the talus are problematic issues because of its unique shape, function, and characteristics. This present study’s objective is to propose the process of customized total talar prosthesis manufacturing, using three-dimensional (3D) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) production along with evaluation of the results of total talar prosthesis replacement with or without ankle ligament reconstruction in patients with severe conditions of talus. The case series included five patients (mean age: 27.6 years) with severe talar loss or damage. The mean follow-up time was 17.8±8.4 months. Related complications were: i) mild subsidence in 1 patient (20%) and ii) periprosthetic fracture in another patient (20%). The mean clinical scores including VAS-FA and SF-36 were improved following surgeries. Customized total talar prosthesis appears to provide satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of severe talar loss or damage at a short-term follow-up.

Minimally invasive surgery versus an arthroscopic procedure for the first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis: A comparative study of the effectiveness and safety profile

INTRODUCTION

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis is a common procedure for treating degeneration in the MTP joint. Open arthrodesis is a conventional procedure that provides acceptable results but is more invasive than minimally invasive or arthroscopic arthrodesis. However, little is known about the different outcomes between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and arthroscopic surgery (AS) for MTP arthrodesis. This study was performed to compare the outcomes of the first MTP joint preparation for arthrodesis regarding the effectiveness of articular surface preparation and safety between MIS and the arthroscopic procedure in cadaveric specimens.

METHODS

Sixteen cadaveric feet were collected in this study from eight cadavers. The potential exclusion criteria were significantly decomposed or deformed joint. All feet were randomly allocated into two groups, eight feet for the MIS (under fluoroscopic control) group and eight feet for the arthroscopic group. One foot in the AS group was excluded because the position of an arthroscopic portal was incorrect. All feet were operated on by four fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who also had prior clinical experience with the arthroscopic and minimal invasive procedure. Following a complete procedure in each specimen, all feet were dissected and the areas of joint preparation on the metatarsal and phalangeal sides were recorded via photography and the ImageJ program. Injury to the adjacent structure was noted in each specimen. All data were analyzed via the IBM SPSS program version 22 and GraphPad to compare the outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS

The average age of the cadavers was 68.6 ± 12.3 years. The average areas of joint preparation on the metatarsal and phalangeal sides were 136.97 and 99.08 mm², respectively. The average areas of joint preparation on the metatarsal sides were 154.26 and 117.21 mm² in the MIS and arthroscopic groups, respectively (p value = 0.353). The average areas of joint preparation on the phalangeal sides were 82.46 and 118.08 mm² in the MIS and arthroscopic groups, respectively (p value = 0.151). Regarding the ratio of prepared area/mean estimated fusion contact area, there was no significant difference of a ratio on metatarsal side with p value as 0.285. However, a higher level of ratio on phalangeal side was found in the arthroscopic group with p value as 0.085. For the safety profiles, the rate of adjacent injury was insignificantly higher in the MIS group (37.5%) than the arthroscopic group (0%) (p value = 0.20). All injuries were found at the extensor hallucis longus tendon.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences of the effectiveness of articular surface preparation between the MIS and arthroscopic groups. However, the arthroscopic procedure seemed to provide higher rate of prepared surface area on phalangeal side and be safer to the adjacent structures than MIS for this arthrodesis.

Morphometric geometric differences between right and left human tali: A cadaveric study of fluctuating asymmetry via systematic measurement and three-dimensional scanning

Background

Little is known about differences in the size and morphology of the right and left human tali. The present study demonstrates differences between right and left talar morphometric geometric profiles as fluctuating asymmetry in matched pairs of cadaveric specimens.

Methods

In total, 24 tali were collected in this study. All eligible tali were systematically measured with a Vernier caliper and three-dimensional laser scanner, which provided data for further analysis regarding the talar morphometric geometric profiles. Data were calculated to demonstrate differences between the right and left talar profiles using a matched-pair method, including the general size of the talus.

Results

The average talar length was 53.5 mm, the average talar dome height was 31.2 mm, and the average talar body width was 41.3 mm. The average anterior trochlear width, middle trochlear width, posterior trochlear width, and trochlear length were 31.8, 31.2, 28.3, and 30.7 mm, respectively. Eleven matched pairs of intact tali were eligible for the matched-pair study. Paired t-tests showed significant differences in the talar dome height (P = 0.019), middle trochlear width (P = 0.027), and posterior trochlear width (P = 0.016) between the right and left tali. However, there were no significant differences in the surface area or volume between the right and left tali.

Conclusion

Significant differences in the morphometric profile were found between the right and left matched pairs of tali. This basic information indicates that the profile of the contralateral talus may not be used as a single reference to reconstruct or duplicate the talus of interest in certain conditions such as talar prosthesis implantation or customized total ankle replacement.

Peroneal Tendoscopic Debridement and Endoscopic Groove Deepening in the Prone Position

Tendoscopy of the peroneal tendon is a promising procedure for the treatment of peroneal tendon pathology and its disorders. This procedure is minimally invasive with less physical morbidity and early functional rehabilitation. The present report demonstrates the techniques of peroneal tendoscopic debridement and endoscopic groove deepening in the prone position to treat peroneal tenosynovitis and low-lying muscle belly of peroneus brevis with a shallow and flat surface of the retro-malleolar groove. The prone position provided better ergonomics during this procedure compared with the supine position.

Treatment of Malunited Calcaneal Fracture With Posttraumatic Subtalar Osteoarthritis Using Lateral Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty With Posterior Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis

Malunion of calcaneal fractures is a common complication after improper nonoperative treatment. It may develop into posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis, lateral calcaneal wall prominence, and severe foot deformities. This Technical Note reports the technical aspects of lateral endoscopic calcaneoplasty with posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis for the treatment of malunited calcaneal fracture with lateral calcaneal wall prominence and posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis. This technique was chosen because it can reduce the risk of wound complication compared with a conventional lateral extensile approach. This Technical Note describes the use of the technique in a patient with prone position. This offers the advantages of easier access to the lateral surface of the calcaneus and posterior facet of the subtalar joint, and is less invasive to the soft tissue envelope on the lateral side of the foot. Moreover, the concomitant bone void area of the subtalar joint can be dealt with by an arthroscopic procedure.

The deformity correction and fixator-assisted treatment using Ilizarov versus Taylor spatial frame in the foot and ankle

This study was to report the comparison of outcomes between Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) and Taylor Spatial Frame^® (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn.; TSF) in terms of the effectiveness of ankle-foot deformities correction, follow-up results, and complications. Fourteen patients with ankle-foot deformities were corrected using circular external fixation (IRF group = 7 patients; TSF group = 7 patients) and related procedures. Baseline data and treatment variables were recorded. The patients’ mean age was 42.9 years. Mean follow-up time was 6.5 months. Most common cause of deformity/traumatic condition was posttraumatic equinus. There were successful results in 8 patients (57.1%), partial successful results in 5 patients (35.7%), and revision-needed in 1 patient (7.1%). TSF group demonstrated significantly higher rate of successful results than IRF group (P=0.033). A trend of lower complication rate was found in TSF group (P=0.286). Deformity corrections using TSF provided significantly better clinical scores and higher rate of successful outcome than conventional IRF.

Validity and reliability of Thai version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score in patients with arthritis of the foot and ankle

BACKGROUND

Although the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) is commonly used in several languages for a variety of foot disorders, it has not been validated specifically for foot and ankle arthritic conditions. The aims of the present study were to translate the original English FAOS into Thai and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Thai version of the FAOS for the foot and ankle arthritic conditions.

METHODS

The original FAOS was translated into Thai using forward-backward translation. The Thai FAOS and validated Thai Short Form-36 (SF-36^®) questionnaires were distributed to 44 Thai patients suffering from arthritis of the foot and ankle to complete. For validation, Thai FAOS scores were correlated with SF-36 scores. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were also analyzed in this study.

RESULTS

The Thai FAOS score demonstrated sufficient correlation with SF-36 total score in Pain (Pearson's correlation coefficient (r)=0.45, p=0.002), Symptoms (r=0.45, p=0.002), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (r=0.47, p=0.001), and Quality of Life (QOL) (r=0.38, p=0.011) subscales. The Sports and Recreational Activities (Sports & Rec) subscale did not correlate significantly with the SF-36^® (r=0.20, p=0.20). Cronbach's alpha, a measure of internal consistency, for the five subscales was as follows: Pain, 0.94 (p<0.001); Symptoms, 0.58 (p<0.001); ADL, 0.96 (p<0.001); Sports & Rec, 0.79 (p<0.001); and QOL, 0.93 (p<0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of a major subscale of ADL, containing 17 items, was significant at 0.33 (p=0.013; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.57).

CONCLUSION

The Thai FAOS demonstrated sufficient levels of construct and content validity for the evaluation of foot and ankle arthritis. Although reliability was satisfactory for the major subscale ADL, it was not sufficient for the minor subscales. Our findings suggest that it can be used as a disease-specific instrument to evaluate foot and ankle arthritis and can complement other reliable outcome surveys.

Effects of renal function on the intraosseous concentration and inhibitory effect of prophylactic cefazolin in knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To compare intraosseous concentrations and inhibitory effects on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus following intravenous administration of 1 or 2 g of the prophylactic cefazolin between patients with decreased renal function vs. intact renal function undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten patients (13 knees) with primary knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups by creatinine clearance (CrCl) level (intact renal function: CrCl ≥75 mg/mL (four knees); decreased renal function: CrCl <75 mg/mL (nine knees)). Subchondral bone samples (proximal tibia and distal femur) were obtained during the procedure and were analyzed for the intraosseous concentration of cefazolin and the inhibitory effects on the growth of S. aureus using high-performance liquid chromatography and agar disc diffusion bioassays.

RESULTS

Different levels of renal function showed no significant associations with mean intraosseous concentration and mean inhibitory effects at the proximal tibia and distal femur in patients administered 1 g cefazolin (p>0.05). For patients administered 2 g cefazolin, mean intraosseous concentration in the decreased renal function group was significantly higher at the proximal tibia (p=0.049) and also higher (but not reaching statistical significance) at the distal femur (p=0.073) compared with the intact renal function group. Mean inhibitory effects in the decreased renal function group were significantly lower than the intact renal function group at the proximal tibia (p=0.003) and distal femur (p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Deceased renal function played a role in the increased intraosseous concentration and decreased inhibitory effects in the groups receiving 2 g cefazolin. An excessive intraosseous concentration showed a negative influence on inhibitory effects on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

Ankle fracture configuration following treatment with and without arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation

AIM: To report ankle fracture configurations and bone quality following arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal-fixation (ARIF) or open reduction and internal-fixation (ORIF).

METHODS: The patients of ARIF (n = 16) or ORIF (n = 29) to treat unstable ankle fracture between 2006 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Baseline data, including age, sex, type of injury, immediate postoperative fracture configuration (assessed on X-rays and graded by widest gap and largest step-off of any intra-articular site), bone quality [assessed with bone mineral density (BMD) testing] and arthritic changes on X-rays following surgical treatments were recorded for each group.

RESULTS: Immediate-postoperative fracture configurations did not differ significantly between the ARIF and ORIF groups. There were anatomic alignments as 8 (50%) and 8 (27.6%) patients in ARIF and ORIF groups (P = 0.539) respectively. There were acceptable alignments as 12 (75%) and 17 (58.6%) patients in ARIF and ORIF groups (P = 0.341) respectively. The arthritic changes in follow-up period as at least 16 wk following the surgeries were shown as 6 (75%) and 10 (83.3%) patients in ARIF and ORIF groups (P = 0.300) respectively. Significantly more BMD tests were performed in patients aged > 60 years (P < 0.001), ARIF patients (P = 0.021), and female patients (P = 0.029). There was no significant difference in BMD test t scores between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Ankle fracture configurations following surgeries are similar between ARIF and ORIF groups, suggesting that ARIF is not superior to ORIF in treatment of unstable ankle fractures.

Intraosseous concentration and inhibitory effect of different intravenous cefazolin doses used in preoperative prophylaxis of total knee arthroplasty

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the intraosseous concentrations and the inhibitory effects on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus of 1 g versus 2 g of intravenous (IV) prophylactic cefazolin in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Materials and methods

Eighteen patients (21 knees) with primary knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups receiving 1 g (12 patients: 14 knees) versus 2 g (six patients: seven knees) IV prophylactic cefazolin prior to the incision in TKA. Subchondral bone samples (proximal tibia, distal femur) were taken during the operation. These samples were analyzed for intraosseous concentration of cefazolin and their inhibitory effects on the growth of S. aureus, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and agar disc diffusion bioassays.

Results

The mean intraosseous concentration in the 2 g dose group was significantly higher than in the 1 g dose group in the proximal tibia (p = 0.007) and distal femur (p = 0.016). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of mean inhibitory effects in the proximal tibia or distal femur (p > 0.05). No significant correlations were found between the intraosseous concentrations and inhibitory effects in the proximal tibia (r = 0.18, p = 0.52) and distal femur (r = −0.29, p = 0.30).

Conclusion

IV cefazolin at a dose of 2 g produced greater intraosseous concentrations overall than a dose of 1 g. However, the higher intraosseous concentrations did not correlate with higher inhibitory effects.

Level of evidence

Level III.

Anatomic total talar prosthesis replacement surgery and ankle arthroplasty: an early case series in Thailand

Little is known about specific outcomes and early experiences of total talar prosthesis replacement surgery in the current literature, and ankle arthroplasty in Southeast Asia. This study reported on four patients with talar loss or ankle arthritis. Patients were treated with a custom total talar prosthesis (anatomic-metallic version) replacement (TPR, n=1) or with total ankle replacement (TAR, n=3). Baseline data, including Visual-Analog-Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA) and Quality of Life scores via Short-Form-36 (SF-36), were collected for all patients. Mean follow-up time was 7.6 months. From preoperative to postoperative, VAS-FA score increased from 6.0 to 57.5, and SF-36 score increased from 19.3 to 73.7 in a patient with TPR. Mean VAS-FA scores increased from 51.5±15.6 to 85.7±4.7 (P=0.032), and mean SF-36 scores tended to increase from 65.2±13.3 to 99.3±1.2 (P=0.055) in TAR group. This study is the first report of anatomic-metallic TPR which appears to provide satisfactory outcomes for treatment of talar loss at a short-term follow-up. TAR also provides acceptable results for treatment of ankle arthritis at this point.

Prevalence of bone mineral density testing and osteoporosis management following low- and high-energy fractures

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of post-fracture bone mineral density (BMD) testing and osteoporosis treatment in patients admitted to the orthopedic department for low-energy or high-energy fractures and to identify factors affecting prevalence of post-fracture BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment.

METHODS

A total of 265 patients aged 45 years or older admitted with low-energy or high-energy fractures were reviewed between January 2010 and May 2011. Information regarding age, gender, fracture site and history of post-fracture BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment, including data reporting experiences of attending orthopedists (young: <10, senior: >10 years of experience) were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 265 patients (175 female, 90 male), 259 (97.7%) patients had low-energy fractures and 6 (2.3%) suffered high-energy fractures. Of 259 low-energy fractures, 99 (38.2%) underwent BMD testing and had mean total T-scores of -2.04±1.01 (proximal-femur) and -2.12±1.27 (lumbar-spine). Only one high-energy fracture patient (16.7%) underwent BMD testing, with a T-score of -1.1 (proximal-femur) and -2.7 (lumbar-spine). Eighty-six (32.5%) patients (85 low-energy fractures; 1 high-energy fracture) with diagnosis of osteopenia/osteoporosis from BMD testing were treated with calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Bone mineral density testing was significantly higher in low-energy fracture patients who were treated by a young orthopedist, a common fracture site (proximal-femur, distal-radius, vertebrae) or were female (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Bone mineral density investigation and treatment rates are currently suboptimal. The current gap in adequate care necessitates multidisciplinary intervention in order to lessen the incidence of future fractures, particularly in patients over the age of 45.

Can levels of antioxidants in synovial fluid predict the severity of primary knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary study

Background

Little is known about differences in amounts of antioxidants or oxidative stress at different stages of knee osteoarthritis. This study investigated the relationship between concentrations of antioxidants, iron and lipid peroxidation in synovial fluid and levels of severity of primary knee osteoarthritis.

Materials and methods

From 2011 to 2013, 23 patients (mean age, 66.7 ± 7.6 years) with primary knee osteoarthritis were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on pre-treatment knee society scores (KSS): n = 9, severe KSS ≤46; and n = 14, mild-moderate KSS >46. Synovial fluid was analyzed to determine levels of antioxidants, iron concentrations and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARs]). Baseline data, including Kellgren- Lawrence radiographic grade, were collected for all patients.

Results

Mean KSS was 49.1 ± 10.8. Total mean concentrations of antioxidants were 2.29 ± 1.71 ng/mL vitamin E and 0.47 ± 0.51 nmol/mL glutathione (GSH). Total mean levels of TBARs and iron were 1.20 ± 0.37 nmol/mL and 2.13 ± 0.82 μg/mL, respectively. The mean concentration of vitamin E was inversely related to severity of knee osteoarthritis (mild-moderate > severe, p = 0.006). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of GSH (p = 0.90), TBARs (p = 0.84) or iron levels (p = 0.27). There was a significant positive correlation between KSS and vitamin E concentration (r = 0.43, p = 0.04). No significant correlations were shown between KSS and GSH (r = -0.01, p = 0.97), TBARs (r = -0.06, p = 0.81) or iron level (r = 0.28, p = 0.20).

Conclusion

Using synovial fluid profiles, vitamin E concentration is an essential prognostic factor in primary knee osteoarthritis and may act as a basis for treatment directions. The concentration of vitamin E decreased as the clinical severity of primary knee osteoarthritis increased.

A systematic review of intermediate-term outcomes and failure rates for total ankle replacements: an Asian perspective

BACKGROUND

There are few records for total ankle replacement (TAR) in Asia. We aimed to report the cumulative intermediate-term outcomes in terms of clinical scores, survivorship and failure rates for patients managed with TAR in Asia.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search for relevant articles published in English and other languages between January 1990 and February 2012. The study published before 1990 and used outdated prosthesis designs implanted before the early 1980s was excluded. Eligible studies were evaluated using the Coleman Methodology Score and data collection was independently performed by three reviewers.

RESULTS

Seven studies qualified for analysis, describing 321 implants (112 HINTEGRA(®), 104 TNK, 35 STAR, 13 ND-Bioceram, 57 un-reported implants). Overall studies showed the improvement of clinical scores following TAR. Pooled data for the survivorship analysis ranged from 100% at 3.2 years to 77% at 14.1 years. Pooled mean failure rate was 4.9±3.2% over a mean follow-up of 5.2±1.7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

TAR prostheses currently used in Asia achieved satisfactory intermediate-term outcomes in terms of clinical scores, survivorship and failure rates.

Critical three-dimensional factors affecting outcome in osteochondral lesion of the talus

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical outcomes, patient demographics and the 3D-geometric profiles of the osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) following arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2011, arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation were performed on 50 ankles with OLT mean age of 36.0 (19.1) years and mean follow-up time of 35.5 (20.2) months. Clinical data were assessed using validated Japanese Society of Surgery of the Foot scoring. An outcome was deemed unsatisfactory if the JSSF score was less than 80. Magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays were used to assess the 3D-geometric profiles of the OLT.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative and postoperative scores were 73.4 (13.6) and 89.6 (11.5), respectively (p < 0.001). Unsatisfactory outcomes were identified in 12 % of patients. Linear regression analyses showed that lesion depth and patient age were significantly negatively correlated with postoperative scores (p < 0.001). High prognostic significances were attributed to defect depth and age of patient, and cut-off values of 7.8 mm and 80 years, respectively, were recommended to avoid a postoperative score less than 80. No significant correlations between poor clinical outcome and the other lesion profiles or demographic factors were identified.

CONCLUSION

Using 3D-geometric and demographic profiles, defect depth and age of patient are essential prognostic factors in OLT and may act as a basis for preoperative surgical decisions. A lesion depth ≥ 7.8 mm and age ≥ 80 years predict an unsatisfactory outcome following arthroscopic debridement and bone marrow stimulation.

Outcomes and quality of life after platelet-rich plasma therapy in patients with recalcitrant hindfoot and ankle diseases: a preliminary report of 12 patients

The present study aimed to determine the outcomes and quality of life after platelet-rich plasma therapy in patients with chronic recalcitrant diseases of the hindfoot and ankle and to identify the crucial clinical variables. The records of 12 adult patients with diseases of the hindfoot and ankle were included in the present study. These patients had been treated with platelet-rich plasma from September 2010 to April 2011 after 3 to 6 months or more of conservative treatment had been unsuccessful. They had attended the follow-up visits, were consecutively enrolled, and retrospectively studied. A total of 3 mL of autologous platelet-rich plasma was injected under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance into the affected areas. All patients had been evaluated using visual analog scale foot and ankle scoring before treatment and at set intervals after treatment. According to their scores at the final follow-up visit (mean 16 months), the patients were allocated to the satisfactory (score ≥ 80; n = 8) and unsatisfactory (score < 80; n = 4) groups. The health-related quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study short-form, 36-item survey at the final follow-up visit, because the study was retrospective, and the information was not available before treatment. The mean visual analog score at the final follow-up visit (79.71 ± 17.81) was significantly greater than the mean pretreatment score (57.89 ± 20.77; p = .002). Four patients (33%) had unsatisfactory results. The mean short-form, 36-item score for the satisfactory group (85.23 ± 11.30) was significantly greater than that (57.33 ± 12.91) of the unsatisfactory group (p = .003). No definitive factors influencing the outcome of this treatment were found. The substantial number of patients with an unsatisfactory outcome indicates that platelet-rich plasma injection might be an option but might not be a mainstay of nonoperative treatment of problematic conditions of the hindfoot and ankle. The actual benefit of this treatment, including the factors influencing its outcome, are still inconclusive.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome emphasizes ultrasonographic and MR findings: a case report and review of the literatures

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is a rare developmental anomaly that is consists of uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. This rare entity is the spectrum of Mullerian duct anomalies (MDA) accompanied by developmental anomaly of one of Wolffian ducts. The present report demonstrated HWW syndrome and reviewed literatures in term of embryological etiology, clinical manifestation, radiographic findings and surgical management. In this case report is a 11-year-old girl presented with chronic pelvic pain. She had menarche at the age of 10 and her menstrual cycles were regular with moderate dysmenorrhea. Physical examination revealed palpable pelvic mass with tenderness. Transabdominal ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated uterine didelphys with right-sided hematometrocolpos and absent right kidney. Right hematosalpinx was also detected due to distal tubal occlusion from adhesion. These preoperative images can verify all of the features of this syndrome and correctly anticipated diagnosis was achieved. The patient underwent laparoscopic right tubal drainage with lysis of pelvic adhesion and hysteroscopic resection of vaginal septum. Her symptoms were improved uneventfully. In conclusion, HWW syndrome exhibits unique clinical presentation with characteristic radiographic findings and symptom can be relieved dramatically after receiving appropriate surgical management.

Modified uniportal endoscopic plantar fasciotomy: a technical report

OBJECTIVE

Several authors have reported the benefits of the recent procedure of the dual portal endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF). However, very little is known concerning its potential capability via the single portal EPF without special cutting device. The present study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of uniportal EPF in a patient with severe intractable plantar fasciitis following a failure of several conservative treatments. The recent technique; uniportal EPF under modified method, without a special cutting device, was reviewed in an effort to improve its capability for plantar release and to provide information for the avoidance of this procedure's complications.

CASE REPORT

A patient, with the recalcitrant conditions and the progression of the severe plantar fasciitis of bilateral feet after a failure of the conservative treatments for 13-month period, was included in this report. All data of the preoperative and each successive postoperative period (1, 6 months and last follow-up) were prospectively collected including American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Visual Analogue Scale-Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA) score and any related complications. The operations were carried out by a single surgeon with the modified uniportal EPF via a simple hooked soft-tissue blade, without a special cutting device, on both feet simultaneously. All feet had uniportal EPF with transection of the medial 50% of the plantar fascia. Postoperatively, a patient was instructed to have partial-weight bearing for the first 2 weeks with wearing of full-length silicone insoles. Then, she is allowed to start to fully weightbear with the insoles. She is advised to cautiously return to daily activities and works at 2nd week after the operation. In regard to the EPF in two feet, there were clearly improvements in the comparison between preoperative and last follow-up period in terms of the increasing AOFAS scores, and VAS-FA scores. There were no significant iatrogenic-related complications including the lateral column pain in the present report.

CONCLUSION

The recalcitrant condition of severe plantar fasciitis is not uncommon for several orthopedic surgeons. Regarding the emerging of several minimally invasive procedures for this condition, our modified uniportal EPF with a simple device was encouraging as a treatment option in releasing the plantar fascia with satisfactory effectiveness and lower risks of complications.

Disaster medicine in Thailand: a current update. Are we prepared?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the level of major incident/disasters preparedness in Thailand by evaluating to-date data with main focus on past events and their outcomes to alert national medical societies for their roles in upcoming disasters/major incidents.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Besides data from past disasters/major incidents (Jan 2006-Dec 2010), including injury details in each event; all information about current disasters/major incidents preparedness systems, triage and pre-hospital management, standard of personnel, co-ordination and command centers, were reviewed by using data from Bangkok Emergency Medical Service, Narenthorn EMS of Rajavithi Hospital, Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand, Royal Thai Police, Department of Disaster prevention and mitigation (Ministry of Interior).

RESULTS

There was neither a national registry, nor an authentic centralization of the preparedness system. The current organization was found to be functional, but incomplete. The main dispatch center responsible for medical service in Bangkok metropolitan during the present study period was Bangkok EMS ("Erawan center"). In provincial areas, emergency medical services (Ministry of Public Health) in each province act as dispatcher in their corresponding regions in cooperation with the emergency operation divisions in their related area. Several private organizations also volunteered to assist. There was an increase in the number of disasters/major incidents in Thailand between 2006 and 2010; with a total number of 60,999 deaths, 346,763 wounded patients and 73 missing and total costs of 47,453.69 million Baht (1,581.79 million US Dollar).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

There is an established and functional disaster management organization in Thailand with some overlapping difficulties and a need for improvement. Understanding the national need for registry, public information, preparedness, cooperation and coordination inside and outside hospitals, will not only save lives, but also would be beneficial for the country in terms of major economical measures.