Stephen A. Brigido

Reconstruction of Complex Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Cylindrical Sponge Allograft and Particulate Juvenile Cartilage Graft Provisional Results With a Short-Term Follow-up

Osteochondral lesions of the talus can be a challenging injury to treat for even the most experienced foot and ankle surgeon. Although the advances in imaging have made the diagnosis of chondral lesions more accurate, surgeons are still struggling to find ways to reliably treat advanced lesions with subchondral bone damage. This article looks at the use of allograft bone and particulate juvenile cartilage in patients with advanced subchondral bone damage and osteochondral lesions of the talus. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case series

Use of an Acellular Flowable Dermal Replacement Scaffold on Lower Extremity Sinus Tract Wounds A Retrospective Series

A novel injectable human dermal matrix has been developed for the treatment of complex diabetic sinus tract wounds. Bioengineered grafts are commercially available that have been somewhat effective in treating chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers; however, these bioengineered grafts are only available in sheet form. These therapies are less effective in treating complex or irregularly shaped wounds that demonstrate tunnels or extensions into deep soft tissue. One acellular graft (GRAFTJACKET, Matrix, Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, Tennessee) that has been shown to effectively treat open wounds is also available in a micronized form (GRAFTJACKET Xpress Scaffold, Wright Medical Technology). This human dermal graft forms a flowable soft tissue scaffold that can be delivered via syringe into tunneling wounds. In this retrospective series, 12 patients with deep tunneling wounds were treated with GRAFTJACKET Xpress Scaffold and followed for 12 weeks. Complete wound healing was achieved in 10 of 12 patients within the 12-week evaluation. The average time to complete healing was 8.5 weeks, whereas the average time to depth healing was 7.8 weeks. The data from the study suggest that this injectable human dermal matrix has unique properties that allow it to facilitate healing of complex tunneling diabetic foot ulcers. The material is easy to prepare and inject into the wound, thereby preventing the necessity of extensive surgical exposure. The matrix supports neo-subcutaneous tissue formation and allows the body to rapidly repair these wounds.

Perioperative Complications of a Modular Stem Fixed-bearing Total Ankle Replacement with Intramedullary Guidance

Despite improved total ankle replacement outcomes, investigators have demonstrated that the incidence of complications after total ankle replacement is a function of the surgeons experience with the technique. We hypothesized that the use of an intramedullary guide during a modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement would decrease the incidence of perioperative complications and produce a similar incidence of complications across time. Because all patients were mobilized early, we also evaluated the influence of early mobilization on wound development. The medical records were reviewed to identify complications, and the radiographs were evaluated to determine the component alignment of the initial 58 consecutive ankles. Major wound complications were defined as complications requiring soft tissue coverage by a plastic surgeon. Minor wound complications were defined as those that could be treated without a return to the operating room. The procedures were separated into 2 groups: the initial 29 procedures (group A) and latter 29 procedures (group B). Eight ankles (14%) had wound complications. The incidence of complications was similar across time [r(s) (56) = -0.06, p = .64]. The incidence of complications and component misalignment was similar for groups A and B (p ≥ .19). All wounds were diagnosed within 15 days of surgery. None of the ankles developed wounds after physical therapy began. These results have demonstrated that the modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement with intramedullary guidance can produce a similar incidence of complications over time, regardless of surgeon experience. Additionally, early mobilization did not appear to influence the incidence of wound complications and should be advocated, when appropriate.

A Multicenter, Retrospective Study of Early Weightbearing for Modified Lapidus Arthrodesis

The modified Lapidus arthrodesis is a long-established surgical technique for management of hallux valgus that provides reproducible results and quality patient outcomes. The data from 367 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral modified Lapidus arthrodesis from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 at participating centers were retrospectively evaluated. The included patients were categorized into early weightbearing (≤ 21 days) and delayed weightbearing (> 21 days) groups. A total of 24 nonunions (6.5%) were identified, with 13 (7.1%) in the early weightbearing group and 11 (6.0%) in the delayed weightbearing group. To date, the present study is the largest multicenter investigation to evaluate early weightbearing after modified Lapidus arthrodesis and the only large study to directly compare early and delayed weightbearing. The findings of the present study have shown that early weightbearing for modified Lapidus arthrodesis does not increase the risk of nonunion when evaluating various fixation constructs.

Pinning across the Metatarsophalangeal Joint for Hammertoe Correction: Where Are We Aiming and What Is the Damage to the Metatarsal Articular Surface?

Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation across the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is commonly used in hammertoe repair surgery. The purpose of the present study was twofold: (1) to determine where the K-wire penetrates the metatarsal articular surface to achieve a rectus digit; and (2) to quantify the percentage of cartilage disruption to better understand the consequences of K-wire transfixation of the MTPJ. Arthrodesis was conducted on the second, third, and fourth proximal interphalangeal joints of 10 below-the-knee cadaver specimens, using a 1.6-mm K-wire. Digital alignment was confirmed with simulated weightbearing intraoperatively and radiographically. The K-wire was removed, and the MTPJ was dissected until the metatarsal head was fully exposed. The penetration point was plotted on a quadrant system with deviation noted from the epicenter. Center was defined as the point equidistant from the medial-to-lateral and superior-to-inferior edges on the distal surface of the metatarsal head, excluding the plantar condyles. Statistically significantly deviations were found in the K-wire placement from the center (35.9% ± 17.5%, p < .001), medial-to-lateral width (22.2% ± 19.2%, p < .001), and dorsal-to-plantar height (15.8% ± 25.0%, p = .002). Relative to the center, the K-wire was superior in 22 (79%), inferior in 6 (21%), medial in 22 (79%), and lateral in 6 (21%) of the cadaveric MTPJs. The mean percentage of disruption of the articular cartilage was 1.8% ± .4% and was similar for the second, third, and fourth MTPJs (p = .13) and for the left and right feet (p = .75). This information could be used to guide surgeons when they transfixate the MTPJ during hammertoe correction and might contribute to preservation of the articular cartilage.

Utilization of Silver Hydrogel Sheet Dressing on Postsurgical Incisions A Pilot Study in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Silver hydrogel dressings are antimicrobial, nonadherent, and have an absorptive capacity many times their weight. Fifty-nine (49.44 ± 16.85 years) foot and ankle patients with incisions >1 cm were prospectively enrolled to compare infection, scarring, and complication rates between the postoperative use of a silver hydrogel sheet (SHS) dressing and a standard petroleum-based (P) dressing. Overall, there were 5 (8.47%) infections; 4 (6.78%) superficial and 1 (1.69%) deep. The SHS group had 1 (3.45%) superficial infection, whereas the P group had 3 (10.00%) superficial infections and 1 (3.33%) deep infection. Infection incidence was similar for both groups (P = .37). However, in the P group, 3 (10.00%) patients developed wound dehiscence and 1 (1.69%) patient developed a fibrinous scab. Compared with SHS patients, the P patients had a greater incidence of incisional complications (1 [3.45%] vs 8 [26.67%], respectively; P = .03). The percent change in scar length was greater in the SHS group (18.04 ± 41.10%) when compared with the P group (2.00 ± 9.93%; P < .001) while the percent change in scar width was similar in the 2 groups (P = .19). The lower incidence of incisional complications and the greater reduction in scar length suggest that the inherent properties of the silver hydrogel dressing aid in postsurgical healing. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level II: Prospective comparative trial, pilot study

A retrospective analysis evaluating allogeneic cancellous bone sponge for foot and ankle arthrodesis.

The present retrospective case crossover study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety data associated with the use of an allogeneic, cancellous bone sponge in an orthopedic foot and ankle population. We reviewed the medical records of 47 subjects (80 joints) who had undergone foot and/or ankle fusion with the cancellous bone sponge. The records were reviewed up to 12 months postoperatively. The joints included in the present study were 12 ankles, 3 ankle syndesmotic fusions (with concurrent total ankle arthroplasty), 17 subtalar joints, 17 talonavicular joints, 9 calcaneocubiod joints, 1 naviculocuneiform joint, 13 first tarsometatarsal joints, 6 lesser tarsometatarsal joints, and 2 first metatarsophalangeal joints. The endpoints of the present study were solid, sustained foot and ankle fusion, as demonstrated radiographically, and the occurrence of unexpected adverse effects related to the graft. The fusion rates were compared with those reported in other studies. The patient-reported outcome variables for the present study included the visual analog pain scale and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score. The use of a cancellous sponge showed statistically significant improvements in pain and function and comparable or better fusion rates compared with outcomes reported in other published reports.

Evaluating Component Migration After Modular Stem Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement

To date, no studies have evaluated implant migration after implantation of a modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement. The purpose of the present report was to determine the inter-rater and intrarater reliability of our proposed measurement technique and to assess implant migration over time. Twenty consecutive patients (aged 59.3 ± 12.2 years) who had undergone implantation with this modern, third-generation prosthetic were included. To assess implant migration, measurements were made from non-weightbearing, postoperative radiographs immediately after surgery and again at 1 year and 2 years. Implant migration was defined as a change in implant location from the immediate postoperative radiograph. The proposed measurement technique appears to be a reliable method of assessing implant migration, evidenced by the high inter-rater reliability and intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation [2,1] 0.993 and intraclass correlation [1,1] 0.997, respectively). The mean implant migration was 0.7 mm at 1 year and 1.0 mm at 2 years. Time (r = 0.42) and gender (r = 0.31) were significant predictors of implant migration (R(2) = 0.27, p = .008). Therefore, we confirmed our hypothesis that implant migration would significantly increase over time and discovered that implant migration was greater in males (1.2 ± 1.1 mm) than females (0.1 ± 0.8 mm). Given the gross stability of the implant and lack of revision within the follow-up period, the measurements obtained could serve as clinical guidelines for acceptable implant migration in the short term. To determine the thresholds correlated with implant failure, future studies with long-term follow-up are warranted.

Modular Stem Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement: Prospective Results of 23 Consecutive Cases with 3-Year Follow-up

In the present report, the 3-year outcomes of 23 consecutive patients treated with a modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement are described. Pain, functional impairment, and disability were assessed annually using a visual analog scale. Complications and additional procedures also were recorded. Compared with preoperative pain (8.4 ± 1.4), functional impairment (8.7 ± 2.3), and disability (3.0 ± 2.5), there were statistically significant postoperative improvements at 1 year (pain, 2.6 ± 1.6; functional impairment, 3.1 ± 2.1; disability, 0.9 ± 1.2), 2 years (pain, 1.5 ± 1.3; functional impairment, 1.9 ± 1.4; disability, 0.6 ± 1.4), and 3 years (pain, 1.3 ± 1.3; functional impairment, 1.9 ± 1.9; disability, 0.4 ± 0.9; p ≤ .001). Pain, function, and disability significantly improved postoperatively from 1 to 2 years (p ≤ .008) and from 1 to 3 years (p ≤ .008). The reductions in pain, functional impairment, and disability were maintained from 2 to 3 years (p ≥ .08). Nine complications (39.1%) were encountered: 1 deep infection, 2 pulmonary embolisms, 3 wounds, 1 ectopic bone formation, 1 stiff joint, and 1 talar subsidence. In the 3-year follow-up period, 3 patients (13.0%) required additional procedures after the immediate postoperative phase. Our results have demonstrated that modular stem fixed-bearing prostheses can be implanted in a predictable and consistent fashion with resultant improvements in pain, function, and disability. Future studies evaluating the clinical outcomes after modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement are warranted.

Comparing tendinous and ligamentous ankle pathology in atraumatic overweight and nonoverweight patients: a comprehensive MRI review.

With the increased prevalence of obesity, there has been a parallel rise in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on pathology of the hindfoot and ankle is scarcely understood. The purpose of the present report was to compare the number of tendinous and ligamentous pathologies within the hindfoot and ankle between overweight (BMI ≥ 25.00 kg/m2) and nonoverweight (BMI < 25.00 kg/m2) atraumatic patients. We hypothesized that overweight patients would demonstrate more tendinous and ligamentous pathologies compared with their nonoverweight counterparts. Five hundred consecutive magnetic resonance images were reviewed. One hundred eight patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-six patients were overweight and 42 patients were nonoverweight. Ninety-eight percent of overweight patients demonstrated pathology of a tendinous or ligamentous nature, whereas 62% of nonoverweight patients demonstrated pathology of a tendinous or ligamentous nature. Thus, the prevalence of pathology was 1.59 times higher among overweight patients compared with nonoverweight patients. Moreover, controlling for age, overweight patients demonstrated approximately twice as many tendinous and ligamentous pathologies compared with nonoverweight patients (adjusted mean ± SD = 4.44 ± 2.14 vs 1.98 ± 2.07, respectively), which was statistically significantly different (P < .001). To definitively assess causation and the clinical evolution of hindfoot and ankle pathology, prospective, longitudinal cohort studies are warranted. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level III: Case series