First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Replacement in a Patient With Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia and Associated Metatarsophalangeal Arthritis

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign disorder characterized by the replacement of normal bone tissue with fibrous connective tissue, making the bone more susceptible to fractures and increasing the risk of developing degenerative arthritis in multiple joints. We present an unusual case of monostotic FD affecting the first metatarsal, accompanied by metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthritis, which caused difficulties in walking, pain, and reduced quality of life. The patient underwent the first MTP joint replacement using the mobile bearing ROTOglide™ first MTP joint replacement system; the use of this specific implant for this indication appears to be a novel aspect in the existing literature. Following the operation, the patient returned to normal activities, experiencing improvements in pain, walking, and quality of life, thus demonstrating excellent outcomes.

Is Internal brace augmentation a gold standard treatment compared to isolated Modified Brostrom Gould repair for chronic lateral ligament ankle instability? Effect on functional outcome and Return to preinjury activity: A retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Modified Brostrom Gould (MBG) repair is widely accepted procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI), but there are limitations with regards to strength of repair and risk of reinjury and complications. Internal brace has been recently used as augmentation of standard MBG repair. It provides stronger construct, facilitates early mobilisation and protects repaired ligament with minimal surgical morbidity. The aim of present study is to compare the outcome of MBG repair without and with Internal brace augmentation (IB) in CLAI.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 172 patients with CLAI who underwent MBG repair with or without IBA between November 2017 and October 2019. Patients were evaluated for Visual analogue scale (VAS), Manchester-oxford foot questionnaire (MOxFQ), Patients subjective satisfaction and return to preinjury activity level.

RESULTS

148 patients were included in the study with 87 in MBG group and 61 in IB group. The mean age, average injury-surgery interval and mean follow up duration was 40.6 ± 11.2 vs 37.5 ± 14.7 years, 13.1 ± 10.3 vs 14.1 ± 8 months and mean follow up duration of 24.2 ± 5.1 vs 20.7 ± 6.0 months respectively (p > 0.05). The mean time to return to preinjury activity level was significantly better in IB group compared to MBG group of 12.1 ± 2.3 vs 20.3 ± 3.9 weeks, p < 0.001. 55 (90.2%) patients in IB and 73 (83.7%) in MBG group return to preinjury activity level. Mean postoperative VAS score (1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 1.7 ± 1.4, p = 0.428), Mean MOxFQ score (19.7 ± 22.2 vs. 18.2 ± 15.4, p = 0.674) showed no significant difference between MBG and IB group respectively, at final follow up.

CONCLUSION

The use of IB augmentation with MBG repair showed significantly better outcome in terms of early rehabilitation and return to preinjury activity level compared to isolated MBG repair. The functional outcome and VAS score were better in IB group compared to MBG group with no significant difference.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV retrospective study.

Early Outcome of a Single Peri-Tendinous Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Mid-Portion Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy - A Pilot Study

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single, peri-tendinous injection of hyaluronic acid for mid-portion, non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, open labelled, single center, pilot study was conducted. All patients enrolled received a single peri-tendinous injection of Ostenil Tendon™ (40 mg/2 ml 2% HA with 0.5% mannitol). Outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) scores at 2 weeks and at final follow at 12 weeks. Any major and minor adverse effects were recorded. To assess change in VAS and MOxFQ scores, t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were employed.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were enrolled in this study with a mean follow-up of 12 weeks. Mean pre-injection VAS score was 9.38 cm (9-9.8), which significantly reduced post-injection to a mean score of 4.09 cm (2-8) at week-2 stage, and further improved to 3.01 cm (2-3.9) at the final follow-up (p < 0.0001). MOxFQ score showed a significant improvement from pre-injection value of 67.77 (63.03-72.55) to 31.18 (13-60) at week-2 stage, and further improved to 24.20 (15.73-32.67) at the final follow-up (p < 0.0001). The mean improvement from pre-injection to the final follow up was 43.57 (34.25-52.90). No adverse effects for injections were recorded.

CONCLUSION

This small series suggests an encouraging response of a single injection of HA as an effective and safe option for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Early to medium term outcomes of osteochondral lesions of the talus treated by autologous matrix induced chondrogenesis (AMIC)

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the functional outcome following AMIC procedure in patients with osteochondral injury of the talus. The secondary aim is to evaluate if size of the lesion and patient's age influence outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 25 patients who underwent AMIC procedure of the talus treated by a single surgeon. Functional outcomes were evaluated using pre and post operative AOFAS and VAS scores.

RESULTS

The mean lesion size was 1.74 cms with 88% of lesions in the study more than 1.4 cms. There was a significant improvement in AOFAS score with mean improvement of 49.40 (p < 0.05) and VAS score of 5.36 (p < 0.05). We could not find any correlation between either age or lesion size with functional outcome for AMIC procedure.

CONCLUSION

AMIC procedure seems to be a reliable treatment method for larger diameter osteochondral lesions of the talus up to 2.5 cms in diameter.

Interobserver and intraobserver variations in radial head fracture classification-assessment of two classification systems

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and interobserver variation of two classification systems for radial head fractures (Mason and Charalambous classifications) using plain radiographs.

Material and methods

Five observers classified 30 radial head fractures as per the two classifications using anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiographs. Assessments were done on two occasions, at least 6 weeks apart.

Results

The interobserver and intraobserver variation of the Mason classification showed fair (mean kappa = 0.33) and moderate agreement (mean kappa = 0.43) respectively. The interobserver and intraobserver variation of the Charalambous classification showed moderate agreement for both (mean kappa = 0.42 and 0.49 respectively). A greater proportion of radial head fractures could be classified using the Charalambous classification compared with the Mason classification (P < 0.001). With the Charalambous classification, the inter-observer variation was better when assessing fracture morphology (4 morphology groups) versus fracture displacement (2 displaced/un-displaced groups) (p = 0.010).

Conclusions

The Mason and Charalambous classifications for radial head fractures confer similar reliability when using plain radiographs, but the latter allows a greater proportion of fractures to be classified. Raters may agree more on fracture morphology as compared to fracture displacement. Our findings also demonstrate the limitations of using plain radiographs in classifying radial head fractures for clinical or research purposes, and suggest that evaluation with more sensitive modalities such as Computed Tomography may be preferable.

Quality of life after amputation in patients with advanced complex regional pain syndrome: a systematic review

The majority of included studies (8 out of 11, n = 54) supported the concept of considering amputation for selected, unresponsive cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as a justifiable alternative to an unsuccessful multimodality nonoperative option.Of patients who underwent amputation, 66% experienced improvement in quality of life (QOL) and 37% were able to use a prosthesis, 16% had an obvious decline in QOL and for 12% of patients, no clear details were given, although it was suggested by authors that these patients also encountered deterioration after amputation.Complications of phantom limb pain, recurrence of CRPS and stump pain were predominant risks and were noticed in 65%, 45% and 30% of cases after amputation, respectively and two-thirds of patients were satisfied.Amputation can be considered by clinicians and patients as an option to improve QOL and to relieve agonizing, excruciating pain of severe, resistant CRPS at a specialized centre after multidisclipinary involvement but it must be acknowledged that evidence is limited, and the there are risks of aggravating or recurrence of CRPS, phantom pain and unpredictable consequences of rehabilitation.Amputation, if considered for resistant CRPS, should be carried out at specialist centres and after MDT involvement before and after surgery. It should only be considered if requested by patients with poor quality of life who have failed to improve after multiple treatment modalities.Further high quality and comprehensive research is needed to understand the severe form of CRPS which behaves differently form less severe stages. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:533-540. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.190008.

Is there a need for early post-operative x-rays in primary total knee replacements? Experience of a centre in the UK

INTRODUCTION

Early post-operative x-rays are often taken in total knee replacements (TKRs). Patient mobilisation may be delayed until these x-rays are obtained and this may prolong discharge. The aim of this study was to assess the value of such early x-rays and whether they influenced the early post-operative management of these patients.

METHODS

A total of 624 consecutive TKRs performed at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital over a 34-month period were evaluated. Plain anteroposterior and lateral x-rays were examined.

RESULTS

Two patients were found to have significant abnormalities: an undisplaced periprosthetic tibial fracture and a partial inferior pole patellar avulsion. Neither of these required further treatment or influenced mobility. No other complications were noted that changed routine post-operative management.

CONCLUSIONS

These results question the need for immediate x-rays in primary TKRs.