Christopher Bibbo

Chlorhexidine provides superior skin decontamination in foot and ankle surgery: a prospective randomized study.

Feet are prone to bacterial contamination. We hypothesized that chlorhexidine scrub and isopropyl alcohol paint provide superior local flora reduction than povidone-iodine scrub and paint. Patients with intact, uninfected skin having clean elective foot and ankle surgery were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to skin preparation with povidone-iodine (Group 1) or chlorhexidine scrub and isopropyl alcohol paint (Group 2). Culture swabs (aerobic, anaerobic, acid fast, fungus, and routine antibiotic sensitivity) were taken from all web spaces, nail folds, toe surfaces, and proposed surgical incision sites. One-hundred twenty-seven patients were enrolled (mean age, 46 years; range, 16–85 years). Sixty-seven patients were assigned to Group 1; 60 patients were assigned to Group 2. In Group 1, 53 of 67 patients (79%) had positive cultures; in Group 2, 23 of 60 patients (38%) had positive cultures. These data indicate that chlorhexidine and alcohol provide better reduction in bacterial carriage than povidone-iodine. Based on these data, we recommended chlorhexidine as the surgical preparatory agent for the foot and ankle. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level I-1a (significant difference). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Recombinant Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in High-Risk Ankle and Hindfoot Fusions:

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rhBMP-2 on bone healing in patients who undergo high-risk ankle & hindfoot fusions. Materials & Methods: Patients who underwent high-risk, elective ankle and hindfoot fusions treated with rhBMP-2 augmentation were reviewed for clinical outcomes and complications. A total of 112 fusion sites (69 patients) were reviewed for analysis. The mean age of the patients was 52 years (range, 21 to 84 years). There were 37 males (53%) and 32 females (47%). Forty-four patients (64%) were smokers and 13 patients (19%) were diabetic. A history of high-energy trauma was present in 47 (68%) patients and avascular necrosis of the talus was present in 22 patients (32%). Forty-five patients (65%) had multiple risk-factors. The exclusion criteria were peripheral vascular disease, infection, and patients who were not available for the usual follow-up protocol. Internal and/or external fixation was utilized for ankle and hindfoot fusions. Bone graft was used only for patients who had defects or malalignment. Postoperatively, nonweightbearing radiographs were taken every 2 to 4 weeks (3 views per site). When plain radiographic union was evident, a confirmatory CT scan was obtained. Results: Overall, 108 fusion sites went on to union (96% union rate) at a mean time of 11 weeks (as assessed by a CT scan) [ankle joint at 10 weeks; subtalar joint at 12.3 weeks; talonavicular joint at 12.7 weeks and calcaneocuboid joint at 10.9 weeks]. Different union times between ankle, subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joint were not significant (p = 0.2571, Kruskal-Wallis Test Nonparametric ANOVA). All sites: [No graft] vs. [Autograft] vs. [Allograft]: p = 0.2421 (Kruskal-Wallis Test Nonparametric ANOVA), were not statistically significant. Complications included nonunion in 5 of 112 joints in 3 patients (4% joint nonunion rate; 4% patient nonunion rate) [subtalar joint, n = 2; talonavicular joint, n = 1; and calcaneocuboid joint, n = 1]. Two patients had wound complications and one other patient had a deep infection; all were successfully treated with local wound care, negative-pressure dressings and antibiotics. Conclusion: We believe rhBMP-2 is an effective adjunct for bone healing in patients who undergo high-risk ankle and hindfoot fusions. Low complication rates were observed in this study. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series

Missed and Associated Injuries after Subtalar Dislocation: The Role of CT

Subtalar joint dislocation (STJD) is an uncommon injury, but carries with it a potential for significant functional disability. We hypothesized that a significant number of injuries associated with subtalar joint dislocation may be unrecognized by plain radiographic examination. Therefore, we reviewed the records of all STJDs over a three-year period, identifying nine cases. The majority of injuries occurred in men (78%) with a mean age of 29 years. Overall, the mean age at injury was 32 years. The right lower extremity was most frequently injured (87.5%). Plain films initially diagnosed a STJ dislocation in all patients. A CT scan was performed in ail cases. In 100% of patients, CT identified additional injuries missed on initial plain radiographs. In 44% of patient, new information gathered by CT dictated a change in treatment. Based on our findings, we conclude that CT is an invaluable tool to assess for associated injuries in STJ dislocation, and should be performed in all cases of STJ dislocation.

Acute traumatic compartment syndrome of the foot in children.

Acute traumatic compartment syndrome of the foot is a sequelae of serious injury to the foot, which, if unrecognized, may result in significant motor and sensory deficits, pain, stiffness, and deformity. It is nearly always associated with fractures, dislocations, and crush injuries to the foot. Vascular injuries and coagulopathic states are also risk factors for the development of an acute foot compartment syndrome. In children, the presentation of an acute foot compartment syndrome may be masked by the pain and edema caused by associated fractures and dislocations. A high index of suspicion is warranted in children presenting with foot injuries that are associated with foot compartment syndrome. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome in the emergency room are paramount; the diagnosis is best confirmed by multiple compartment pressure readings. The urgency of diagnosis of a compartment syndrome must be underscored, as the complications of a missed foot compartment syndrome includes contractures, claw toe deformity, sensory loss, stiffness, and chronic pain. Prompt orthopaedic consultation is mandatory; urgent compartment fasciotomies are associated with a good clinical outcome.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Concentrate to Augment Bone Fusion

Within the foot and ankle literature, there exists only a handful of basic science and clinical articles reporting on the efficacy and clinical utility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This article discusses the concept and basic science of PRP, and clinical applications of PRP for the augmentation of bone healing in foot and ankle surgery. The authors also provide a classification system that assesses relative risks for poor bone healing and the need for orthobiologic augmentation.

Inferior vena cava filters prevent pulmonary emboli in patients with metastatic pathologic fractures of the lower extremity

The records of 47 consecutive patients with metastatic pathologic fractures of the lower extremity were analyzed with respect to thromboembolic complications. All patients were unable to receive pharmacologic deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and were stratified into two groups, based on use of an inferior vena cava filter. Group I (n = 24) consisted of patients who had an inferior vena cava filter plus mechanical deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis (compression stockings and sequential compression boots); Group II (n = 23) consisted of a group of patients receiving only mechanical deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. All patients had routine lower extremity venous duplex imaging preoperatively, postoperatively, and before hospital discharge. At final followup, patients were examined for deep venous thrombosis and reviewed for thromboembolic events. At a mean followup of 11.5 months, Group I had two detectable deep venous thromboses and no pulmonary emboli; Group II had one detectable deep venous thrombosis and five pulmonary embolisms. In Group II, 40% (two of five) of pulmonary embolisms were fatal, yielding an 8.7% (two of 23) group mortality rate. Overall, the entire group had an approximately 17% deep venous thrombosis rate. Only 6.4% (three of 47) of deep venous thromboses were detectable by standard duplex imaging. The majority of deep venous thromboses (five of eight, 62.5%) were nondetectable by duplex imaging. Overall, a 4.3% (two of 47) death rate was attributable to pulmonary embolism. In contrast, an 8.6% (four of 47) mortality rate occurred in Group II alone. All pulmonary embolisms occurred in patients who did not receive an inferior vena cava filter. The majority of venous thromboses (62.5%) were not detectable on duplex scanning, therefore were thought to arise from the pelvic venous system. Complications related to inferior vena cava filter insertion were minimal. For patients with metastatic pathologic fractures of the lower extremities who are unable to receive pharmacologic deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, the use of inferior vena cava filters, in conjunction with standard mechanical deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, is a procedure that has a low risk and is useful adjunct to prevent fatal pulmonary embolisms.

The Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa (SIS) Patch in Foot and Ankle Reconstruction

We undertook a retrospective cohort study of 54 patients who underwent foot and ankle soft tissue reconstructive surgery augmented with a porcine small intestinal submucosal (SIS) patch. The mean patient age was 44 (range 17 to 68) years, there were 21 (38.89%) males in the cohort, and the mean follow-up duration was 1080 (range 365 to 1943) days. Clinical outcomes were considered excellent in 46 (85.19%) patients, good/fair in 3 (5.56%) patients, and poor in 5 (9.26%) patients; and no adverse events attributable to the xenograft were observed. Direct SIS patch failure, resulting in stretching of the repair, re-tear, or tendon stenosis, occurred in 3 (5.56%) patients, and delayed incision healing occurred in 6 (11.11%) patients. Based on our observations, we concluded that the porcine SIS xenograft, when used to augment cellular and vascular in-growth, is a viable adjunct to musculoskeletal reconstructions of the foot and ankle.

Technique Tip: Limited Dual Incision Technique for Repair of Achilles Sleeve Avulsions

The Achilles sleeve avulsion consists of tendon avulsed from the posterior calcaneus as a continuous sleeve, without avulsion of a bony element.1,2 The tissue remaining to the calcaneus is represented by a small tuft that does not provide enough tissue for a direct repair of the Achilles tendon to the donor site. Proximally displaced calcifications within the Achilles insertion may be a radiographic clue to the presence of the Achilles sleeve avulsion. An MRI confirms the presence of a sleeve avulsion (Fig. 1). Achilles sleeve avulsions are often associated with a large posterior-superior calcaneal prominence and premonitory insertional Achilles tendon pain. An operative technique has been previously described utilizing an extensile approach which facilitates repair by capturing the Achilles tendon with suture, resecting the posterior-superior calcaneal prominence, and securing the tendon to the posterior surface of the calcaneus via a transcalcaneal suture technique.1,2 This repair technique has been shown to provide a reliable, durable repair, with excellent clinical results, even in highdemand patients. In our earlier report, we utilized a standard incision approach for suture capture and mobilization of the Achilles tendon. In many patients, such as those with suboptimal skin conditions, marginal circulation, complicating medical comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, steroid use) in whom wound healing is potentially impaired, it is prudent to limit the length of the skin incision(s), provided that such an approach does not restrict the technical goals of the operation.

Lower Extremity Limb Salvage After Trauma: Versatility of the Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap.

Objectives: To compare the outcomes and complications of the anterolateral thigh free flap (ALT FF) versus other free muscle flaps for reconstruction of traumatic defects of the lower extremity. Design: Retrospective review from a single plastic and reconstructive surgical unit comparing outcomes between 2 free flap groups—ALT FF and other commonly used muscle free flaps. Setting: Tertiary referral University Hospital Level I Trauma Center. Patients: Hundred patients who underwent lower extremity salvage for traumatic injuries. Intervention: Free flap coverage of traumatic lower extremity injuries. Main Outcomes Measurements: Successful for limb salvage, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Data Synthesis: Categorical variables were analyzed using &khgr;2 and Fisher exact tests; continuous variables were examined using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Conclusions: The ALT FF is equivalent in success to other traditional nonfasciocutaneous free flaps but may provide a more durable supple coverage with all components of the native soft-tissue envelop that can be tailored to the reconstructive needs of the traumatized lower extremity. Limb salvage outcomes may still be heavily influenced by the original severity of injury. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Plantar Heel Reconstruction with a Sensate Plantar Medial Artery Musculocutaneous Pedicled Island Flap after Wide Excision of Melanoma

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the plantar heel pad presents a surgical challenge that requires replacing the lost tissue with another tissue having similarly unique physical characteristics. This case report describes a reconstruction of the plantar heel pad after wide excision of a heel melanoma, using a sensate plantar medial artery musculocutaneous pedicled island flap.