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This study aimed to compare the outcomes of two different postoperative management approaches following surgical fixation of ankle fractures: traditional cast immobilization versus the Early Motion and Directed Exercise (EMADE) programme.

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To describe outcome reporting variation and trends in non-pharmacological randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of distal tibia and/or ankle fractures.

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To compare the cost-utility of removable brace compared with cast in the management of adult patients with ankle fracture.

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Although absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been attracting attention, the rationale for their use remains insufficient. This study prospectively compared the outcomes of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR.

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Achilles tendon re-rupture (ATRR) poses a significant risk of postoperative complication, even after a successful initial surgical repair. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with Achilles tendon re-rupture following operative fixation.

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The aim of this study was to compare the longer-term outcomes of operatively and nonoperatively managed patients treated with a removable brace (fixed-angle removable orthosis) or a plaster cast immobilization for an acute ankle fracture.

NHS governance demands that services provided are clinically effective and safe. In the current financial climate and threats over public sector spending cuts, services offered by health care providers should also be cost-effective and profitable. Surgical specialties are often perceived as expensive with high implant costs. The aim of this audit was to cost the profit margin for foot/ankle surgery and test the accuracy of coding data collected. Materials and Methods. Theatre data between January-April 2010 was retrospectively reviewed. Equipment inventories, operation notes and radiographs were reviewed for implants used. Clinical coding data was analysed and coded separately by the surgeon for comparison. Theatre expenses were calculated and accuracy estimated. Tariff generated and patient expenses were calculated and a final profit margin revealed. Wilcoxon matched-pair testing compared hospital recorded and surgeon calculated data. Results. 95 cases were included (51 forefoot, 5 midfoot, 6 arthroscopy, 12 hindfoot, 21 other), 65 female and 30 male patients. Theatre inventories were correct in 11% of cases. Mean inventory costs recorded were £90 and following surgeon analysis, £319. Total actual inventory cost was £30,306.23 but £8548.58 was recorded (p<0.0001). OPCS codes were deemed correct in 43% and incorrect in 57% of cases. Operation profit margin, including theatre, ward and salary costs was recorded as £158,229 but corrected profit margin with d inventories and OPCS codes was £121,584 (p=0.001). Discussion. Informed decisions on service provision depend upon the reliability of information provided. Operative data collection by personnel needs to be improved to provide precise information to enable more accurate income and expenditure figures. Conclusion. Elective foot and ankle surgery is a profitable surgical sub-specialty

Introduction:. Wound healing and poor bone healing are complications seen in patients who smoke and some surgeons prefer not to operate on smokers. However, self reporting of smoking by patients may be biased. This study compares self-reporting of smoking habits and cotinine levels in the urine of our patients. Method:. 77 patients admitted for an osteotomy or arthrodesis procedure between September 2013 and May 2014 agreed to participate in this study. A questionnaire was completed and a urine sample was obtained and tested for cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, by 2 techniques: a dipstick, the COT One Step Cotinine Test, yielding a positive result when the cotinine in the urine exceeds 200 ng/mL and the Concateno laboratory assay test, providing a mean value to give a qualitative reading whereby the cut off for non-smokers is 500ng/ml. Results:. Questionnaire results showed that 12 participants were active smokers, 35 classed themselves as ex-smokers and 30 were non-smokers. A dipstick result was negative in all the non-smokers, in 31/35 (89%) of the ex-smokers and in 4/12 (25%) of the current smokers. The dipstick test was positive in 4 self-reporting ex-smokers and only 8 of the 12 current smokers. The laboratory assay gave readings from 21 to 45,657 with higher readings being from heavier smokers. It correctly gave a value < 500 for all self-reporting non-smokers but 3 of the 35 self-reporting ex-smokers had a value between 500–5000ng/ml. Conclusion:. Whilst the majority of our patients had matching self-reporting smoking status and urine cotinine levels, 10% of self-reported ex-smokers had a high level of urine cotinine due to the test limitations or reporting bias by our patients. The £1.50 COT dipstick test is a cheap and easy way to correctly confirm a non-smoker compared to the Concateno laboratory assay which costs £7 excluding portering costs

The Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) programme was introduced in 2008. This paper summarises the outcome of this programme. Patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon treated in our unit follow a comprehensive management protocol that includes a dedicated Achilles clinic, ultrasound examination, the use of functional orthoses, early weight-bearing, an accelerated exercise regime and guidelines for return to work and sport. The choice of conservative or surgical treatment was based on ultrasound findings. . The rate of re-rupture, the outcome using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and the Achilles Tendon Repair Score, (AS), and the complications were recorded. An elementary cost analysis was also performed. . Between 2008 and 2014 a total of 273 patients presented with an acute rupture 211 of whom were managed conservatively and 62 had surgical repair. There were three re-ruptures (1.1%). There were 215 men and 58 women with a mean age of 46.5 years (20 to 86). Functional outcome was satisfactory. Mean ATRS and AS at four months was 53.0 (. sd . 14), 64.9 (. sd. 15) (n = 135), six months 67.8 (. sd. 16), 73.8 (. sd. 15) (n = 103) and nine months (72.4; . sd. 14) 72.3 (. sd. 13) (n = 43). The programme realised estimated cost savings exceeding £91 000 per annum. The SMART programme resulted in a low rate of re-rupture, a satisfactory outcome, a reduced rate of surgical intervention and a reduction in healthcare costs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:510–15

Introduction. Syndesmosis injuries are significant injuries and require anatomical reduction. However, stabilisation of these injuries with syndesmosis screws carries specific complications and many surgeons advocate a second operation to remove the screw. Primary Tightrope suture fixation has been shown to be an effective treatment for syndesmotic injuries and avoids the need for a second operation. Materials and Methods. A retrospective audit identified patients who were treated for syndesmosis injuries over a two year period. Theatre and clinic costs were obtained to compare the cost of syndesmosis fixation using diastasis screws with the estimated cost of primary syndesmosis fixation using a Tightrope suture. Results. 79 patients received diastasis screw fixation of syndesmosis injuries between January 2007 and January 2009. The mean number of follow up clinic appointments was 3.7 following initial surgery, and 2.2 following diastasis screw removal. Allowing for device, theatre time and clinic appointment costs, and an estimated average of 4 follow up appointments following Tightrope syndesmosis fixation, primary fixation with this device could a saving of 34 theatre slots, 68 outpatient clinic appointments, and £12,138 per year at our hospital. Discussion. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated a reduction in normal tibiotalar external rotation with the presence of a diastasis screw, and there are several published reports of complications when these screws are retained. The Tightrope suture provides reduction of the syndesmosis whilst allowing normal physiological movement at the distal tibiofibular joint and negates the need for a second operation to remove the implant. In addition there may be improvements in foot and ankle scores and a faster return to work when these devices are used compared with traditional screw fixation. Conclusion. In addition to the patient benefits, our audit suggests that there may be significant financial benefits associated with primary syndesmosis fixation with Tightrope sutures

Neuropathic changes in the foot are common with a prevalence of approximately 1%. The diagnosis of neuropathic arthropathy is often delayed in diabetic patients with harmful consequences including amputation. The appropriate diagnosis and treatment can avoid an extensive programme of treatment with significant morbidity for the patient, high costs and delayed surgery. The pathogenesis of a Charcot foot involves repetitive micro-trauma in a foot with impaired sensation and neurovascular changes caused by pathological innervation of the blood vessels. In most cases, changes are due to a combination of both pathophysiological factors. The Charcot foot is triggered by a combination of mechanical, vascular and biological factors which can lead to late diagnosis and incorrect treatment and eventually to destruction of the foot. This review aims to raise awareness of the diagnosis of the Charcot foot (diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy and the differential diagnosis, erysipelas, peripheral arterial occlusive disease) and describe the ways in which the diagnosis may be made. The clinical diagnostic pathways based on different classifications are presented. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1155–9

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A pilon fracture is a severe ankle joint injury caused by high-energy trauma, typically affecting men of working age. Although relatively uncommon (5% to 7% of all tibial fractures), this injury causes among the worst functional and health outcomes of any skeletal injury, with a high risk of serious complications and long-term disability, and with devastating consequences on patients’ quality of life and financial prospects. Robust evidence to guide treatment is currently lacking. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two surgical interventions that are most commonly used to treat pilon fractures.

Introduction. Despite costing up to 5X more than a one-third tubular plate (TTP) and no absolute indications, distal fibula locking plates (DFLP) are becoming increasingly popular in the fixation of ankle fractures, particularly in the elderly. We reviewed all our distal fibula fracture fixations, over the course of one year, in order to rationalise DFLP use. Methods. Patient demographics, Weber classification, use of DFLP or TTP and the mode of fixation were recorded. Open fractures and tibial plafond fractures were excluded. Results. 51/84 (61%) of patients had DFLP fixation of their distal fibula fracture, the majority (44/51) of which were for Weber B fractures. The DFLP was used in bridge mode for 12 Weber B fractures and in neutralisation mode for remaining 32. There was a significant difference in age between the DFLP and TTP groups for all fractures (p< 0.005) and for Weber B fractures treated in bridge mode (p=0.036), but not for Weber B fractures treated with a lag screw/ neutralisation plate (p=0.09). Discussion. In 32/44 of our cases, we used the DFLP to neutralise a lag screw. However DFLP are only of mechanical benefit when adequate fracture compression is not obtained either due to fracture comminution or due to osteoperotic bone, often seen in the elderly. All 32 of these Weber B fractures were amenable to a lag screw and were not comminuted. There was also no significant age difference between this group and the group of Weber B fractures that were treated with a lag screw/ neutralisation plate. In these cases therefore, the DFLP did not offer any mechanical advantage. Conclusion. We propose limiting the use of the DFLP to fibula fractures where intra-fragmentary compression cannot adequately be obtained, thus reducing our use by over 60% and significantly reducing our implant costs for such injuries

Purpose. Ankle and hindfoot surgery is associated with severe post-operative pain, leading to a reliance on opiate analgesia and its side effects, longer hospital stays, and patient dissatisfaction. Popliteal sciatic nerve blockade has the potential to resolve these issues. We present our experience with using a continuous local anaesthetic nerve block delivered by an elastomeric pump in patients undergoing major foot and ankle surgery. Methods. All patients undergoing major ankle or hindfoot surgery during a one-year period under a single surgeon were eligible for a continuous popliteal block. An ultrasound-guided popliteal nerve catheter was inserted immediately before surgery and a bolus of bupivacaine infiltrated. Using a 250ml elastomeric pump, a continuous infusion was started immediately post operatively and terminated 48 hours later. Prospective data including post-operative analgesia, nausea and vomiting (PONV), length of stay (LOS), pain scores, and patient satisfaction were recorded daily for 48 hours post operatively. Results. Eighty-one patients (53 male, 28 female) with a mean age 60 years (24–84 years) were included. 66 patients received spinal anaesthesia with 15 having general anaesthetics. There were no complications associated with the nerve catheters. At day 1 post op, 49 (60%) patients reported having no or mild pain. 68 (84%) patients had no PONV. 27 (33%) patients did not require any opiate analgesia during their post op period. Average LOS for all patients was 54 hours, with 41 (51%) discharged within 48 hours. 74 (91%) reported good or excellent pain management in the post operative period. Conclusions. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blockade is a safe and effective method for controlling post-operative pain, reducing opiate-induced side effects, and optimising length of stay. Patient-reported outcomes support its use in major ankle and hindfoot surgery. Furthermore, reduced costs from early discharge in combination with a daycase tariff uplift can bring significant financial savings

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Arthroplasty for end-stage hallux rigidus (HR) is controversial. Arthrodesis remains the gold standard for surgical treatment, although is not without its complications, with rates of up to 10% for nonunion, 14% for reoperation and 10% for metatarsalgia. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of a double-stemmed silastic implant (Wright-Medical, Memphis, Tennessee, USA) for patients with end-stage HR.

Introduction. Greater length of stay (LOS) after elective surgery results in increased use of health care resources and higher costs. Within the realm of foot and ankle surgery, improved perioperative care has enabled a vast majority of procedures to be performed as a day surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the perioperative factors that predict a prolonged LOS after elective ankle replacement or fusion. Methods. Data was prospectively collected on patients undergoing either an ankle fusion or ankle replacement for end-stage ankle arthritis at our institution (2003–2010). In the analysis, LOS was the outcome and age, sex, physical and mental functional scores, comorbid factors, ASA grades, type and length of operation and body mass index (BMI) were potential perioperative risk factors. Univariate and multivariate generalized linear regression models with gamma distribution and log link function were conducted. Results. A total of 336 patients were included in the study. The median LOS was 76 hours with interquartile range of 52.5–97. Using regression analysis, we showed aging, female gender, a higher ASA score, multiple medical comorbidities, rheumatoid arthritis, a lower score in the physical component (PCS) and general health domain (GH) of SF-36, open surgery and an increased length of surgical time were all significantly associated with an increased LOS. Conversely, obesity, the SF-36 Mental Component Score and the date of admission were noninfluential of LOS. A predictive model was also developed using these same risk factors. Conclusions. Increased age, female gender, high ASA scores, low SF-36 GH and PCS scores, increased number of medical comorbidities, rheumatoid arthritis and open surgery were all factors that increased LOS significantly after ankle fusion or ankle replacement. This group of patients may warrant better education and more focused perioperative care when it comes to designing care pathways and allocating health care resources

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The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the intermediate-term outcomes after revision anatomical ankle ligament reconstruction augmented with suture tape for a failed modified Broström procedure.

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To examine the mid-term outcome and cost utility of the BioPro metallic hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidius.

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Lifestyle risk factors are thought to increase the risk of infection after acute orthopaedic surgery but the evidence is scarce. We aimed to investigate whether smoking, obesity and alcohol overuse are risk factors for the development of infections after surgery for a fracture of the ankle.

We present a review of litigation claims relating to foot and ankle surgery in the NHS in England during the 17-year period between 1995 and 2012.

A freedom of information request was made to obtain data from the NHS litigation authority (NHSLA) relating to orthopaedic claims, and the foot and ankle claims were reviewed.

During this period of time, a total of 10 273 orthopaedic claims were made, of which 1294 (12.6%) were related to the foot and ankle. 1036 were closed, which comprised of 1104 specific complaints. Analysis was performed using the complaints as the denominator. The cost of settling these claims was more than £36 million.

There were 372 complaints (33.7%) involving the ankle, of which 273 (73.4%) were related to trauma. Conditions affecting the first ray accounted for 236 (21.4%), of which 232 (98.3%) concerned elective practice. Overall, claims due to diagnostic errors accounted for 210 (19.0%) complaints, 208 (18.8%) from alleged incompetent surgery and 149 (13.5%) from alleged mismanagement.

Our findings show that the incorrect, delayed or missed diagnosis of conditions affecting the foot and ankle is a key area for improvement, especially in trauma practice.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1510–14.