Jae Wan Suh

Generalized Ligamentous Laxity Is an Independent Predictor of Poor Outcomes After the Modified Broström Procedure for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Background: The modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) has presented outstanding clinical results. However, after the procedure, some patients with generalized ligamentous laxity have experienced a recurrence of ankle instability. Purpose: To understand the effect of generalized ligamentous laxity on prognosis and risk of recurrence in a cohort of patients with CLAI after the modified Broström procedure. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 199 ankles from 188 patients underwent the modified Broström procedure for CLAI with a mean follow-up of 60.1 months (range, 48-108 months). Generalized ligamentous laxity was assessed in all patients. The Karlsson-Peterson ankle score (Karlsson score), talar tilt angle, and anterior displacement of the talus were used to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes. Risk factors associated with clinical outcomes were evaluated using bivariate analysis and logistic regression analysis. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Generalized ligamentous laxity was evident in 42 cases (21.1%). The average Karlsson score improved from 54.6 ± 7.1 preoperatively to 87.9 ± 7.2 at last follow-up (P < .001). The presence of generalized ligamentous laxity was significantly associated with poor clinical and radiological outcomes. The rates of clinical failure were 10.8% and 45.2% in the nonlaxity group and the laxity group, respectively (P < .001). According to bivariate analysis, generalized ligamentous laxity, syndesmosis widening, osteochondral lesion of the talus, high preoperative talar tilt angle (>15°), and high preoperative anterior displacement of the talus (>10 mm) were significantly associated with clinical failure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that generalized ligamentous laxity was the most important independent predictor of clinical failure after the modified Broström procedure. The cumulative success rates for the nonlaxity group were significantly superior to those for the laxity group in Kaplan-Meier curves (P < .001). Conclusion: Generalized ligamentous laxity is an independent predictor of poor outcomes and a risk factor of recurrent instability following the modified Broström procedure for CLAI.

Inhibition of miR-449a Promotes Cartilage Regeneration and Prevents Progression of Osteoarthritis in In Vivo Rat Models

Traumatic and degenerative lesions of articular cartilage usually progress to osteoarthritis (OA), a leading cause of disability in humans. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and play important roles in the expression of genes related to OA. However, their functional roles in OA remain poorly understood. Here, we have examined miR-449a, which targets sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF-1), and observed its effects on damaged cartilage. The levels of chondrogenic markers and miR-449a target genes increased during chondrogenesis in anti-miR-449a-transfected hBMSCs. A locked nucleic acid (LNA)-anti-miR-449a increased cartilage regeneration and expression of type II collagen and aggrecan on the regenerated cartilage surface in acute defect and OA models. Furthermore, intra-articular injection of LNA-anti-miR-449a prevented disease progression in the OA model. Our study indicates that miR-449a may be a novel potential therapeutic target for age-related joint diseases like OA.

Posterior Fibular Groove Deepening Procedure With Low-Profile Screw Fixation of Fibrocartilaginous Flap for Chronic Peroneal Tendon Dislocation

ABSTRACT Chronic peroneal tendon dislocation is an uncommon disorder that frequently presents with concomitant pathology. Posterior fibular groove deepening and retinaculum repair have been increasing in popularity for treatment of peroneal tendon dislocations. The purpose of the present study was to introduce a posterior fibular groove deepening procedure using low‐profile snap‐off screws to securely and simply fix the fibrocartilaginous flap to facilitate faster rehabilitation and to assess the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic peroneal tendon dislocation and associated pathologic features. In the present retrospective case series, 34 ankles in 34 patients underwent the fibular groove deepening procedure using low‐profile screws with superior peroneal retinaculum repair. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle‐hindfoot scale and patient subjective satisfaction rate. The time of return to recreational and sports activities was also assessed. Weightbearing ankle radiographs were evaluated to assess the stability of the flap by checking the screws. The mean follow‐up period was 47.96 (range 12 to 142) months. The mean AOFAS scale score for all patients improved from 69.96 ± 13.14 to 87.72 ± 10.13 at the last follow‐up examination (p < .001). Overall, 85.3% of patients subjectively rated their operative outcomes as excellent or good. The 18 (52.9%) patients with an isolated peroneal tendon dislocation had a faster return to recreational or sports activities than the 16 (47.1%) patients with concomitant pathologic features (2.95 ± 0.19 versus 4.14 ± 1.34 months; p = .002). No patient experienced residual dislocation, screw loosening, or irritation from the screws. The fibular groove deepening procedure using low‐profile screws is be a simple procedure that offers rigid fixation. This leads to relatively fast rehabilitation and resumption of recreational or sports activities. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4

Collagen Dressing in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo- Controlled, Single-Center Study

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Ulcer healing in the diabetic patients is challenging due to a prolonged inflammatory response, extracellular matrix degradation irregularities, and increased bacteria presence. Collagen components are fundamental to the process of wound healing and skin formation. Recently, collagen-containing wound dressings, which create a biological scaffold matrix, have been used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). However, there is not enough evidence to support that 100% collagen dressing can replace the diabetic wound management. In this study, we examined the effectiveness and safety of a new collagen dressing material in the treatment of DFU. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center study conducted between November 2011 and September 2014. The inclusion criteria were type 1 or 2 diabetes, a ulcer size ≥ 1.0 cm2 that did not exhibit signs of healing for 6 weeks, Wagner grade 1 or 2, and palpable pulses at the ankle. The assessments of DFU included size, microbial culture study, detailed description of DFU, and clinical photos. Patients in the study group were treated with a collagen dressing material (100% porcine type I collagen) and foam dressing, while patients in the control group were treated with only foam dressing. Dressing changes had been performed two or three times per week. Complete ulcer healing rate was evaluated as a primary endpoint and ulcer size were compared between the two groups as a secondary endpoint. Results: Thirty patients were included in the final analysis (study group: 17 patients, control group: 13 patients). There were no significant differences between two groups regarding demographic factors and baseline DFU characteristics. The study group presented a higher rate of complete healing as compared to that in the control group [82.4% (14/17), 38.5% (5/13), respectively, P = 0.022]. At the last follow-up, ulcer sizes of the study group were smaller than those of the control group (P = 0.048). The Kaplan-Meier analysis for the complete ulcer healing also showed a significantly higher rate of complete healing in the study group (Hazard ratio = 3.0, log-rank P = 0.025). There were no adverse events related to the dressing materials. Conclusion: This study supports that the wound dressing using 100% collagen materials may offer a safe and effective treatment for DFU.

Hyaluronic Acid Dressing in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Center Study

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Fast and complete healing of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is challenging due to the hostile wound healing environment of the diabetic patients. As a part of a multimodal treatment approach, advanced dressing material using hyaluronic acid (HA) has been found to be effective. However, previous studies have used HA with additional biologics, which interferes in determining the true clinical effect of HA in DFU. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness and safety of a new HA dressing material in the treatment of DFU. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center study conducted between September 2012 and January 2014. The inclusion criteria were type 1 or 2 diabetes, a ulcer size ≥ 1.0 cm2 that did not exhibit signs of healing for 6 weeks, Wagner grade 1 or 2, and palpable pulses at the ankle. The assessments of DFU included size, microbial culture study, detailed description of the DFU, and clinical photos. Patients in the study group were treated with an HA dressing material (hyaluronic acid 80 ± 5% and poloxamer 10 ± 5%), while patients in the control group were treated with a conventional moisture- retentive dressing (petrolatum gauze). Weekly follow-up was conducted with the dressing change up to maximum 12 weeks. Complete ulcer healing rate was evaluated as a primary endpoint. Additionally, healing velocity and the mean duration for achieving a 50% ulcer size reduction was compared between the two groups as a secondary endpoint. Results: Twenty-five patients were included in the final analysis (study group: 13, control group: 12). There were no significant differences between two groups regarding demographic factors and baseline DFU characteristics. The study group presented a significantly higher complete healing rate as compared to that in the control group [84.6% (11/13), 41.6% (5/12), respectively, P = 0.041]. Faster ulcer healing velocity and shorter mean duration for achieving a 50% ulcer size reduction were observed in the study group (P = 0.022, P = 0.004, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier analysis for the median time for 50% ulcer healing rate also showed a significantly shorter duration in the study group (21 days vs 39 days, P = 0.012). There were no adverse events related to the dressing materials. Conclusion: This study supports that a HA dressing without additional substances may offer a safe and effective treatment for DFU.

Arthritis in the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint After Proximal Opening Wedge Osteotomy for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Over recent years, a proximal opening wedge osteotomy (POWO) using a novel low-profile plate have gained in popularity for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. However, the proximal opening wedge osteotomy was known to increase the length of the first metatarsal, resulting in tightening of the soft tissues around the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and predisposing to jamming of the joint and subsequent arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the arthritic change of first MTP joint after POWO using a low-profile plate for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 100 consecutive POWOs using a low-profile plate performed in 87 patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. After excluding 17 cases, 83 cases in 73 patients were included. For clinical assessment, VAS, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were obtained. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the relative first metatarsal length which is the first metatarsal length divided by the second metatarsal length and the first MTP joint radiographic arthritic grade by Coughlin and Shurnas were assessed on standard weight bearing radiographs of the foot for radiographic evaluation. Results: Mean follow-up period was 16.1 (12-45) months. The mean VAS, AOFAS score and most of FAOS subscales improved significantly. Significant corrections in the HVA and IMA were obtained and the mean increase in the relative first metatarsal length was 3.8% at last follow-up (P < 0.001). There were 15 (18.1%, 15/83) cases of the first MTP joint arthritis at last follow-up (Radiographic grade I: 5, II: 8, III: 2). Of 62 cases using a large wedge plate (≥5.0 mm), 12 (19.4%, 12/62) cases showed poorer outcomes and a significant progression of the arthritic grade at last follow-up (Fishers exact test, P=0.031) comparing to using a small wedge plate (< 5.0 mm) (Table 1). Conclusion: The POWO using a low-profile wedge plate is effective and reproducible technique for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. However, the exacerbation of preexisting first MTP joint arthritis and the subsequent arthritis can occur after POWOs using a large wedge plate (≥5.0 mm) at short to mid-term follow-up. Therefore, POWOs with a low-profile wedge plate should be used judiciously for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Hyaluronic Acid Injection After Failed Arthroscopic Microfracture in Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus: Preliminary, Short Term Results

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The optimal treatment for symptomatic osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) after failed arthroscopic microfracture has been a controversial issue. The use of viscosupplementation for treatment of OLT has been gradually increasing. The hyaluronic acid (HA) injection is believed to play an important role in reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of intra-articular HA injection for the patients with failed arthroscopic microfracture in OLT. Methods: This study included 12 patients who received three weekly injections of intra-articular HA after arthroscopic microfracture for OLT between October 2014 and October 2015. Five men and seven women were included in this study. The average age at the time of injection was 41 years (range, 19-63 years). All patients had recurrent pain for at least 6 months after the index surgery. The patients were followed for 6.1 months (range: 5.0-7.0). At each visit, the efficacy of HA injection was evaluated by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) pain subscale. In addition, subjective satisfactions were assessed by the Alexander scale. Results: The mean period from the arthroscopic microfracture to the intra-articular HA injection was 26.5 months (range: 6.0- 87.0). Mean VAS decreased from 6.7 ± 1.1 at pre-injection to 2.4 ± 1.6 at post-injection six weeks (p < 0.001), 3.1 ± 1.5 at three months (p = 0.002) and 3.8 ± 2.3 at six months (p = 0.02). Mean AOFAS score improved from 61.0 ± 9.1 at pre-injection to 85.3 ± 11.3 at post-injection six weeks (p < 0.001), 82.9 ± 10.4 at three months (p < 0.001) and 80.4 ± 13.8 at six months (p = 0.001). Mean FAOS pain subscale also improved from 53.2 ± 4.2 at pre-injection to 71.1 ± 9.4 at post-injection six weeks (p < 0.001), 66.7 ± 7.2 at three months (p = 0.001) and 64.4 ± 9.5 at six months (p = 0.036). According to the Alexander scale, there were 58.3% (7/12) good, 25.0% (3/12) fair, and 16.7% (2/12) poor results at post-injection six months. There was no adverse effect. Conclusion: In this study, we found that the main improvement in clinical outcomes occurred during the first six weeks and significantly maintained until at least three or six months. We believe that the HA injection could be a useful treatment option after failed arthroscopic microfracture in OLT.

Treatment Outcomes of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Associated with Mild Cavovarus Deformity

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) has shown significant relationship with cavovarus deformity in prior studies. Isolated lateral ankle ligament reconstruction in patients who have CLAI with cavovarus deformity has been shown poor outcome if the deformity had not been corrected. Traditionally, cavovarus foot has been associated with neuromuscular conditions, however, nowadays it occurs in a less severe form even in the normal population. Mild cavovarus deformity is thought to be an anatomical risk factor for CLAI, but there are still debates on the correction of the mild deformity. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of the modified Broström operation (MBO)s with additional procedures for the CLAI with mild cavovarus deformity. Methods: We reviewed total 12 patients who underwent MBOs with additional procedures for CLAI with mild cavovarus deformity between August 2009 and September 2013. Patients were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the Karlsson-Peterson (KP) ankle score. The talar tilt angle and the anterior displacement of the talus on ankle stress radiographs and the first metatarsal- talus angle, the arch height between cuneiform and fifth metatarsal base and the calcaneal pitch angle on foot lateral standing radiographs were examined. Results: The mean follow-up period was 31.5 months. Calcaneal lateral closing wedge osteotomy was performed in 6 patients to correct fixed hindfoot varus, and first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy in 9 patients to correct remnant plantarflexion of the first ray. Three of 12 patients underwent both calcaneal and first metatarsal osteotomies. The mean VAS score decreased from 5.5 to 1.7 at last follow-up (p=0.002). The mean AOFAS score and the mean KP ankle score were significantly improved (61.0 to 85.3 (p< 0.001), 56.8 to 83.1 (p < 0.001)) and there was no recurrence of instability. Radiographically, the mean talar tilt angle and the anterior displacement of the talus were decreased (p=0.001, p=0.007), and the first metatarsal- talus angle and the arch height were decreased at last follow-up (p=0.001, p=0.003). Conclusion: Concomitant correction of mild cavovarus deformity with MBO for CLAI improves clinical outcomes and prevents recurrent instability. A comprehensive evaluation and cautious approach for deformity should be followed when treating patients with chronic ankle instability.