Is It Worth Discriminating Against Patients Who Smoke? A Systematic Literature Review on the Effects of Tobacco Use in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Effect of co-morbidities on outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion: A systematic review

Introduction

The pre-existing co-morbidities have a major impact on the outcomes of Orthopaedic procedures as shown by the several studied in various contexts. However, the specific influence of these co-morbidities on first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion remains relatively underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by examining the association between co-morbidities such as obesity, smoking, diabetes, advancing age, and rheumatoid arthritis, and the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Relevant articles were identified and processed using Covidence, with independent assessment conducted to ensure inclusion criteria were met. The focus of the review was on analysing the effects of specific co-morbidities on fusion outcomes.

Results

Seven qualifying studies were identified for full-text extraction, revealing significant heterogeneity across the literature, which hindered direct statistical comparisons. The findings presented inconclusive effects of obesity on fusion outcomes, with ambiguous impacts observed for diabetes mellitus and smoking. Additionally, no discernible variance was observed in functional outcomes across different age groups. Furthermore, steroid usage in rheumatoid arthritis cases demonstrated delayed fusion in revision procedures, while primary outcomes remained uncertain.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the need for further research with standardised methodologies to better understand the correlation between pre-existing co-morbidities and outcomes in first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion. By elucidating these relationships, clinicians can better tailor treatment approaches and optimise patient care in this specific Orthopaedic context.

Level of evidence

Level III.

Association of Smokeless Tobacco and Complications Following Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the rates of postoperative complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis among current smokeless tobacco users and people who smoke compared to matched controls, and (2) compare rates of postoperative complications in current smokeless tobacco users vs people who smoke tobacco cigarettes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large national database. For patients who underwent ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users (n = 131) and people who smoke (n = 1948) were matched 1:4 with controls, and smokeless tobacco users (n = 131) were matched 1:4 with people who smoke tobacco cigarettes (n = 524). Orthopaedic complications within 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years were compared using multivariable logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Within 90 days of ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated significantly higher rates of hardware removal (odds ratio [OR] 5.01, 95% CI 1.65-15.20), wound disruption or dehiscence (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.21-7.44), and pooled complications (16.0% vs 5.9%, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.50-5.38) compared with tobacco-naïve controls. The rates of hardware removal, wound disruption and dehiscence, and pooled complications remained significant in the smokeless tobacco cohort at 1 and 2 years. At 2 years following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users additionally demonstrated significantly higher rates of infection (OR 6.08, 95% CI 1.15-32.05) and nonunion (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.31-4.20) compared with tobacco-naïve controls. Within 90 days of ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated significantly lower rates of malunion or nonunion than patients who smoke tobacco cigarettes (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.97), whereas all other complications were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

Smokeless tobacco use is associated with higher rates of complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis compared with tobacco-naïve controls, and physicians should screen for smokeless tobacco use specifically and encourage cessation before operating electively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Factors Influencing PROMIS Scores and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Surgical Intervention of Isolated Lisfranc Injury: Minimum 2 Year Follow-up

Lisfranc injuries are rare but significant foot injuries, as they often result from polytrauma patients, and are often misdiagnosed, which further complicate their evaluation and contribute to their propensity towards disability. It is recommended that, on diagnosis, Lisfranc injuries be treated as soon as possible to decrease the risk of future chronic pain, disability, or osteoarthritis. Our study evaluated patients who completed the patient reported outcome measurement information systems (PROMIS) along with the foot function index (FFI) following operative fixation for Lisfranc injury. Fifty-one patients between 2010 and 2020 met inclusion criteria and were selected for this study, with completion. Utilizing the electronic medical record (EMR), patient charts were reviewed to obtain basic patient demographic information and comorbidities. Operative reports were reviewed to determine which procedure was performed for definitive fixation. Primary arthrodesis was associated with a significant decrease in complication rates (p = .025) when compared to ORIF. Females, arthrodesis, and procedures using a home run (HR) screw were independent risk factors for significantly higher reports of PROMIS pain interference. Arthrodesis also was associated with lower PROMIS pain interference scores. Arthrodesis and males exhibited higher scores in all FFI categories. Our results provide evidence that patient reported outcomes following Lisfranc surgery reported via PROMIS, FFI and VAS scores are independently influenced by patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgical variables. Analysis of potential associations between these patient characteristics and PROMIS and FFI scores provides evidence for physicians to manage patient expectations prior to operative treatment of a nonpolytraumatic Lisfranc injury.

The Ankle Joint: Revision Ankle Fusion Options, Nonunion, Malunion, Protocol for Best Outcome

Ankle arthrodesis has been a time-tested procedure for osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the talus, deformity correction, and significant trauma of the ankle. Technique guides have created dissection pearls, ease of fixation, and arthroscopic techniques to mitigate complications of the procedure. Major complications, such as nonunion, malunion, or implant infection are the most worrisome and cumbersome complications to handle. The aim of this article is to provide the practicing surgeon evidence to provide innovative management techniques for nonunion, malunion, and infection following primary ankle arthrodesis.

Symptomatic Hammertoes Treatment Comparison: Peg-in-Hole Arthrodesis Versus End-to-End Screw Fixation

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) arthrodesis technique utilizing the peg-in-hole arthrodesis was founded to avoid the use of retained internal fixation implants and thereby potentially decrease the concern of hardware complication. The specific aim of this study was to report the complication rates of the modified peg-in-hole arthrodesis technique and the end-to-end arthrodesis with single screw fixation technique for correcting symptomatic hammertoe deformities in lesser digits. This retrospective chart review included patients who underwent surgical hammertoe correction of lesser digits between the dates of January 2012 and December 2019. Patient demographic data and charts were reviewed to evaluate need for revision including screw/pin removal and complications related to corrective surgery. Five hundred ninety-three symptomatic hammertoe deformity cases (443 female, 150 male) were identified, with 113 cases (88 female, 25 male) treated with peg-in-hole arthrodesis technique and 480 cases (355 female, 125 male) treated with end-to-end arthrodesis with a single screw technique. The deformity recurrence rate was not significantly different between the two techniques (peg-in-hole: 10%, end-to-end: 13%, p = .428). There were 97 cases with postoperative complications that required re-operation (peg-in-hole: 7 cases, end-to-end: 90 cases) with the majority detected at <6 months. There was no statistically significant difference in reoperation rate between the peg-in-hole technique and the end-to-end arthrodesis technique reoperated with reasons excluding simple screw removal (p = .068). This study tended to show these two arthrodesis techniques have equivalent risks and similar success in bone healing; however, the peg-in-hole arthrodesis technique offers an advantage that does not result in retained hardware.

Impact of smoking cessation on healing after foot and ankle surgery

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative smoking is the main risk factor for the development of postoperative cutaneous wound healing complications. We require that all patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery stop smoking (6 weeks before and 3 months after) and this abstinence is monitored with a preoperative cotinine test. We therefore wanted to understand how this impacted wound healing in elective foot and ankle surgery: do wounds heal differently in patients who quit smoking for surgery, former smokers and nonsmokers?

HYPOTHESIS

Our hypothesis was that patients who stopped smoking for an upcoming surgery had the same wound healing complications as nonsmokers and former smokers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a historical, single-center, single-surgeon cohort study of adult patients who underwent an elective ankle or foot surgery between June 2016 and July 2017. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 smokers who stopped for surgery, group 2 former smokers, and group 3 nonsmokers. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of wound healing complications during the wound care consult scheduled 3 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 256 patients with a mean age of 58±14.2 years (range, 18-88) were included. Group 3 had more women and a lower BMI than the other groups, but all the other demographic characteristics were similar. Smoking cessation was achieved in group 1 on average 2.5±1.3 months (range, 1-6) before surgery. There were a total of 20 wound healing complications or 7.5% of the cohort: 13% in group 1, 11.1% in group 2 and 6.4% in group 3. The univariate analysis found that the odds ratio was 2.3 when comparing Group 1 to Group 3 and 1.85 when comparing group 2 to group 3 (p=413). No significant risk factors for wound healing complications were found.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Smoking cessation for foot and ankle surgery seems to limit the risk of wound healing complications, with results close to those of former smokers and nonsmokers. Mandatory smoking cessation before surgery could be one of the solutions to prevent this frequent complication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Indications for retrograde intramedullary screw fixation of the distal fibula: a retrospective cohort series

Introduction

Ankle fractures are a common orthopaedic injury that often require surgical fixation. Because the comorbid population in the United States continues to survive longer, it has become routine to treat comorbid patients with unstable ankle fractures. The literature has identified comorbidities known to increase the risk of ankle fracture complications to include age 55 years or older, body mass index >29.9, polytrauma, open fractures, diabetes mellitus, smoking, peripheral neuropathy, and alcohol use.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 37 patients who received retrograde intramedullary screw fixation of the distal fibula, all of whom had preexisting conditions known to increase the rate of postoperative complications.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were included in this study, of whom 36 (97.3%) went on to union. Six of 37 patients (16.2%) had complications although only one (2.7%) was due to inadequate fixation. The average time to weight-bearing as tolerated was 57.2 days (15-115 days). Two patients (5.4%) had symptomatic instrumentation requiring removal after union. Two patients (5.4%) had delayed union of the distal fibula, which responded to the use of a bone stimulator. One patient (2.7%) developed a nonunion which led to chronic subluxation of the ankle joint. One patient (2.7%) had a minor medial ankle wound complication that was treated with oral antibiotics and local wound care.

Conclusions

Retrograde intramedullary screw fixation of the distal fibula is a viable alternative to plate and screw fixation in patients with unstable ankle fractures who have known risk factors for increased complications. However, not all distal fibula fractures are amenable to this fixation method.

Level of Evidence

Level III retrospective cohort study.

Open versus closed pilon fractures: Comparison of management, outcomes, and complications

BACKGROUND

Despite the low incidence of pilon fractures amongst lower limb injuries, their high impact nature presents difficulties in surgical management and recovery. The high complication rate and long recovery times presents a challenge for surgeons and patients. Current literature is varied, with no universal treatment algorithm. We aim to highlight differences in outcomes and complications between open and closed pilon fractures, and between patients treated by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or fine wire fixator (FWF) for open and closed fracture subgroups.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at a major trauma centre including 135 patients over a 6-year period. Primary outcome was AOFAS score at 3, 6, and 12-months post-injury. Secondary outcomes included time to partial weight-bear (PWB) and full weight-bear (FWB), bone union time, and complications during the follow-up time. AO/OTA classification was used (43A: n = 23, 43B: n = 30, 43C: n = 82). Interobserver agreement was high for bone union time (kappa=0.882) and AO/OTA class (kappa=0.807).

RESULTS

Higher AOFAS scores were seen in ORIF groups of both open and closed fractures, compared to FWF groups. The difference was not statistically significant apart from 12-month AOFAS score of 43C open fractures (p = 0.003) and in 43B closed fractures 3 and 6 months post-injury (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The majority of ORIF subgroups, open and closed fractures, also had shorter time to PWB, FWB, time to union, and follow-up. Statistically significant differences were seen in the following cases: ORIF-treated 43B closed fracture subgroup had shorter time to PWB and FWB (p<0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively), ORIF-treated 43C closed fractures had shorter time to union (p = 0.005). Common complications for open fractures were non-union (24%), post-traumatic arthritis (16%); for closed fractures they were post-traumatic arthritis (24%), superficial infection (21%). All occurred more frequently in FWF-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Most ORIF-treated subgroups in either open or closed pilon fractures showed better primary and secondary outcomes than FWF-treated subgroups, yet few were statistically significant. Overall, our use of a two-staged approach involving temporary external fixation, followed with ORIF or FWF achieved low complication rates and good functional recovery.

Malpractice claims in forefoot surgery

Foot and hallux valgus surgery are amongst the most commonly performed surgeries, with a growing number of procedures leading to litigation. The aim of this conference is to provide an update on the causes of malpractice claims and the associated risk factors. What are the causes of litigation? Acute or chronic residual pain, stiffness, metatarsalgia, consolidation delays, secondary displacements, suboptimal results are the most common causes found in litigious proceedings. What are the risk factors? Surgeon-related and patient-related risk factors exist. Percutaneous surgery or the development of outpatient hospitalization are not specific risk factors. From the point of view of practitioners, the application and traceability of recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis, for thromboembolic disease, or for the checklist are essential, allowing causes of blame to be easily avoided. Information is fundamental. Since the Law of the 4th of March 2002, the surgeon-patient relationship has changed. Pre-operative information archived in the practitioner's file is essential. This includes written and oral information which is consented to and understood by the patient. Thus, the understanding and compliance with immediate post-operative instructions or adherence to the post-operative program are success factors regarding the surgical outcome. The patient must also be informed and aware of their own individual risk factors (e.g. smoking and immunosuppression, particularly) which require greater caution. What is the best way to reduce the risk of these claims being made? It is about traceability: traceability of clinical examination, procedures, information and exchanges with the patient. It is only under this principle that the surgeon-patient relationship can be clearer, respectful and consequently less conducive to litigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V; expert opinion.

Pre and Postoperative Analysis of Flatfoot Reconstruction Sparing the Talonavicular Joint

Surgical correction of a flatfoot deformity is controversial. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the structural radiographic changes of the flatfoot deformity while maintaining the mobile adapter of the foot. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 56 patients that underwent this procedure comparing their pre- to postoperative angular changes during a follow-up period. The mean age of our study cohort was 53.6 (range, 20-77) years and mean follow-up period was 23 (range, 4-73) months. Radiographic union was achieved in 48 patients (86%). Forty-six patients (82%) had all required radiographs completed through final follow-up visit. We illustrated statistically significant changes to the talonavicular, Meary, talocalcaneal, calcaneal inclination, and talar declination angles, and navicular height at 3 months and final follow-up. This study suggests surgical correction of the flatfoot deformity that fused the subtalar but spared the talonavicular joint appears to achieve and maintain radiographic angular changes and achieve union.

Nonunion Rates in Hind- and Midfoot Arthrodesis in Current, Ex-, and Nonsmokers

BACKGROUND

Nonunion rates in hind or midfoot arthrodesis have been reported as high as 41%. The most notable and readily modifiable risk factor that has been identified is smoking. In 2018, 14.4% of the UK population were active smokers. We examined the effect of smoking status on union rates for a large cohort of patients undergoing hind- or midfoot arthrodesis.

METHODS

In total, 381 consecutive primary joint arthrodeses were identified from a single surgeon's logbook (analysis performed on a per joint basis, with a triple fusion reported as 3 separate joints). Patients were divided based on self-reported smoking status. Primary outcome was clinical union. Delayed union, infection, and the need for ultrasound bone stimulation were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Smoking prevalence was 14.0%, and 32.2% were ex-smokers. Groups were comparable for sex, diabetes, and body mass index. Smokers were younger and had fewer comorbidities. Nonunion rates were higher in smokers (relative risk, 5.81; 95% CI, 2.54-13.29; P < .001) with no statistically significant difference between ex-smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers had higher rates of infection (P = .05) and bone stimulator use (P < .001). Among smokers, there was a trend toward slower union with heavier smoking (P = .004).

CONCLUSION

This large retrospective cohort study confirmed previous evidence that smoking has a considerable negative effect on union in arthrodesis. The 5.81 relative risk in a modifiable risk factor is extremely high. Arthrodesis surgery should be undertaken with extreme caution in smokers. Our study shows that after cessation of smoking, the risk returns to normal, but we were unable to quantify the time frame.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Smoking and the patient with a complex lower limb injury

Smoking is known to increase the risk of peri-operative complications in Orthoplastic surgery by impairing bone and wound healing. The effects of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been less well established. Previous reviews have examined the relationship between smoking and bone and wound healing separately. This review provides surgeons with a comprehensive and contemporaneous account of how smoking in all forms interacts with all aspects of complex lower limb trauma. We provide a guide for surgeons to refer to during the consent process to enable them to tailor information towards smokers in such a way that the patient may understand the risks involved with their surgical treatment. We update the literature with recently discovered methods of monitoring and treating the troublesome complications that occur more commonly in smokers effected by trauma.

Factors associating with surgical site infection following operative management of malleolar fractures at an urban level 1 trauma center

OBJECTIVES

To identify comorbidities and injury characteristics associated with surgical site infection (SSI) following internal fixation of malleolar fractures in an urban level 1 trauma setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Seven-hundred seventy-six consecutive patients with operatively managed malleolar fractures from 2006 to 2016.

INTERVENTION

Open reduction internal fixation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Superficial SSI (erythema and drainage treated with oral antibiotics and wound care) or deep SSI (treated with surgical debridement and antibiotics).

RESULTS

Fifty-six (7.2%) patients developed SSI, with 17 (30%) of these being deep infections. An a-priori power analysis of n = 325 (α=0.05, β=0.2) was tabulated for differences in univariate analysis. Univariate analysis identified categorical associations (P < .05) between SSI and diabetes mellitus, drug abuse, open fracture, and renal disease but not tobacco abuse, body mass index, or neuropathy. Multivariate logistic regression identified categorical associations between diabetes (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.3), drug abuse (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.2-12.7), open fracture (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3-12.8), and renal disease (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.0) and any (superficial or deep) SSI. A separate multivariate logistic regression analysis found categorical associations between deep SSI requiring reoperation and diabetes (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6-12.2) and open fracture (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3-12.8). Furthermore, American society of anesthesiologists classification (ASA) Class 4 patients were (OR = 9.2, 95% CI: 2.0-41.79) more likely to experience an SSI than ASA Class 1 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors associated with SSI following malleolar fracture surgery in a single urban level 1 trauma center included diabetes, drug abuse, renal disease, and open fracture. The presence of diabetes or open type fractures were associated with deep SSI requiring reoperation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3 prognostic: retrospective cohort study.

Cigarette smoke inhalation impairs angiogenesis in early bone healing processes and delays fracture union

Aims

Cigarette smoking has a negative impact on the skeletal system, causes a decrease in bone mass in both young and old patients, and is considered a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis. In addition, it disturbs the bone healing process and prolongs the healing time after fractures. The mechanisms by which cigarette smoking impairs fracture healing are not fully understood. There are few studies reporting the effects of cigarette smoking on new blood vessel formation during the early stage of fracture healing. We tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoke inhalation may suppress angiogenesis and delay fracture healing.

Methods

We established a custom-made chamber with airflow for rats to inhale cigarette smoke continuously, and tested our hypothesis using a femoral osteotomy model, radiograph and microCT imaging, and various biomechanical and biological tests.

Results

In the smoking group, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining revealed less expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and von Willebrand factor (vWF). The smoking group also had a lower microvessel density than the control group. Image and biochemical analysis also demonstrated delayed bone healing.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoke inhalation was associated with decreased expression of angiogenic markers in the early bone healing phase and with impaired bone healing.

Cite this article:Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(3):99–107.

Corrective osteotomies of femur and tibia: which factors influence bone healing?

INTRODUCTION

Corrective osteotomies of the lower limb are standard procedures in orthopedic surgery. Still, there is only limited research on factors affecting bone healing after osteotomies. We hypothesize that especially the location of the osteotomy, smoking status and BMI affect bone healing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The healing process of 547 patients who underwent osteotomies of the lower limb (259 female, 288 male; average 40.6 years, range 14-77) was evaluated. To assess bone healing, participants were divided into three groups by bone healing duration ( < 5/5-8/ > 8 months). Differences in healing duration related to the anatomic level of the osteotomy (diaphysis vs. metaphysis), age, gender, smoking status, BMI, and modus of the osteotomy (open vs. closed wedge) were tested for significance using an ordinal regression analysis.

RESULTS

A significant correlation between bone healing and the anatomical level of the osteotomy on femur and tibia and the patients' smoking status was found. The odds of the diaphysis considering bone healing was 0.187 (95% CI, 0.08-0.44) times that of the metaphysis (Wald χ²(1) = 14.597, p < 0.000). The odds ratio of smokers considering bone healing was 0.192 (95% CI, 0.11-0.33) times that of non-smokers (Wald χ²(1) = 35.420, p < 0.000). All other analyzed factors did not show a significant correlation with bone healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking status and the localization of the osteotomy on femur and tibia (diaphysis vs. metaphysis) are significantly correlated with bone healing duration. In line with current literature emphasizing the detrimental effect of smoking on bone healing, our findings should encourage surgeons to think twice about the indication to perform osteotomies on smokers. Furthermore, if applicable, osteotomies should be performed in the metaphyseal areas of femur and tibia.

Outcomes of Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis in High-Risk Patients: An Institutional Cohort of 18 Patients

INTRODUCTION

Tibiocalcaneal (TC) arthrodesis is commonly performed in patients with severe hindfoot disease. These include severe Charcot deformities, ankle malformations, chronic osteomyelitis (COM), and avascular necrosis (AVN). The talar vascular becomes disrupted to the point that the bone can no longer be salvaged. The procedure involves performing a talectomy and fusing the tibia to the calcaneus. This helps in preserving the remaining hindfoot anatomy, while allowing the patient to regain function and mobility. Our study highlights certain risk factors that influence the rate of postoperative complication after tibiocalcaneal surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 18 patients from a single institution who underwent tibiocalcaneal between the years of 2011 and 2019. Preoperative diagnoses, comorbidities, and post-operative outcomes were noted among all patients. Then, the rates of non-union, below-knee amputations, revision surgeries, postoperative infections, and hardware failure were recorded. These data were then analyzed to determine which preoperative and perioperative factors affected postoperative outcomes for patients after tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis surgery.

RESULTS

Nonunion was the most commonly reported complication in this series. Eight of the eighteen patients were documented to have nonunion including three patients with stable pseudarthrosis. Diabetic patients had a slightly higher incidence of nonunion (4 of 7 patients) compared to those without diabetes (4 of 11 patients). Of the nine patients diagnosed with Charcot arthropathy, five had nonunion. Three of the five individuals with a BMI ranging from 25 to 30, and four of the six individuals with a BMI of greater than 30 had a nonunion. Infection was a post-operative complication for four of the eighteen patients. Two of the four patients had multiple comorbidities in addition to chronic infections in the joint which were recurrent after surgery.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, TC arthrodesis provides a viable option for high-risk patients with complicated ankle pathology who have not had successful outcomes from previous treatment. It is not without complications considering the comorbidities the patients present with before requiring this procedure. Further studies are necessary to validate the trends of outcomes and comorbidities of patients with TC arthrodesis.

The Effect of Tobacco Use on Incision Healing in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Review of 114 Patients

The purpose of this study was to compare wound complication rates after total ankle replacement in 3 groups of patients based on tobacco status. The total cohort was divided into 3 groups based on tobacco history. Group 1 included patients who were actively tobacco users. Group 2 included patients with a history of tobacco user. Group 3 served as the control group and included patients who had never used tobacco. Available charts were reviewed for patients who underwent primary total ankle arthroplasty by 1 surgeon. Patient demographics, tobacco history, and postoperative wound complications were recorded. A total of 114 patients with tobacco history were available for follow-up and were included in this study, which ranged from March 2012 to July 2017. Group 1 included 11 active smokers. Group 2 included 38 former smokers, and group 3 had a total of 65 never smokers included. The average follow-up was 28 months for group 1 (range 10-55 months), 34.1 months for group 2 (range 12-60 months), and 32.8 months for group 3 (range 11-60 months). The wound complication rate was noted to be statistically significant when comparing active smokers to never smokers using Fisher's exact test (P = .0223). When comparing former smokers with never smokers, the difference in wound complication rate did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.7631). All patients underwent at least 1 concomitant procedure at the time of initial ankle replacement. Our findings show that total ankle replacement wound healing complication rates are significantly higher in active tobacco users. There was no significant difference in wound healing complications when comparing former tobacco users versus never tobacco users. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective comparative study.

Do surgical site complications after ankle fracture surgery reduce with Aquacel Extra Ag®?

INTRODUCTION

Ankle fractures account for up to 10% of total fractures. Most of them require surgical fixation, which involves an important risk of wound complications. The aim of this study was to determine whether a silver-impregnated occlusive surgical dressing (Aquacel Ag Extra^®) was effective in reducing the rates of wound complications after ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation compared to standard sterile dressing.

METHODS

We prospectively reviewed 233 patients who underwent ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation. Surgeons switched from using a standard dressing to an Aquacel Ag Extra^® from July 2017 to February 2018, without other major changes in perioperative management. We compared skin complications between both groups after 3 months' follow-up.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis showed that there is no difference in the prevalence of skin complications between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The theoretical advantages of silver impregnated dressings need further prospective randomized controlled studies to assess the appropriate indications for their use in orthopaedic surgery.

Correlation of Soft Tissue Swelling and Timing to Surgery With Acute Wound Complications for Operatively Treated Ankle and Other Lower Extremity Fractures

BACKGROUND

Considerable debate exists regarding how soft-tissue edema should influence timing of surgery for ankle and other lower extremity fractures. Assessment of swelling is subjective, and timing varies among surgeons. However, timing of surgery is one of the few modifiable factors in fracture care. Ultrasonography can objectively measure swelling and help determine optimal timing. The purposes of this study were to determine whether objective measures of swelling, timing to surgery, and patient-specific risk factors correlated with wound complications and to try to create a prediction model for postoperative wound complications based on identified modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.

METHODS

Patients with closed ankle and other lower extremity fractures requiring surgery with an uninjured, contralateral extremity were included. Demographic information and sonographic measurements on both lower extremities were obtained pre-operatively. Subjects were followed for 3 months and wound complications were documented. A predictive algorithm of independent risk factors was constructed, determining wound complication risk. Given that patients with ankle fractures made up the majority of the study cohort (75/93 or 80%), a separate statistical analysis was performed on this group. A total of 93 subjects completed the study, with 75/93 sustaining ankle fractures.

RESULTS

Overall wound complication rate was 18.3%. Timing to surgery showed no correlation with wound complications. A heel-pad edema index >1.4 was independently associated with wound complications. Subgroup analysis of ankle fractures demonstrated a 3.4× increase in wound complications with a heel-pad edema index >1.4. Tobacco history and BMI >25 were independent predictors of wound complications. An algorithm was established based on heel-pad edema index, BMI >25, and tobacco history. Patients with none of the 3 factors had a 3% probability of a wound complication. Patients with 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 factors had a 12-36%, 60-86% and 96% probability of a wound complication, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Timing to surgery had no correlation with wound complications. Heel-pad edema index >1.4, BMI >25, and tobacco-use correlated with wound complications. When separately analyzing the cohort that sustained ankle fractures, the heel-pad edema index of >1.4 was still demonstrated to be predictive of wound complications corresponding to a 3.4× increase in wound complication rates (11.1% vs 37.5%). Risk of wound complications significantly increased with each factor. In patients with increased BMI and/or tobacco use, resolution of heel edema may significantly reduce wound complications in lower extremity trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic, prospective cohort study.

Factors Associated With Wound- and Implant-Related Complications After Surgical Treatment of Ankle Fractures

We have described the epidemiology of complications after surgical treatment of ankle fractures and assessed which factors are associated with the most frequent complications. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at 2 level 2 and 1 level 1 trauma center in a single trauma region in the Netherlands. The study variables were collected from the electronic medical patient records; all ankle fractures were classified using the Lauge-Hansen classification, and the complications were recorded. A total of 989 patients were included from 3 hospitals, with 173 complications in 156 patients (15.8%). The most frequent complication was wound related, occurring in 101 patients (10.2%). Implant-related complications occurred in 44 patients (4.4%). Other complications, such as cast pressure spots, posttraumatic dystrophy, nonunion, impingement, and pneumonia occurred in 28 patients (2.8%). The 2 most important complications were further analyzed for risk factors. Multivariate analysis showed the risk factors for wound-related complications were advanced age, increased American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, smoking, right side symptomatic, open fracture, and initial external fixation. Most implant-related complications were caused by malreduction (n = 22) or untreated syndesmotic injury (n = 19). Malreduction was associated with supination eversion fractures (p = .059), and untreated syndesmotic injury occurred more often with pronation external rotation fractures (p < .001). The most frequent complications after ankle fracture surgery were wound- and implant-related complications. Postoperative wound-related complications were multifactorial and dependent on a combination of trauma-, patient-, and treatment-related factors. In contrast, implant-related complications resulted from the interaction between the fracture type and subsequent surgical treatment.

The importance of smoking in orthopedic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Tobacco use is related to augmented morbidity and mortality. People who smoke heavily before orthopedic surgery may have more nonmedical complications than nonsmokers. Therefore, all orthopedic surgery patients should be screened for tobacco use.

AIM

To investigate the musculoskeletal effects of perioperative smoking.

METHODS

A narrative review of the literature on the topic was performed.

RESULTS

Orthopedic perioperative complications of smoking include impaired wound healing, augmented infection, delayed and/or impaired fracture union and arthrodesis, and worst total knee and hip arthroplasty results. Orthopedic surgeons seldom postponed surgery or utilized smoking cessation methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The adoption of smoking cessation methods such as transdermal patches, chewing gum, lozenges, inhalers, sprays, bupropion, and varenicline in the perioperative period should be recommended. Perioperative smoking cessation appears to be an efficacious method to decrease postoperative complications even if it is implemented as late as 4 weeks before surgery.