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.

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.

Post-traumatic heterotopic ossification in front of the ankle joint for 23 years:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Heterotopic ossification(HO)refers to the formation of new bone in non-skeletal tissues such as muscles,tendons or other soft tissues.Severe muscle and soft tissue injury often lead to the formation of HO.However,anterior HO of the ankle is rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient with massive HO in front of the ankle joint for 23 years.In 1998,the patient was injured by a falling object on the right lower extremity,which gradually formed a massive heterotopic bone change in the right calf and dorsum of the foot.The patient did not develop gradual ankle function limitations until nearly 36 mo ago,and underwent resection of HO.Even after 23 years and resection of HO,the ankle joint was still able to move.CONCLUSION It is recommended that the orthopedist should be aware of HO and distinguish it from bone tumor.

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.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE PLUS POINT-PENETRATION FOR CHRONIC ANKLE JOINT SPRAIN

Objective: To observe clinical therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture plus point-penetration for chronic ankle joint sprain. Methods: 76 patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=43) and control group (n=33).In teatment group, penetration needling from Qiuxu (丘墟 GB 40) to Zhaohai (照海 KI 6) was performed, combined with electrical stimulation for 30 min. Patients of control group were ordered to take Antinfan (50 mg,b.i.d.),supplemented with local external application of Votalin cream (b.i.d.).After 14 treatments (two courses), the therapeutic effect was assessed. Results: Following two courses of treatment, of the 43 cases and 33 cases in treatment and control groups,33 (76.7%) and 15 (45.5%) were cured, 4 (9.3%) and 7 (21.2%) had marked improvement in their symptoms, 3 (7.0%) and 2 (6.1%) had improvement, and 3 (7.0%) and 9(27.3%) failed, with the effective rates being 93.0% and 72.7% respectively. The therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to that of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Penetrative needling plus EA is significantly superior to medication in relieving chronic ankle spain patient’s clinical symptoms and signs.

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.

RESEARCH ON THE BIOMECHANICS OF ANKLE JOINT AFTER PARTIAL FIBULAECTOMY

patients undergoing upper-medial partial fibulaectomy were followed up for 1￣ 8 years.Clinical functions of bilateral ankle joints and plantor arches were evaluated and X-ray examination was carried out in these patients.Moving range and myodynamia of active muscle in bilateral ankle joints were evaluated by ankle joint function-evaluating instrument designed by the authors themselves and compared.The data from the examination demonstrated that partial fibulaectomy on the upper and middle part had no influence on the function of ankle joint.The authors suggest that it would be an applicable approach to take fibula as donor.

The Human Ankle-Foot Complex as a Multi-Configurable Mechanism during the Stance Phase of Walking

The objective of this study is to investigate the biomechanical functions of the human ankle-toot complex during the stancephase of walking. The three-dimensional (3D) gait measurement was conducted by using a 3D infrared multi-camera system anda force plate array to record the Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) and segmental motions simultaneously. The ankle-foot complexwas modelled as a four-segment system, connected by three joints: talocrural joint, sub-talar joint and metatarsophalangeal joint.The subject-specific joint orientations and locations were determined using a functional joint method based on the particleswarm optimisation algorithm. The GRF moment arms and joint moments acting around the talocrural and sub-talar joints werecalculated over the entire stance phase. The estimated talocrural and sub-talar joint locations show noticeable obliquity. Thekinematic and kinetic results strongly suggest that the human ankle-foot complex works as a mechanical mechanism with twodifferent configurations in stance phase of walking. These lead to a significant decrease in the GRF moment arms therebyincreasing the effective mechanical advantages of the ankle plantarflexor muscles. This reconfigurable mechanism enhancesmuscle effectiveness during locomotion by modulating the gear ratio of the ankle plantarflexor muscles in stance. This studyalso reveals many factors may contribute to the locomotor function of the human ankle-foot complex, which include not only itsre-configurable structure, but also its obliquely arranged joints, the characteristic heel-to-toe Centre of Pressure (COP) motionand also the medially acting GRF pattern. Although the human ankle-foot structure is immensely complex, it seems that itsconfiguration and each constitutive component are well tuned to maximise locomotor efficiency and also to minimise risk ofinjury. This result would advance our understanding of the locomotor function of the ankle-foot complex, and also the intrinsicdesign of the ankle-foot musculoskeletal structure. Moreover, this may also provide implications for the design of bionicprosthetic devices and the development of humanoid robots.

Chronic ankle instability is associated with proprioception deficits:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Acute ankle injury causes damage to joint mechanoreceptors and deafferentation and contributes to proprioception deficits in patients with chronic ankle instability(CAI).We aimed to explore whether deficits of proprioception,including kinesthesia and joint position sense(JPS),exist in patients with CAI when compared with the uninjured contralateral side and healthy people.We hypothesized that proprioception deficits did exist in patients with CAI and that the deficits varied by test methodologies.Methods:The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis.We identified studies that compared kinesthesia or JPS in patients with CAI with the uninjured contralateral side or with healthy controls.Meta-analyses were conducted for the studies with similar test procedures,and narrative syntheses were undertaken for the rest.Results:A total of 7731 studies were identified,of which 30 were included for review.A total of 21 studies were eligible for meta-analysis.Compared with the contralateral side,patients with CAI had ankle kinesthesia deficits in inversion and plantarflexion,with a standardized mean difference(SMD)of 0.41 and 0.92,respectively,and active and passive JPS deficits in inversion(SMD=0.92 and 0.72,respectively).Compared with healthy people,patients with CAI had ankle kinesthesia deficits in inversion and eversion(SMD=0.64 and 0.76,respectively),and active JPS deficits in inversion and eversion(SMD=1.00 and 4.82,respectively).Proprioception deficits in the knee and shoulder of patients with CAI were not statistically significant.Conclusion:Proprioception,including both kinesthesia and JPS,of the injured ankle of patients with CAI was impaired,compared with the uninjured contralateral limbs and healthy people.Proprioception varied depending on different movement directions and test methodologies.The use of more detailed measurements of proprioception and interventions for restoring the deficits are recommended in the clinical management of CAI.

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.

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.

Corticospinal activity during a single-leg stance in people with chronic ankle instability

Purpose:The aim of the study was to determine whether corticospinal excitability and inhibition of the tibialis anterior during single-leg standing differs among individuals with chronic ankle instability(CAI),lateral ankle sprain copers,and healthy controls.Methods:Twenty-three participants with CAI,23 lateral ankle sprain copers,and 24 healthy control participants volunteered.Active motor threshold(AMT),normalized motor-evoked potential(MEP),and cortical silent period(CSP)were evaluated by transcranial magnetic stimulation while participants performed a single-leg standing task.Results:Participants with CAI had significantly longer CSP at 100%of AMT and lower normalized MEP at 120%of AMT compared to lateral ankle sprain copers(CSP100%:p=0.003;MEP120%:p=0.044)and controls(CSP100%:p=0.041;MEP120%:p=0.006).Conclusion:This investigation demonstrate altered corticospinal excitability and inhibition of the tibialis anterior during single-leg standing in participants with CAI.Further research is needed to examine the effects of corticospinal maladaptations to motor control of the tibial anterior on postural control performance in those with CAI.

Neuropathic pain-like symptoms and pre-surgery radiographic severity contribute to patient satisfaction 4.8 years post-total joint replacement

AIM To investigate a comprehensive range of factors that contribute to long-term patient satisfaction post-total joint replacement(TJR) in people who had undergone knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis.METHODS Participants(n = 1151) were recruited from Nottinghamshire post-total hip or knee replacement. Questionnaire assessment included medication use, the pain-DETECT questionnaire(PDQ) to assess neuropathic pain-like symptoms(NP) and TJR satisfaction measured on average 4.8 years post-TJR. Individual factors were tested for an association with post-TJR satisfaction, before incorporating all factors into a full model. Data reduction was carried out using LASSO and receiveroperator characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was used to quantify the contribution of variables to post-TJR satisfaction.RESULTS After data reduction, the best fitting model for post-TJR satisfaction included various measures of pain, history of revision surgery, smoking, pre-surgical X-ray severity, WOMAC function scores and various comorbidities. ROC analysis of this model gave AUC = 0.83(95%CI: 0.80-0.85). PDQ scores were found to capture much of the variation in post-TJR satisfaction outcomes: AUC = 0.79(0.75-0.82). Pre-surgical radiographic severity was associated with higher post-TJR satisfaction: OR_(satisfied) = 2.06(95%CI: 1.15-3.69), P = 0.015.CONCLUSION These results highlight the importance of pre-surgical radiographic severity, post-TJR function, analgesic medication use and NP in terms of post-TJR satisfaction. The PDQ appears to be a useful tool in capturing factors that contribute to post-TJR satisfaction.

Distraction arthroplasty in osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis(PTOA)is a complex and painful problem in the foot and ankle.Ninety percent of osteoarthritis cases in the foot and ankle can be classified as post-traumatic.PTOA can affect any of the 33 joints in the foot and the ankle.Distraction arthroplasty is a method for treatment of early arthritic joints without fusing or replacing them and its effectiveness has been well documented.The purpose of this case series is to present our successful experiences and positive results using distraction arthroplasty to treat PTOA in the ankle,subtalar,first metatarsophalangeal,and second tarsometatarsal joints,and to present distraction arthroplasty as a viable alternative to invasive joint sacrificing procedures such as arthrodesis or arthroplasty.Distraction Arthroplasty effectively and safely treats PTOA and improves the stability of joints in the Foot and Ankle.Additionally,the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate as an adjuvant can improve the long-term functional and structural outcomes of the joint,and can prolong the need for further,more aggressive surgical interventions such as fusion or arthroplasty.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Five-element Music Combined with Acupoint Application on Perioperative Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Joint Replacement Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) five-element music combined with acupoint application on perioperative sleep quality in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery. METHODS: In this study, a total of 122 patients with joint replacement surgery in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were targeted from 2015 to 2018. All patients were grouped by random number table method. Among them, 61 patients with routine nursing were included in the control group. On this basis, the other 61 patients with acupoint application and TCM five-element music therapy were included as the observation group. 2 weeks later, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality in all patients. The sleep improvement of the 2 groups was evaluated, and the patient was assessed for anxiety and depression, and the curative efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of nursing, the PSQI of the patients improved significantly. The PSQI of the observation group was only 6.6 ± 2.4, and the control group decreased to 9.9 ± 2.7. The observation group was better than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P < 0.05). Comparing the 2 groups, the anxiety score of the observation group decreased to 4.8 ± 1.6, which was significantly lower than that of 6.9 ± 2.2 in the control group. The depression score of the observation group decreased to 4.6 ± 1.3, which was significantly lower than that of 6.8 ± 2.3 in the control group. In the control group, the negative emotion scores after nursing were better than those before nursing, and the difference was statistically significant(P < 0.05). Comparing the 2 groups, the effective rate of sleep improvement in the observation group was 96.6%, and the cure rate was as high as 49.1%. The control group was 82.0%, and the cure rate was 18.0%. The observation group was better than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of TCM five-element music with acupoint application can improve the perioperative sleep quality of patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, and it can help patients to relieve negative emotions. It is worth promoting.

Observation on clinical application effect of ankle rehabilitation robot

Objective:The effect of ankle rehabilitation robot on joint movement of hemiplegic patients was studied and quantitatively evaluated.Methods 90 hemiplegic patients with lower limb dysfunction treated in our hospital from April 2017 to March 2019 were selected as subjects.The patients were randomly divided into two groups:control group(n=45)and observation group(n=45).The patients in the two groups received language training,physiotherapy,exercise therapy,spa,occupational therapy,massage and other comprehensive rehabilitation treatment,on the basis of which the observation group received the auxiliary intervention of ankle rehabilitation robot.The soft tissue compliance of the patients was evaluated by ankle metatarsal flexion moment before and after treatment,the metatarsal flexor tension was evaluated by modified Tardieu scale,and the clinical effect was evaluated by ankle active ankle dorsiflexion.Results After treatment,the ankle flexion angles(0°,10°,20°,30°)in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Results compared with before treatment,the ankle flexion angles(0°,10°,20°,30°)in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the angle of R1 and R2 measured by modified Tardieu scale of ankle plantar flexor group increased significantly,and the difference of R2-R1 decreased significantly(P<0.05).The improvement degree of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the active ankle extension activity of the two groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the observation group(P<0.05).Conclusion Auxiliary intervention with ankle rehabilitation robot system can effectively improve the compliance of ankle soft tissue in spastic hemiplegia,reduce the contracture of metatarsal flexor muscle and improve the disturbance of joint movement in a short time.At the same time,the degree of coordination and acceptance of patients and their families is high,which is an effective means to improve the therapeutic effect.

Arthroscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery for Knee Joint Gouty Arthritis

Objective:To analyse the efficacy of arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery in patients with knee joint gouty arthritis.Methods:A retrospective analysis method was carried out on randomly selected 56 patients with knee gouty arthritis from early July 2018 to the end of June 2019.All patients underwent arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery.Results:In this study,the patients were followed for 10 months.The Lysholm score of knee function was found to be significantly higher after treatment compared to the scores before treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery is a promising method to treat for knee joint gouty arthritis.

Effect of orthognathic surgery on temporomandibular joint

AIM:To investigate the effect of temporomandibular joint position and remolding process and the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.METHODS:The standard Schuller’s position radiographs were used to examine the position temporomandibular joint form and condylar position change of 32 case after orthognathic surgery.Helkimo index was used to analyze the anamnestic and clinical data.RESULTS:Changes of condylar position had happened after the operation, but within one year the conlylar had resumed the same position as the preoperative.The change of temporomandibular joint symptoms and signs after orthognathic surgery was not significant.CONCLUSION:The effect of orthognathic surgery on the condylar position and TMJ form is not significant,and most of the changes are within the normal adaptability of temporomandibular joint.

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.