Initial Experience of NIR-II Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Surgery in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Optical imaging in the second near-infrared(NIR-II;900-1880 nm)window is currently a popular research topic in the field of biomedical imaging.This study aimed to explore the application value of NIR-II fluorescence imaging in foot and ankle surgeries.A lab-established NIR-II fluorescence surgical navigation system was developed and used to navigate foot and ankle surgeries which enabled obtaining more high-spatial-frequency information and a higher signal-to-background ratio(SBR)in NIR-II fluorescence images compared to NIR-I fluorescence images;our result demonstrates that NIR-II imaging could provide higher-contrast and larger-depth images to surgeons.Three types of clinical application scenarios(diabetic foot,calcaneal fracture,and lower extremity trauma)were included in this study.Using the NIR-II fluorescence imaging technique,we observed the ischemic region in the diabetic foot before morphological alterations,accurately determined the boundary of the ischemic region in the surgical incision,and fully assessed the blood supply condition of the flap.NIR-II fluorescence imaging can help surgeons precisely judge surgical margins,detect ischemic lesions early,and dynamically trace the perfusion process.We believe that portable and reliable NIR-II fluorescence imaging equipment and additional functional fluorescent probes can play crucial roles in precision surgery.

Foot and ankle surgery:Tourniquet placement site to cause as little postoperative pain as possible

There is controversy in the literature on where to place the tourniquet(thigh,calf,ankle)for foot and ankle surgery.While some authors prefer the ankle tourniquet to the calf tourniquet,others state that the surgeon can decide between using the thigh tourniquet or the ankle tourniquet,since there was no difference in postoperative pain between them.Where to place the tourniquet during foot and ankle surgery to cause the least possible postoperative pain to the patient as a result of the tourniquet is a common question in clinical practice.The reality is that,unfortunately,there is no consensus on this issue.Perhaps the only possible way to answer this question would be to conduct a comparative study with sufficient statistical power to reach scientifically sound conclusions.It does not seem easy to carry out such a study,but it would be important to be able to answer the question posed in the title of this Editorial once and for all.

Football injuries of the ankle: A review of injury mechanisms, diagnosis and management

Football is the most popular sport worldwide and is associated with a high injury rate, most of which are the result of trauma from player contact. Ankle injuries are among the most commonly diagnosed injuries in the game. The result is reduced physical activity and endurance levels, lost game time, and considerable medical cost. Sports medicine professionals must employ the correct diagnostic tools and effective treatments and rehabilitation protocols to minimize the impact of these injuries on the player. This review examines the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative rehabilitation for common football injuries of the ankle based on the clinical evidence provided in the current literature.

Acute syndesmotic injuries in ankle fractures:From diagnosis to treatment and current concepts

A stable and precise articulation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis maintains the tibiofibular relationship,and it is essential for normal motion of the ankle joint.The disruption of this joint is frequently accompanied by rotational ankle fracture,such as pronation-external rotation,and rarely occurs without ankle fracture.The diagnosis is not simple,and ideal management of the various presentations of syndesmotic injury remains controversial to this day.Anatomical restoration and stabilization of the disrupted tibiofibular syndesmosis is essential to improve functional outcomes.In such an injury,including inadequately treated,misdiagnosed and correctly diagnosed cases,a chronic pattern characterized by persistent ankle pain,function disability and early osteoarthritis can result.This paper reviews anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of this syndesmosis,the mechanism of its acute injury associated to fractures,radiological and arthroscopic diagnosis and surgical treatment.

What priorities should be considered for Iranian veterans with ankle-foot injuries？ A health needs assessment study, 25 years post-conflict

Despite the passage of time,a large number of veterans are still affected by injuries acquired during Iran-Iraq war.In addition to their primary injuries,the majority of veterans also experience difficulty with long-term,secondary effects.Studies have shown that the most common of these include a range of disabilities,pain,and dramatic decline in mental health and quality of life.Improving living conditions and providing rehabilitation services to veterans has always been a main priority of authorities.The goal of this study was to explain the methods and materials with which these priorities were explored.

Application Effect of Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation in the Treatment of Adolescent Ankle Sports Injuries

Objective:To analyze the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation in treating adolescent ankle sports injuries.Methods:From December 2020 to December 2022,adolescent patients with ankle joint sports injuries admitted to our hospital were selected as observation objects,and 67 patients were divided into a control group(n=33,routine rehabilitation treatment)and an experimental group(n=34,traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation treatment)according to the computer grouping method.Compare the treatment results.Results:(i)The treatment received in the experimental group had an efficacy of 94.11%,which was higher than that of the control group(75.75%),and statistical significance was established(P<0.05).(ii)Before treatment,there was no difference in ankle joint pain,ankle joint activity,and ankle joint function scores between the control group and the experimental group(P>0.05);after treatment,the ankle joint pain,ankle joint activity,and ankle joint function scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).(iii)The experimental group had higher scores on physiological function,physiological function,physical pain,general health status,energy,social function,emotional function,and mental health compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation is effective in treating ankle injuries caused by sports in adolescents and improve their quality of life.Therefore,it should be popularized.

Current and future surgery strategies for spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord trauma is a prominent cause of mortality and morbidity. In developed countries a spinal cord injury(SCI) occurs every 16 min. SCI occurs due to tissue destruction, primarily by mechanical and secondarily ischemic. Primary damage occurs at the time of the injury. It cannot be improved. Following the primary injury, secondary harm mechanisms gradually result in neuronal death. One of the prominent causesof secondary harm is energy deficit, emerging from ischemia, whose main cause in the early stage, is impaired perfusion. Due to the advanced techniques in spinal surgery, SCI is still challenging for surgeons. Spinal cord doesn't have a self-repair property. The main damage occurs at the time of the injury primarily by mechanical factors that cannot be improved. Secondarily mechanisms take part in the following sections. Spinal compression and neurological deficit are two major factors used to decide on surgery. According to advanced imaging techniques the classifications systems for spinal injury has been changed in time. Aim of the surgery is to decompress the spinal channel and to restore the spinal alinement and mobilize the patient as soon as possible. Use of neuroprotective agents as well as methods to achieve cell regeneration in addition to surgery would contribute to the solution.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries from biliary tract surgery

BACKGROUND:Cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed procedure in general surgery.However,bile duct injury is a rare but still one of the most common complications.These injuries sometimes present variably after primary surgery.Timely detection and appropriate management decrease the morbidity and mortality of the operation. METHODS:Five cases of iatrogenic bile duct injury(IBDI) were managed at the Department of Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital,Xi’an Jiaotong University.All the cases who underwent both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy had persistent injury to the biliary tract and were treated accordingly. RESULTS:Recovery of the patients was uneventful.All patients were followed-up at the surgical outpatient department for six months to three years.So far the patients have shown good recovery. CONCLUSIONS:In cases of IBDI it is necessary to perform the operation under the supervision of an experienced surgeon who is specialized in the repair of bile duct injuries,and it is also necessary to detect and treat the injury as soon as possible to obtain a satisfactory outcome.

Promoting axonal regeneration following nerve surgery： a perspective on ultrasound treatment for nerve injuries

Nerve injury is often associated with limited axonal regeneration and thus leads to delayed or incomplete axonal reinnervation.As a consequence of slow nerve regeneration,target muscle function is often insufficient and leads to a lifelong burden.Recently,the diagnosis of nerve injuries has been improved and likewise surgical reconstruction has undergone significant developments.However,the problem of slow nerve regeneration has not been solved.In a recent meta-analysis,we have shown that the application of low-intensity ultrasound promotes nerve regeneration experimentally and thereby can improve functional outcomes.Here we want to demonstrate the experimental effect of low intensity ultrasound on nerve regeneration,the current state of investigations and its possible future clinical applications.

Natural history of sensory nerve recovery after cutaneous nerve injury following foot and ankle surgery

Cutaneous nerve injury is the most common complication following foot and ankle surgery. However, clinical studies including long-term follow-up data after cutaneous nerve injury of the foot and ankle are lacking. In the current retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical data of 279 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery. Subjects who suffered from apparent paresthesia in the cutaneous sensory nerve area after surgery were included in the study. Pa- tients received oral vitamin B^2 and methylcobalamin. We examined final follow-up data of 17 patients, including seven with sural nerve injury, five with superficial peroneal nerve injury, and five with plantar medial cutaneous nerve injury. We assessed nerve sensory function using the Medical Research Council Scale. Follow-up immediately, at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 9 months, and 1 year after surgery demonstrated that sensory function was gradually restored in most patients within 6 months. However, recovery was slow at 9 months. There was no significant difference in sensory function between 9 months and 1 year after surgery. Painful neuromas occurred in four patients at 9 months to 1 year. The results demonstrated that the recovery of sensory func- tion in patients with various cutaneous nerve injuries after foot and ankle surgery required at least 6 months.

Chronic Ankle Instability: Therapeutic Exercise and Data Analysis

Background and Objectives: Ankle injuries are the most common type of injury in healthy active individuals. If not treated properly, recurrent sprains can lead to a condition of chronic ankle instability (CAI). The present paper examines some subjects with a previous history of acute inversion ankle sprain who have developed a subsequent condition of instability, grouping them according to inclusion criteria and analyzing them through four field tests considered objective by the scientific literature: SEBT test, BEES test, TIBT test, SHT test. The data obtained were stored in order to compare them following a re-education protocol aimed at improving proprioception, balance, walking and strengthening the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the foot. per year. The subjects were then divided into two categories: subjects with CAI > 1 year and subjects with CAI ≤ 1 year. A protocol lasting 6 weeks was administered to both groups, trying to work on improving balance in single stance, improving static and dynamic stability, strengthening the gluteus medius and maximus (pelvis stabilizers) and strengthening of the intrinsic muscles of the foot. At the end of the protocol the subjects were all re-evaluated with the same field tests used previously and the data obtained were compared both with the pre-protocol data and with the data measured by the control subjects.

Resection and reconstruction in high-grade pancreatic head injuries

This study by Chui et al adds further important evidence in the treatment of highgrade pancreatic injuries and endorses the concept of the model of pancreatic trauma care designed to optimize treatment,minimize morbidity and enhance survival in patients with complex pancreatic injuries.Although the authors have demonstrated favorable outcomes based on their limited experience of 5 patients who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD),including 2 patients who were“unstable”and did not have damage control surgery(DCS),we would caution against the general recommendations promoting index PD without DCS in“unstable”grade 5 pancreatic head injuries.

Academic productivity correlates with industry earnings in foot and ankle fellowship programs in the United States:A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND The study investigates the connection between academic productivity and industry earnings in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships.Utilizing metrics like the H-index and Open Payments Database(OPD)data,it addresses a gap in understanding the relationship between scholarly achievements and financial outcomes,providing a basis for further exploration in this specialized medical field.AIM To elucidate the trends between academic productivity and industry earnings across foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowship programs in the United States.METHODS This study is a retrospective analysis of the relationship between academic productivity and industry earnings of foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships at an individual faculty and fellowship level.Academic productivity was defined via H-index and recorded from the Scopus website.Industry earnings were recorded from the OPD.RESULTS Forty-eight foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships(100%of fellowships)in the United States with a combined total of 165 physicians(95.9%of physicians)were included.Mean individual physician(n=165)total life-time earnings reported on the OPD website was United States Dollar(USD)451430.30±1851084.89(range:USD 25.16-21269249.85;median:USD 27839.80).Mean physician(n=165)H-index as reported on Scopus is 14.24±12.39(range:0-63;median:11).There was a significant but weak correlation between individual physician H-index and individual physician total life-time earnings(P<0.001;Spearman’s rho=0.334)and a significant and moderate positive correlation between combined fellowship H-index and total life-time earnings per fellowship(P=0.004,Spearman’s rho=0.409).CONCLUSION There is a significant and positive correlation between academic productivity and industry earnings at foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships in the United States.This observation is true on an individual physician level as well as on a fellowship level.

Injuries Requiring Surgery in Folk Dancers： A Retrospective Cohort Study of 9 Years

Background： In this study, we examined professional folk dancer injuries which required surgery and if there are any associated factors like age, gender, dexterity, dance style and to evaluate the return to their full capacity. Materials and Methods： Seventy five members of the Fire of Anatolia dance group （mean age： 26.8 ± 5.2; 18-38 years） performers were evaluated. The dancers suffered 14 orthopedic injuries requiring surgery （3 meniscus tears, 2 anterior cruciate ligament tears one of which is with posterolateral corner tear, 1 posterior cruciate ligament tear, 1 patellar dislocation, 1 scaphoid fracture, 1 extensor tendon cut in hand, 1 infrapatellar bursitis, 2 Hoffa’s fat pad syndromes, 2 symptomatic medial plicaes） during a nine-year period. Follow-up time was 51 ± 41.9 （29.5-92） months. Results： Following surgeries, the dancers could restart rehearsals in 12.7 ± 9 （range： 4 to 36） weeks and perform live on the stage in 16.2 ± 12.2 （range： 5 to 52） weeks on average. Conclusion： Males were 8.64 times more likely to suffer an injury requiring surgery compared to the females （p = 0.003） and twelve （85.7%） of these injuries were lower extremity injuries and were all located in the knee in Anatolian folk dancers.

Management of syndesmotic injuries:What is the evidence?

Ankle fractures are accompanied by a syndesmotic injury in about 10% of operatively treated ankle fractures. Usually, the total rupture of the syndesmotic ligaments with an external rotation force is associated with a Weber type B or C fracture or a Maisonneuve fracture. The clinical assessment should consist of a comprehensive history including mechanism of injury followed by a specific physical examination. Radiographs, and if in doubt magnetic resonance imaging, are needed to ascertain the syndesmotic injury. In the case of operative treatment the method of fixation, the height and number of screws and the need for hardware removal are still under discussion. Furthermore, intraoperative assessment of the accuracy of reduction of the fibula in the incisura using fluoroscopy is difficult. A possible solution might be the assessment with intraoperative three-dimensional imaging. The aim of this article is to provide a current concepts review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of syndesmotic injuries.

Acute ankle sprain in athletes:Clinical aspects and algorithmic approach

Acute ankle sprain is the most common lower limb injury in athletes and accounts for 16%-40%of all sports-related injuries.It is especially common in basketball,American football,and soccer.The majority of sprains affect the lateral ligaments,particularly the anterior talofibular ligament.Despite its high prevalence,a high proportion of patients experience persistent residual symptoms and injury recurrence.A detailed history and proper physical examination are diagnostic cornerstones.Imaging is not indicated for the majority of ankle sprain cases and should be requested according to the Ottawa ankle rules.Several interventions have been recommended in the management of acute ankle sprains including rest,ice,compression,and elevation,analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications,bracing and immobilization,early weight-bearing and walking aids,foot orthoses,manual therapy,exercise therapy,electrophysical modalities and surgery(only in selected refractory cases).Among these interventions,exercise and bracing have been recommended with a higher level of evidence and should be incorporated in the rehabilitation process.An exercise program should be comprehensive and progressive including the range of motion,stretching,strengthening,neuromuscular,proprioceptive,and sport-specific exercises.Decision-making regarding return to the sport in athletes may be challenging and a sports physician should determine this based on the self-reported variables,manual tests for stability,and functional performance testing.There are some common myths and mistakes in the management of ankle sprains,which all clinicians should be aware of and avoid.These include excessive imaging,unwarranted non-weightbearing,unjustified immobilization,delay in functional movements,and inadequate rehabilitation.The application of an evidence-based algorithmic approach considering the individual characteristics is helpful and should be recommended.

Arthroscopic vs open ankle arthrodesis:A prospective case series with seven years follow-up

BACKGROUND The osteoarthritis of the ankle,although less common than other joints,is associated with severe functional limitation.Surgical options are ankle arthroscopic debridement,osteotomies,ankle arthrodesis and ankle arthroplasty.Ankle arthroplasty is increasingly used thanks to the new implants design,but ankle arthrodesis still represents the most used technique and it can be performed arthroscopically or with an open procedure.AIM To compare mid-term results of arthroscopic vs open ankle arthrodesis of patients affected by end-stage ankle arthritis.METHODS This study enrolled 23 patients,which underwent ankle arthrodesis.The patients were divided into 2 groups:group A(open procedure;n=11)and group B(arthroscopic procedure,n=12),the two groups were homogeneous with regard to age and body mass index(P=0.347).The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle score(AOFAS),Freiburg Ankle score(FAS)and visual analogue scale for pain intensity were evaluated preoperatively,at six months and at final follow-up of 7.6 years in group A and 7.3 years in group B(P=0.364).RESULTS Patients in the arthroscopic group showed better results at six-month follow-up compared to the open group at the AOFAS(group A,62.2;group B,78.5;P<0.05)and the FAS(group A,61.1;group B,70.3;P=0.015)scores.Pain relief was achieved in both groups at six-month follow-up(group A,1.4;group B,0.9;P=0.162).Both open and arthroscopic groups showed improved clinical outcomes from baseline to final follow-up(P>0.05).Hospital stay was shorter in group B than in group A(P=0.001).More complications were reported in the open group than in the arthroscopic group(P=0.459).CONCLUSION The arthroscopic and the open arthrodesis are valid and safe options for the treatment of ankle arthritis on the basis of clinical outcomes at 7 years follow-up.Moreover,the arthroscopic treatment shows faster improvement at six-month follow-up in comparison with the open group.

Implications of obesity in patients with foot and ankle pathology

Obesity is a growing problem defined as a body mass index of greater than 30 kg/m2.It is predicted that by 2030,48.9%of adults will be classified as obese which expands surgical risk factors to a broad population while increasing healthcare costs at the same time in different socioeconomic groups.This specific population has been widely studied in multiple surgical fields and published studies have shown the implications in each of these fields.The impact of obesity on orthopedic surgical outcomes has been previously reported in several total hip and knee arthroscopy studies,with evidence indicating that obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of post operative complications together with higher revision rates.In line with increasing interest on the impact of obesity in orthopedics,there has been a similar output of publications in the foot and ankle literature.This review article evaluates several foot and ankle pathologies,their risk factors associated with obesity and subsequent management.It provides an updated,comprehensive analysis of the effects of obesity on foot and ankle surgical outcomes,with the ultimate aim of educating both surgeons and allied health professionals about the risks,benefits,and modifiable factors of operating on obese patients.

A lateral ankle sprain during a lateral backward step in badminton:A case report of a televised injury incident

Background:This study presents a kinematic analysis of an acute lateral ankle sprain incurred during a televised badminton match.The kinematics of this injury were compared to those of 19 previously reported cases in the published literature.Methods:Four camera views of an acute lateral ankle sprain incurred during a televised badminton match were synchronized and rendered in3-dimensional animation software.A badminton court with known dimensions was built in a virtual environment,and a skeletal model scaled to the inj ured athlete’s height was used for skeletal matching.The ankle joint angle and angular velocity profiles of this acute injury were compared to the summarized findings from 19 previously reported cases in the published literature.Results:At foot strike,the ankle joint was 2° everted,33° plantarflexed,and 18° internally rotated.Maximum inversion of 114° and internal rotation of 69° was achieved at 0.24 s and 0.20 s after foot strike,respectively.After the foot strike,the ankle joint moved from an initial position of plantarflexion to dorsiflexion-from 33° plantarflexion to 53° dorsiflexion(range=86°).Maximum inversion,dorsiflexion,and internal rotation angular velocity were 1262°/s,961°/s,and 677°/s,respectively,at 0.12 s after foot strike.Conclusion:A forefoot landing posture with a plantarflexed and internally rotated ankle joint configuration could incite an acute lateral ankle sprain injury in badminton.Prevention of lateral ankle sprains in badminton should focus on the control and stability of the ankle joint angle during forefoot landings,especially when the athletes perform a combined lateral and backward step.

A 2-year follow-up survey of 523 cases with peripheral nerve injuries caused by the earthquake in Wenchuan, China

We performed a 2-year follow-up survey of 523 patients with peripheral nerve injuries caused by the earthquake in Wenchuan, Sichuan Province, China. Nerve injuries were classiifed into three types： type I injuries were nerve transection injuries, type II injuries were nerve compression injuries, and type III injuries displayed no direct neurological dysfunction due to trauma. In this study, 31 patients had type I injuries involving 41 nerves, 419 had type II injuries involving 823 nerves, and 73 had type III injuries involving 150 nerves. Twenty-two patients had open tran-section nerve injury. The restoration of peripheral nerve function after different treatments was evaluated. Surgical decompression favorably affected nerve recovery. Physiotherapy was effective for type I and type II nerve injuries, but not substantially for type III nerve injury. Pharmaco-therapy had little effect on type II or type III nerve injuries. Targeted decompression surgery and physiotherapy contributed to the effective treatment of nerve transection and compression injuries. The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center score for nerve injury severity de-clined with increasing duration of being trapped. In the ifrst year after treatment, the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center score for grades 3 to 5 nerve injury increased by 28.2% to 81.8%. If scores were still poor （0 or 1） after a 1-year period of treatment, further treatment was not effective.