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.

Analysis of a passive ankle exoskeleton for reduction of metabolic costs during walking

Modern conflicts demand substantial physical and psychological exertion,often resulting in fatigue and diminished combat or operational readiness.Several exoskeletons have been developed recently to address these challenges,presenting various limitations that affect their operational or everyday usability.This article evaluates the performance of a dual-purpose passive ankle exoskeleton developed for the reduction of metabolic costs during walking,seeking to identify a force element that could be applied to the target population.Based on the 6-min walk test,twenty-nine subjects participated in the study using three different force elements.The results indicate that it is possible to reduce metabolic expenditure while using the developed exoskeleton.Additionally,the comfort and range of motion results verify the exoskeleton's suitability for use in uneven terrain and during extended periods.Nevertheless,the choice of the force element should be tailored to each user,and the control system should be adjustable to optimise the exoskeleton's performance.

Functional assessment and influencing factors after staged functional training in patients with ankle fractures

BACKGROUND The recovery of limb function after ankle fracture surgery is a gradual process.The main purpose of implementing early functional exercise,joint mobility,muscle contraction function,passive ankle flexion and extension exercises,or physical factor therapy techniques is to achieve the rapid recovery of normal physiological limb function.However,currently the most effective rehabilitation training method is staged limb functional exercise,which promotes rapid recovery of limb function while preventing adverse consequences caused by overwork or insufficient training.Staged limb functional exercise divides the rehabilitation process into multiple stages,each of which has specific training objectives and contents.This method helps patients gradually restore limb function.Nevertheless,some patients still exhibit poor limb function after standardized exercise.Therefore,a functional evaluation should be performed to analyze the impact of staged functional training after ankle fracture surgery.AIM To perform a functional evaluation and determine the influencing factors of staged functional training in patients with ankle fracture.METHODS A retrospective study enrolled 150 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ankle fracture from May 2020 to May 2022 at our hospital.Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed on general data,functional exercise compliance scale for orthopedic patients,Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS),American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score(AOFAS)Ankle-Hindfoot Score,and pain factors[serum bradykinin(BK),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)].RESULTS Based on the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale,the cases were divided into the excellent function(n=111)and ordinary function(n=39)groups.Univariate analysis revealed that monthly family income,education level,diabetes mellitus,functional exercise compliance scale of orthopedic patients score,SSRS,BK,PGE2,and 5-HT significantly influenced limb function after ankle fracture(P<0.05);Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the functional exercise compliance scale score,SSRS,BK,PGE2,and 5-HT were independent risk factors affecting functional performance after staged functional exercise(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Exercise compliance,SSRS,and pain level are the independent risk factors affecting functional performance after staged functional training following ankle surgery.Clinical nursing care after ankle surgery should include analgesic and health education measures to ensure optimal recovery of limb function.

Configuration and Kinematics of a 3-DOF Generalized Spherical Parallel Mechanism for Ankle Rehabilitation

The kinematic equivalent model of an existing ankle-rehabilitation robot is inconsistent with the anatomical structure of the human ankle,which influences the rehabilitation effect.Therefore,this study equates the human ankle to the UR model and proposes a novel three degrees of freedom(3-DOF)generalized spherical parallel mechanism for ankle rehabilitation.The parallel mechanism has two spherical centers corresponding to the rotation centers of tibiotalar and subtalar joints.Using screw theory,the mobility of the parallel mechanism,which meets the requirements of the human ankle,is analyzed.The inverse kinematics are presented,and singularities are identified based on the Jacobian matrix.The workspaces of the parallel mechanism are obtained through the search method and compared with the motion range of the human ankle,which shows that the parallel mechanism can meet the motion demand of ankle rehabilitation.Additionally,based on the motion-force transmissibility,the performance atlases are plotted in the parameter optimal design space,and the optimum parameter is obtained according to the demands of practical applications.The results show that the parallel mechanism can meet the motion requirements of ankle rehabilitation and has excellent kinematic performance in its rehabilitation range,which provides a theoretical basis for the prototype design and experimental verification.

Type Synthesis of Self-Alignment Parallel Ankle Rehabilitation Robot with Suitable Passive Degrees of Freedom

The current parallel ankle rehabilitation robot(ARR)suffers from the problem of difficult real-time alignment of the human-robot joint center of rotation,which may lead to secondary injuries to the patient.This study investigates type synthesis of a parallel self-alignment ankle rehabilitation robot(PSAARR)based on the kinematic characteristics of ankle joint rotation center drift from the perspective of introducing"suitable passive degrees of freedom(DOF)"with a suitable number and form.First,the self-alignment principle of parallel ARR was proposed by deriving conditions for transforming a human-robot closed chain(HRCC)formed by an ARR and human body into a kinematic suitable constrained system and introducing conditions of"decoupled"and"less limb".Second,the relationship between the self-alignment principle and actuation wrenches(twists)of PSAARR was analyzed with the velocity Jacobian matrix as a"bridge".Subsequently,the type synthesis conditions of PSAARR were proposed.Third,a PSAARR synthesis method was proposed based on the screw theory and type of PSAARR synthesis conducted.Finally,an HRCC kinematic model was established to verify the self-alignment capability of the PSAARR.In this study,93 types of PSAARR limb structures were synthesized and the self-alignment capability of a human-robot joint axis was verified through kinematic analysis,which provides a theoretical basis for the design of such an ARR.

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.

Exploring influences and risk of bias of studies on return to sport and work after lateral ankle sprain:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Lateral ankle sprains are the most common traumatic musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremity,with an incidence rate of 15%-20%.The high incidence and prevalence highlights the economic impact of this injury.Ankle sprains lead to a high socioeconomic burden due to the combination of the high injury incidence and high medical expenses.Up to 40%of patients who suffer from an ankle sprain develop chronic ankle instability.Chronic instability can lead to prolonged periods of pain,immobility and injury recurrence.Identification of factors that influence return to work(RTW)and return to sports(RTS)after a lateral ankle sprain(LAS)may help seriously reduce healthcare costs.AIM To explore which factors may potentially affect RTW and RTS after sustaining an LAS.METHODS EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant studies published until June 2023.Inclusion criteria were as follows:(1)Injury including LAS or chronic ankle instability;(2)Described any form of treatment;(3)Assessment of RTW or RTS;(4)Studies published in English;and(5)Study designs including randomized controlled clinical trials,clinical trials or cohort studies.Exclusion criteria were:(1)Studies involving children(age<16 year);or(2)Patients with concomitant ankle injury besides lateral ankle ligament damage.A quality assessment was performed for each of the included studies using established risk of bias tools.Additionally quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool in cases where outcomes were included in the quantitative analysis.A best evidence synthesis was performed in cases of qualitative outcome analysis.For all studied outcomes suitable for quantitative analysis a forest plot was created to calculate the effect on RTW and RTS.RESULTS A total of 8904 patients were included in 21 studies,10 randomized controlled trials,7 retrospective cohort studies and 4 prospective cohort studies.Fifteen studies were eligible for meta-analysis.The overall RTS rate ranged were 80%and 83%in the all treatments pool and surgical treatments pool,respectively.The pooled mean days to RTS ranged from 23-93 d.The overall RTW rate was 89%.The pooled mean time to RTW ranged from 5.8-8.1 d.For patients with chronic ankle instability,higher preoperative motivation was the sole factor significantly and independently(P=0.001)associated with the rate of and time to RTS following ligament repair or reconstruction.Higher body mass index was identified as a significant factor(P=0.04)linked to not resuming sports or returning at a lower level(median 24,range 20-37),compared to those who resumed at the same or higher level(median 23,range 17-38).Patients with a history of psychological illness or brain injury,experienced a delay in their rehabilitation process for sprains with fractures and unspecified sprains.The extent of the delayed rehabilitation was directly proportional to the increased likelihood of experiencing a recurrence of the ankle sprain and the number of ankle-related medical visits.We also observed that 10%of athletes who did return to sport after lateral ankle sprain without fractures described non-ankle-related reasons for not returning.CONCLUSION All treatments yielded comparable results,with each treatment potentially offering unique advantages or benefits.Preoperative motivation may influence rehabilitation after LAS.Grading which factor had a greater impact was not possible due to the lack of comparability among the included patients.

Risk factors for chronic ankle instability after first episode of lateral ankle sprain:A retrospective analysis of 362 cases

Background:Chronic ankle instability(CAI) is a common sequela following an acute lateral ankle sprain(LAS).To treat an acture LAS more effectively and efficiently,it is important to identify patients at substantial risk for developing CAI.This study identifies magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) manifestations for predicting CAI development after a first episode of LAS and explores appropriate clinical indications for ordering MRI scans for these patients.Methods:All patients with a first-episode LAS who received plain radiograph and MRI scanning within the first 2 weeks after LAS from December 1,2017 to December 1,2019 were identified.Data were collected using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool at final follow-up.Demographic and other related clinical variables,including age,sex,body mass index,and treatment were also recorded.Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed successively to identify risk factors for CAI after first-episode LAS.Results:A total 131 out of 362 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.0± 0.6 years(mean ± SD;2.0—4.1 years) developed CAI after first-episode LAS.According to multivariable regression,development of CAI after first-episode LAS was associated with 5 prognostic factors:age(odds ratio(OR)=0.96,95% confidence interval(95%CI):0.93-1.00,p=0.032);body mass index(OR=1.09,95%CI:1.02-1.17,p=0.009);posterior talofibular ligament injury(OR=2.17,95%CI:1.05-4.48,p=0.035);large bone marrow lesion of the talus(OR=2.69,95%CI:1.30-5.58,p=0.008),and Grade 2 effusion of the tibiotalar joint(OR=2.61,95%CI:1.39-4.89,p=0.003).When patients had at least 1 positive clinical finding in the 10-m walk test,anterior drawer test,or inversion tilt test,they had a 90.2% sensitivity and 77.4% specificity in terms of detecting at least 1 prognostic factor by MRI.Conclusion:MRI scanning is valuable in predicting CAI after first-episode LAS for those patients with at least 1 positive clinical finding in the10-m walk test,anterior drawer test,and inversion tilt test.Further prospective and large-scale studies are necessary for validation.

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.

Clinical value of ankle flexion and extension exercises combined with a psychological intervention in knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Considering the limited effectiveness of clinical interventions for knee osteoarthritis(KOA),it is necessary to continue to explore appropriate and effective treatment strategies to improve the condition of KOA patients.AIM To clarify the influence of ankle flexion and extension exercises combined with a psychological intervention on the psychological status and activities of daily living(ADLs)of patients with KOA.METHODS The research participants were 116 KOA patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between May 2019 and May 2022,including 54 patients receiving routine treatment,care and psychological intervention(control group)and 62 patients additionally treated with ankle flexion and extension exercises(research group).The two groups were comparatively analyzed in terms of psychological status(Self-rating Anxiety/Depression Scale,SDS/SAS),ADLs,knee joint function(Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale),pain(Visual Analog Scale,VAS),fatigue(Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory,MFI),and quality of life(QoL;Short-Form 36 Item Health Survey,SF-36).RESULTS After evaluation,it was found that the postinterventional SDS,SAS,VAS,and MFI scores in the research group were significantly reduced compared with the baseline(before the intervention)values and those of the control group,while the postinterventional Lysholm,ADL and SF-36 scores were markedly elevated.CONCLUSION Therefore,ankle flexion and extension exercises are highly effective in easing negative psychological status,enhancing ADLs,daily living ability,knee joint function and QoL,and relieving pain and fatigue in KOA patients,thus warranting clinical promotion.

Examining the intrinsic foot muscles'capacity to modulate plantar flexor gearing and ankle joint contributions to propulsion in vertical jumping

Background:During human locomotion,a sufficiently stiff foot allows the ankle plantar flexors to generate large propulsive powers.Increasing foot stiffness(e.g.,via a carbon plate)increases the ankle’s external moment arm in relation to the internal moment arm(i.e.,increasing gear ratio),reduces plantar flexor muscles’shortening velocity,and enhances muscle force production.In contrast,when activation of the foot’s intrinsic muscles is impaired,there is a reduction in foot and ankle work and metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness.We speculated that the reduced capacity to actively control metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness may impair the gearing function of the foot at the ankle.Methods:We used a tibial nerve block to examine the direct effects of the intrinsic foot muscles on ankle joint kinetics,in vivo medial gastrocnemius’musculotendinous dynamics,and ankle gear ratio on 14 participants during maximal vertical jumping.Results:Under the nerve block,the internal ankle plantar flexion moment decreased(p=0.004)alongside a reduction in external moment arm length(p=0.021)and ankle joint gear ratio(p=0.049)when compared to the non-blocked condition.Although medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit and fascicle velocity were not different between conditions,the Achilles tendon was shorter during propulsion in the nerve block condition(p<0.001).Conclusion:In addition to their known role of regulating the energetic function of the foot,our data indicate that the intrinsic foot muscles also act to optimize ankle joint torque production and leverage during the propulsion phase of vertical jumping.

Perceived barriers and facilitators of day-case surgery for major foot and ankle procedures?A cross-sectional survey of United Kingdom surgeons

BACKGROUND Advances in minimally invasive surgery and improved post-operative pain management make it possible to consider performing even major foot/ankle operations as day-case.This could have significant benefits for patients and the health service.However there are theoretical concerns about post-operative complications and patient satisfaction due to pain.AIM To scope the current practice of foot and ankle surgeons on day-case surgery for major foot and ankle procedures in the United Kingdom(UK).METHODS An online survey(19 questions)was sent to UK foot and ankle surgeons via the British Orthopaedic Foot&Ankle Society membership list in August 2021.Major foot and ankle procedures were defined as surgery that is usually performed as an inpatient in majority of centres and day-case as same day discharge,with day surgery as the intended treatment pathway.RESULTS 132 people responded to the survey invitation with 80%working in Acute NHS Trusts.Currently 45%of respondents perform less than 100 day-case surgeries per year for these procedures.78%felt that there was scope to perform more procedures as day-case at their centre.Post-operative pain(34%)and patient satisfaction(10%)was not highly measured within their centres.Lack of adequate physiotherapy input pre/post-operatively(23%)and lack of out of hours support(21%)were the top perceived barriers to performing more major foot and ankle procedures as day-case.CONCLUSION There is consensus among UK surgeons to do more major foot/ankle procedures as day-case.Out of hours support and physiotherapy input pre/post-op were perceived as the main barriers.Despite theoretical concerns about post-operative pain and satisfaction this was only measured by a third of those surveyed.There is a need for nationally agreed protocols to optimise the delivery of and measurement of outcomes in this type of surgery.At a local level,the provision of physiotherapy and out of hours support should be explored at sites where this is a perceived barrier.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-related diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance on small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms

This research aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)in the context of small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs).A total of 108 patients with rectal subepithelial lesions(SELs)with a diameter of<20 mm were included in the analysis.The diagnosis and depth assessment of EUS was compared to the histology findings.The prevalence of NENs in rectal SELs was 78.7%(85/108).The sensitivity of EUS in detecting rectal NENs was 98.9%(84/85),while the specificity was 52.2%(12/23).Overall,the diagnostic accuracy of EUS in identifying rectal NENs was 88.9%(96/108).The overall accuracy rate for EUS in assessing the depth of invasion in rectal NENs was 92.9%(78/84).Therefore,EUS demonstrates reasonable diagnostic accuracy in detecting small rectal NENs,with good sensitivity but inferior specificity.EUS may also assist physicians in assessing the depth of invasion in small rectal NENs before endoscopic excision.

Buechel-Pappas Total Ankle Replacement: Use of Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Meniscal Bearings over a 13 - 15 Year Interval

Background: The Buechel-Pappas (BP) meniscal bearing total ankle replace-ment was initially developed as a “shallow-sulcus” talar component device using cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, in 1978, and later, modified to a “deep-sulcus” talar component device using titanium nitride (TiN) ceramic and porous coating in 1989. Wear related osteolytic cysts were noted in the tibia and talus surrounding these devices that compromised long term fixation and stability when using standard ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPe) as a bearing material. This study explores the use of highly cross-linked UHMWPe (HXLPe) to minimize osteolysis by replacing standard UHMWPe with this more wear-resistant material. Methods: There were 12 primary and 8 revision total ankle replacements followed for 13 to 15 years. HXLPe was used in all meniscal bearings, either as primary or revision implants. All stable metallic tibial and talar components were retained in revision cases. Osteolytic cysts greater than 10 mm in diameter were bone grafted with homologous morselized banked bone through cortical windows in the tibia or talus. No adjuvant screw fixation was used to stabilize any metallic implant. Results: No HXLPe bearings failed in this study, and no re-revisions were performed. No primary total ankle replacement failed in this study, and there were no substantial osteolytic cysts (>2 mm) observed in primary total ankle replacements on plain X-rays. All bone grafted osteolytic cysts in revision ankle replacements remained stable, even though partial resorption of the grafted material was identified in most of the ankles. No loosening of porous coated and TiN coated tibial and talar components were seen;the longest surviving metal components in the revision group was 24 years with the revised bearing at 15 years. Conclusions: HXLPe has greatly improved wear resistance in meniscal-bearing BP total ankle replacements in both primary and revision arthroplasties. Osteolytic cysts can be successfully bone grafted during bearing exchange revisions. Primary and revision, cementless BP metallic total ankle components have remained well-fixed to bone in the long term (greater than 20 years), without the use of adjuvant screw fixation.

Power Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of the ankle in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Ankle involvement is frequent in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, but accurate evaluation by physical examination is often difficult because of the complex anatomical structures of the ankle. Over the last decade, ultrasound(US) has become a practical imaging tool for the assessment of articular and periarticular pathologies, including joint synovitis, tenosynovitis, and enthesitis in rheumatic diseases. Progress in power Doppler(PD) technology has enabled evaluation of the strength of ongoing inflammation. PDUS is very useful for identifying the location and kind of pathologies in rheumatic ankles as well as for distinguishing between inflammatory processes and degenerative changes or between active inflammation and residual damage. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the US assessment of ankle lesions in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, focusing on the utility of PDUS.

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.

Configuration Design and Kinematic Performance Analysis of a Novel 4-DOF Parallel Ankle Rehabilitation Mechanism with Two Virtual Motion Centers

Aiming at the problem that the existing ankle rehabilitation robot is difficult to fully fit the complex motion of human ankle joint and has poor human-machine motion compatibility,an equivalent series mechanism model that is highly matched with the actual bone structure of the human ankle joint is proposed and mapped into a parallel rehabilita-tion mechanism.The parallel rehabilitation mechanism has two virtual motion centers(VMCs),which can simulate the complex motion of the ankle joint,adapt to the individual differences of various patients,and can meet the reha-bilitation needs of both left and right feet of patients.Firstly,based on the motion properties and physiological structure of the human ankle joint,the mapping relationship between the rehabilitation mechanism and ankle joint is determined,and the series equivalent model of the ankle joint is established.According to the kinematic and con-straint properties of the ankle equivalent model,the configuration design of the parallel ankle rehabilitation robot is carried out.Secondly,according to the intersecting motion planes theory,the full-cycle mobility of the mechanism is proved,and the continuous axis of the mechanism is judged based on the constraint power and its derivative.Then,the kinematics of the parallel ankle rehabilitation robot is analyzed.Finally,based on the OpenSim biomechanical soft-ware,a human-machine coupling rehabilitation simulation model is established to evaluate the rehabilitation effect,which lays the foundation for the formulation of a rehabilitation strategy for the later prototype.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Hemiplegic Ankle Rehabilitation Efficacy by Wearable Inertial Sensor Systems with an Assortment of Machine Learning Algorithms

With the amalgamation of wearable systems equipped with inertial sensors, such as a gyroscope, and machine learning a therapy regimen can be objectively quantified, and then the initial phase and final phase of a one year therapy regimen can be distinguished through machine learning. In the context of rehabilitation of a hemiplegic ankle, a longitudinal therapy regimen incorporating stretching and then a series of repetitions for raising and lowering the foot of the hemiplegic ankle can be applied over the course of a year. Using a smartphone equipped with an application to function as a wearable and wireless gyroscope platform mounted to the dorsum of the foot by an armband, the initial phase and final phase of a one year longitudinally applied therapy regimen can be objectively quantified and recorded for subsequent machine learning. Considerable classification accuracy is attained to distinguish between the initial phase and final phase by a support vector machine for a one year longitudinally applied hemiplegic ankle therapy regimen based on the gyroscope signal data obtained by a smartphone functioning as a wearable and wireless inertial sensor system. .