Vitamin D Deficiency and Outcomes After Ankle Fusion: A Short Report.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been postulated as a cause for impaired bone healing and remodeling. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential association between low vitamin D levels and reoperation for nonunion following ankle fusion surgery.

Methods: All adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who underwent ankle fusion procedures at a tertiary referral center from January 2010 to January 2019 with available vitamin D levels within 12 months preoperatively were retrospectively reviewed (n = 47).

Effectiveness of the saline load test in diagnosis of simulated traumatic ankle arthrotomies.

Background: Limited studies have been conducted to determine the minimum amount and sensitivity of the saline load test of the ankle. Prior studies, only performed in arthroscopic models, have suggested a wide range of volumes necessary to confirm arthrotomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the amount of fluid required and the sensitivity of the saline load test to identify an intra-articular arthrotomy of the ankle.

Spontaneous Closed Rupture of Achilles Tendon Following Minimally Invasive Ultrasonic Energy Therapy: A Report of Two Cases.

This paper presents two patients who sustained spontaneous closed Achilles tendon ruptures following minimally invasive ultrasonic energy therapy for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. In both cases, the patients underwent minimally invasive ultrasonic energy therapy using a commercially available device. In addition, the current evidence, through available literature, has been reviewed and presented.

Incidence and Radiographic Predictors of Valgus Tibiotalar Tilt After Hindfoot Fusion.

Background: The development of valgus tibiotalar tilt following hindfoot arthrodesis is rarely discussed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of valgus tibiotalar tilt and to evaluate if there were any radiographic predictors for the development of valgus tibiotalar tilt.

Methods: Patients who underwent hindfoot fusion between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 were identified.

Midterm Outcomes of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Hemiarthroplasty of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Advanced Hallux Rigidus.

Background: Hallux rigidus is the most common arthritic condition of the foot. A randomized clinical trial of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint hemiarthroplasty with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant (Cartiva) demonstrated pain relief and functional outcomes equivalent to first MTP arthrodesis at 2 years postoperation, with no cases of implant fragmentation, wear, or bone loss. We prospectively determined 5-year outcomes of first MTP hemiarthroplasty with the PVA hydrogel implant.

Quality and Utility of Immediate Formal Postoperative Radiographs in Ankle Fractures.

Background: Patients who undergo internal fixation of ankle fractures commonly have postoperative imaging performed immediately after surgery. As these patients typically are typically immobilized, radiographs provide limited visualization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility and quality of formal radiographs performed immediately following ankle fracture surgery.

Office-based management of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity.

Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity is associated with dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, leading to loss of the medial arch. Patients tend to present with medial pain and swelling, but later in the disease process can also present with lateral-sided pain. The mainstay of nonoperative treatment is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, weight loss, and orthotic insoles or brace use.