The incidence of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is thought to be low following foot and ankle surgery, but the routine use of chemoprophylaxis remains controversial. This retrospective study assessed the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications following a consecutive series of 2654 patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery. A total of 1078 patients received 75 mg aspirin as routine thromboprophylaxis between 2003 and 2006 and 1576 patients received no form of chemical thromboprophylaxis between 2007 and 2010. The overall incidence of VTE was 0.42% (DVT, 0.27%; PE, 0.15%) with 27 patients lost to follow-up. If these were included to create a worst case scenario, the overall VTE rate was 1.43%. There was no apparent protective effect against VTE by using aspirin. We conclude that the incidence of VTE following foot and ankle surgery is very low and routine use of chemoprophylaxis does not appear necessary for patients who are not in the high risk group for VTE

Introduction. The Z or “scarf” osteotomy was first described by Meyer in 1926 and then by Burutaran in 1976. It was later popularised by Weil in the USA and Barouk in Europe in the 1990's and is now an accepted technique that forms part of a surgeons' armamentarium. The theory of Diffusion of Innovations was described by Rogers in 1962 to explain how novel ideas are accepted into practice across different industries, including medicine. It has never previously been used to study the adoption of ideas in foot and ankle surgery. Methods. This paper uses publication volume as a surrogate marker for adoption, as described previously by the authors. Briefly, a systematic review of the literature was carried out. MESH headings included ‘Hallux Valgus’, and ‘osteotomy’ or ‘SCARF’ or ‘Z osteotomy’ or ‘bunionectomy’. 2818 publications were identified and the abstracts were reviewed excluding 2699 publications for non-relevance. The data was analysed by year of publication, country of origin, as well as for level of evidence. Results. There were 120 publications relating to SCARF osteotomy, which when plotted on a graph produced an s shaped curve. 58% of publications came from Europe and 38% from the USA. There was only a single level 1 paper published in 2008. Discussion. This study confirms that publication volume is a surrogate marker for adoption and that SCARF osteotomy became adopted by the late 2000's as indicated by the plateau on an s-shaped curve. Post market surveillance has led to a further rise in recent publications indicating that certain issues still need resolving before the laggards adopt this technique. Despite SCARF having been around for more than 80 years, very little high level evidence has been published of its effectiveness. Recommendations are made as to how future innovations should be introduced in foot and ankle surgery

Introduction. VTE is a possible complication of foot and ankle surgery, however there is an absence of agreement on contributing risk factors in the development of VTE. The primary outcome of this study was to analyse the 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE following foot and ankle surgery and to determine which factors may increase the risk of VTE. Methods. This was a national, multi-centre prospective audit spanning a collection duration of 9 months (2022/2023). Primary outcomes included incidence of symptomatic VTE and VTE related mortality up to 90 days following foot and ankle surgery and Achilles tendon rupture, and analysis of risk factors. Results. In total 11,363 patients were available for analysis. 5,090 patients (44.79%) were elective procedures, 4,791 patients (42.16%) were trauma procedures (excluding Achilles ruptures), 398 patients (3.50%) were acute diabetic procedures, 277 patients (2.44%) were Achilles ruptures undergoing surgery and 807 patients (7.10%) were Achilles ruptures treated non-operatively. There were 99 cases of VTE within 90 days of admission across the whole group (Total incidence = 0.87%), with 3 cases of VTE related mortality (0.03%). On univariate analysis, increased age and ASA grade showedhigher odds of 90-day VTE, as did previous cancer, stroke, history of VTE, and type of foot and ankle procedure / injury (p<0.05). However, on multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors for 90-day VTE were found to be the type of foot and ankle procedure (Achilles tendon rupture = Odd's Ratio 11.62, operative to 14.41, non-operative) and ASA grade (grade III/IV = Odd's Ratio 3.64). Conclusion. The incidence of 90-day post procedure VTE in foot and ankle surgery in this national audit was low. Significant, independent risk factors associated with the development of 90-day symptomatic VTE were Achilles tendon rupture management and high ASA grade

Introduction. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an uncommon complication of foot and ankle surgery but has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence, risk factors and prevention of VTE in foot and ankle surgery is not clear. Materials and methods. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane library and reference lists of retrieved articles without language or date restriction upto 31st July 2010. The Coleman methodology score was used to evaluate the quality of studies. From 985 citations, 38 full text articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Conclusions were drawn on the incidence, risk factors and prevention of VTE in foot and ankle surgery. Results. The incidence of symptomatic VTE in foot and ankle surgery in general is low; higher incidence has been reported in tendoachilles surgery. There is some evidence that history of prior VTE, immobilisation, non-weight bearing, obesity, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives predispose to VTE in foot and ankle surgery. The evidence on the efficacy of different thromboprophylaxis agents and the optimum duration of treatment is unclear. Conclusion. The current evidence on VTE prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery is insufficient to draw any firm conclusions. Long term effects of VTE in foot and ankle surgery need to be investigated further. Further large scale, multicentre studies are needed to delineate the role of VTE prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery

Shape memory phenomenon whereby the metal changes its characteristics depending on the ambient temperature it is exposed to is well described in the metallurgical literature. In cold conditions (0–5° C) the alloy becomes plastically deformable and its shape can be changed at will, but would rapidly regain its original shape and strength at higher temperatures. This study assesses the effectiveness of shape memory staples as a method of internal fixation in foot and ankle surgery. All patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery in which Memory® staples were used for fixation were included in the study. The patients were evaluated with regard to period of immobilisation in cast, period of restricted weight bearing and time to radiological joint fusion or union of osteotomy. Memory® staples had been used in a total of 40 procedures; 13 procedures (6 MTPJ fusions, 7 Akin osteotomies) were done in the forefoot while the rest were carried out in the mid or hind foot. Bone grafting was used only in one hind foot arthrodesis. A strong arthrodesis or union was achieved in all the patients. The average time to fusion was 7.2 weeks (range 6–12) with an average period of immobilisation of 4.3 weeks (range 0–12). The average time to full weight bearing was 5.2 weeks (range 0–6). Breakage of the staple was noticed in one patient but the joint went on to unite satisfactorily. Staple back out or displacement was not noticed in any of the cases. The early experience with the use Memory® staples in foot and ankle surgery is encouraging; we did not encounter any technical problems and there is a suggestion that these implants may reduce the time to fusion/ healing thereby reducing the recovery time following foot and ankle surgery

Background. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) is a condition specific patient reported outcome measure (PROM) for foot and ankle surgery. It consists of 16 items across three subscales measuring distinct, but related traits: walking/standing ability, pain, and social interaction. Although it is the most used foot and ankle PROM in the UK, initial MOxFQ validation involved analysis of only 100 individuals undergoing hallux valgus surgery. This project aimed to establish whether an individual's response to the MOxFQ varies with anatomical region of disease (measurement invariance), and to explore structural validity of the factor structure (subscale items) of the MOxFQ. Methods. This was a single-centre, prospective cohort study involving 6640 patients (mean age 52, range 10–90 years) presenting with a wide range of foot and ankle pathologies between 2013 and 2021. Firstly, to assess whether the MOxFQ responses vary by anatomical region of foot and ankle disease, we performed multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Secondly, to assess the structural validity of the subscale items, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Results. Measurement invariance by pathology was confirmed suggesting the same model can be used across all foot and ankle anatomical regions. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated a 2–3 factor model, and suggested that item 13 (inability to carry out my work/everyday activities) and item 14 (inability to undertake social/recreational activities) loaded more positively onto the walking/standing subscale than their original social interaction subscale. Conclusions. This large-cohort study supports the current widespread use of the MOxFQ across a broad range of foot and ankle pathologies. Items 13 and 14 might be better moved from the “social interaction” to the “walking/standing” subscale and this may have future implications for deriving/analysing subscale scores

Diagnostic and operative codes are routinely collected for every patient admitted to hospital in the English NHS. Data on post-operative complications following foot and ankle surgery have not previously been available in large numbers. Data on symptomatic venous thromboembolism events and mortality within 90 days were extracted for patients undergoing fixation of an ankle fracture, first metatarsal osteotomy, hindfoot fusions and total ankle replacement over a period of 42 months. For ankle fracture surgery (45 949 patients), the rates of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism and mortality were 0.12%, 0.17% and 0.37%, respectively. For first metatarsal osteotomy (33 626 patients), DVT, pulmonary embolism and mortality rates were 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.04%, and for hindfoot fusions (7033 patients) the rates were 0.03%, 0.11% and 0.11%, respectively. The rate of pulmonary embolism in 1633 total ankle replacement patients was 0.06%, and there were no recorded DVTs and no deaths. Statistical analysis could only identify risk factors for venous thromboembolic events of increasing age and multiple comorbidities following fracture surgery. Venous thromboembolism following foot and ankle surgery is extremely rare, but this subset of fracture patients is at a higher risk. However, there is no evidence that thromboprophylaxis reduces this risk, and these national data suggest that prophylaxis is not required in most of these patients

Lower-extremity orthopaedic procedures may be performed under either regional or general anaesthesia, or a combination of both techniques. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of regional anaesthesia, with meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and registry data suggesting decreases in deep surgical site infections, thromboembolic events, cardiopulmonary complications and length of stay associated with use of regional anaesthesia. In patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery specifically, there is evidence demonstrating decreased post-operative pain, nausea, vomiting, opioid use and unplanned hospital admission. This supports an increased role for the use in regional anaesthesia in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. However, the type of anaesthetic used is dependent on surgeon, patient, anaesthesiologist and institutional factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate pre-operative factors that predict the type of anaesthetic used in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. Data was collected prospectively on 888 patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery at a single institution. The primary method of anaesthesia for each procedure was recorded. Ten additional variables were recorded and analysed: age, BMI, gender, diabetes, ASA status, procedure length, procedure start time, elective vs. trauma procedure, primary vs. revision procedure and preoperative anticoagulation. Logistic regression modelling was performed to identify factors that independently predict the type of anaesthetic used. General anaesthetic was employed in 280 patients (32%), and regional anaesthesia was the primary anaesthetic type used in 608 (68%). Logistic regression modelling demonstrated that factors that independently predict use of general anaesthetic include younger age (p<0.0001; Odds Ratio 0.97/year), male sex (0.0033; 1.618), procedure start time (0.0319; 1.066/hour) and length of procedure (<0.0001; 1.520/hour). Patients who underwent general anaesthetic had a mean length of procedure of 108 +/− 77 minutes, whereas patients provided with regional anaesthesia had a mean length of procedure 83 +/− 64 minutes. With increasing evidence supporting the benefits of regional anaesthesia in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery, it is important to identify modifiable factors that contribute to patients receiving alternative treatments. Since later procedure start time was identified as an independent predictor of general anaesthetic use, there may be a role for identifying patients at increased risk of complications associated with general anaesthesia and scheduling earlier start times. Furthermore, while it is logical that extended length of procedure may be a contraindication to regional anaesthesia, the mean procedure time of 108 minutes in the general anaesthesia group indicates that many of these patients should still be considered candidates for regional anaesthesia

Introduction: In April 2007, NICE published guidance on reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism. Immobilization of a limb in plaster was identified as a risk factor for thromboembolism. NICE recommend that all orthopaedic patients with risk factors are offered low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) whilst an inpatient. There was no cost effective evidence to continue treatment as an outpatient in foot and ankle patients. Foot and ankle surgery often requires prolonged periods of immobilization postoperatively. This study aims to provide a snapshot of current practice amongst foot and ankle surgeons in the UK, highlighting any differences between current practice and NICE guidelines. Materials and Methods: A random sample of the 267 members of the British Foot and Ankle Surgery Society listed in the 2007 BOA Handbook was obtained. In order to have a 90% confidence level, the sample size was calculated to be 71. The specialist teams identified were contacted by telephone and questioned on their use of thromboprophylaxis for elective patients in plaster. The results were collated and compared to NICE guidelines. Results: 94% of foot and ankle surgeons prescribe LMWH to post operative elective inpatients in plaster. 65% of specialists continue thromboprophylaxis for out-patients. The duration and agent of thromboprophylaxis varied markedly. The commonest agents were LMWH and aspirin. The length of treatment ranged from ten days to the duration of plaster immobilization. Discussion: The results highlight a trend amongst foot and ankle surgeons to exceed current NICE guidelines for thromboprophylaxis, continuing treatment for an extended outpatient period. Although there was shown to be no cost effective evidence to continue treatment, the practice continues. Conclusion: The vast majority of UK foot and ankle surgeons fulfill the NICE recommendations on thromboprophylaxis. There is a clear need for a policy statement from BOFAS on the extended use of thromboprophylaxis for outpatients immobilized in plaster

Objectives. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 infection and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery during the global pandemic. Secondary objectives were to determine if there was a change in infection and complication profile with changes introduced in practice. Design. Multicentre retrospective national audit. Setting. UK-based study on foot and ankle patients who underwent surgery between the 13. th. January to 31. st. July 2020 – examining time periods pre- UK national lockdown, during lockdown (23. rd. March to 11. th. May 2020) and post-lockdown. Participants. All adult patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre during the study period included from 43 participating centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Main Outcome Measures. Variables recorded included demographics, surgical data, comorbidity data, COVID-19 and mortality rates, complications, and infection rates. Results. 6644 patients were included. In total 0.52% of operated patients contracted COVID-19 (n=35). The overall all cause 30-day mortality rate was 0.41%, however in patients who contracted COVID-19, the mortality rate was 25.71% (n=9); this was significantly higher for patients undergoing diabetic foot surgery (75%, n=3 deaths). Matching for age, ASA and comorbidities, the OR of mortality with COVID-19 infection was 11.71 (95% CI 1.55 to 88.74, p=0.017). There were no differences in surgical complications or infection rates prior to or after lockdown, and amongst patients with and without COVID-19 infection. After lockdown COVID-19 infection rate was 0.15% and no patient died of COVID-19 infection. Conclusions. COVID-19 infection was rare in foot and ankle patients even at the peak of lockdown. However, there was a significant mortality rate in those who contracted COVID-19. Overall surgical complications and post-operative infection rates remained unchanged during the period of this audit. Patients and treating medical personnel should be aware of the risks to enable informed decisions

Foot and ankle surgery is a rapidly evolving specialty. As the number and complexity of cases increases, the number of complaints, litigation and pay-outs has also risen. We aim to assess any learning points discerned from NHS litigation data to allow us help improve patient care. All claims made to the NHS Litigation Authority between 2007 and 2012 relating to foot and ankle problems were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. These were reviewed, coded and split into subgroups to allow analysis. There were 232 successful litigation cases between 2007 and 2012. The total amount paid out was almost £18.5 million (range £112 to £1.6 million). A significant number of successful cases were due to patients not having full, informed consent. A large amount of money is spent in the NHS is spent on litigation. The amount of litigation and payout in foot and ankle surgery compares favourably with hip and knee surgery. Lack of informed consent is an easily reversible problem that should be decreasing but is actually on the rise. In our trust, we advocate the use of consent clinics which provide a robust and patient-centred approach to informed consent in foot and ankle surgery

In foot and ankle surgery incorrect placement of implants, or inaccuracy in fracture reduction may remain undiscovered with the use of conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. These imperfections are often only recognized on postoperative computer tomography scans. The apparition of three dimensional (3D) mobile Imaging system has allowed to provide an intraoperative control of fracture reduction and implant placement. Three dimensional computer assisted surgery (CAS) has proven to improve accuracy in spine and pelvic surgery. We hypothesized that 3D-based CAS could improve accuracy in foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a multi-dimensional surgical imaging platform with intra-operative three dimensional imaging and/or CAS in a broad array of foot and ankle traumatic and orthopaedic surgery. Cohort study of patients where the 3D mobile imaging system was used for intraoperative 3D imaging or 3D-based CAS in foot and ankle surgery. The imaging system used was the O-arm Surgical Imaging System and the navigation system was the Medtronic's StealthStation. Surgical procedures were performed according to standard protocols. In case of fractures, image acquisition was performed after reduction of the fracture. In cases of 3D-based CAS, image acquisition was performed at the surgical step before implants placement. At the end of the operations, an intraoperative 3D scan was made. We used the O-arm Surgical Imaging system in 11 patients: intraoperative 3D scans were performed in 3 cases of percutaneus fixation of distal tibio-fibular syndesmotic disruptions; in 2 of the cases, revision of reduction and/or implant placement were needed after the intraoperative 3D scan. Three dimensional CAS was used in 10 cases: 2 open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the calcaneum, 1 subtalar fusion, 2 ankle arthrodesis, 1 retrograde drilling of an osteochondral lesion of the talus, 1 Charcot diabetic reconstruction foot and 1 intramedullary screw fixation of a fifth metatarsal fracture. The guidance was used essentially for screw placement, except in the retrograde drilling of an osteochondral lesion where the guidance was used to navigate the drill tool. Intraoperative 3D imaging showed a good accuracy in implant placement with no need to revision of implants. We report a preliminary case series with use of the O-arm Surgical Imaging System in the field of foot and ankle surgery. This system has been used either as intraoperative 3D imaging control or for 3D-based CAS. In our series, the 3D computer assisted navigation has been very useful in the placement of implants and has shown that guidance of implants is feasible in foot and ankle surgery. Intraoperative 3D imaging could confirm the accuracy of the system as no revisions were needed. Using the O-arm as intraoperative 3D imaging was also beneficial because it allowed todemonstrate intraoperative malreduction or malposition of implants (which were repositioned immediately). Intraoperative 3D imaging system showed very promising preliminary results in foot and ankle surgery. There is no doubt that intraoperative use of 3D imaging will become a standard of care. The exact indications need however to be defined with further studies

Thromboembolic disease is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. There is increasing pressure for elective orthopaedic patients, including those undergoing foot and ankle surgery, to be prescribed chemical thromboprophylaxis post-operatively in order to reduce the risk of a thromboembolic event. The risks of chemical thromboprophylaxis in terms of increased bleeding, wound problems and HIT are well documented. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of clinically significant thromboembolic events in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery with and without the use of aspirin. We audited a consecutive series of 1625 patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery between 2003 and 2010. Between 2003 and 2006 inclusive, aspirin was used post operatively as chemical thromboprohylaxsis. Between 2007 and 2010, no chemical thromboprohylaxsis was used. The follow-up period for all patients was at least three months post-operatively. Most patients were reviewed at 3 months by the senior surgeon. Those who were reviewed less than 3 months (patients undergoing minor procedures) were contacted via telephone to confirm whether a thromboembolic event had been diagnosed. There was no loss to follow up. Of the 1625 patients, 555 patients received aspirin and 1070 patients received no chemical thromboprohylaxsis. 5 of 1625 (0.31%) patients developed a clinically significant thromboembolic event. 3 patients developed a DVT at an average time of 5 weeks post operatively. 2 patients developed non-fatal PE at an average time of 7 weeks post operatively. 3 of the 5 thromboembolic events occurred in the aspirin group (all DVT's) whereas 2 of the 5 (all PE) developed in the non aspirin group. The incidence of clinically significant thromboembolic events is low in elective orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. We suggest that the benefit of chemical thromboprophylaxis does not outweigh its potential risks in foot and ankle surgery

Introduction: A learning curve is a recognised phenomenon in surgery. It implies that the frequency of peri-operative adverse events will decrease with the increase in experience of the surgeon. Evidence shows increased instruction and experience in a specific surgical task leads to improved performance. There is conflicting evidence as to whether there is a learning curve for total ankle replacement, and a paucity of evidence for foot and ankle surgery as a whole. Current evidence is centered on perioperative complications, rather than functional outcome. Aim: To determine whether a learning curve effect is present during the first year of independent practice by measuring patient outcome. Materials and Methods: 150 patients underwent elective foot or ankle surgery during the first 12 months of a newly appointed consultant’s practice. Preoperative and six month postoperative functional scores were recorded, together with perioperative complications. Two patients died of unrelated causes in the first 12 months. 121 patients (81.8%) were followed up for a minimum of six months by telephone. Functional outcome was assessed with a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot Score (85 points). Outcome was compared between the first and second six-month periods using the student’s t-test. Results: Eighty procedures were undertaken during the first six months compared to 70 in the second. Total ankle replacements were only undertaken in the latter period. Otherwise there was no statistical difference in the caseload. One wound infection occurred during each period and other perioperative complications were equivalent. Functional improvement was greater in the group from the second 6 months (+23.86 v’s +18.69). This difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.061). Discussion and Conclusion: There is a trend, approaching significance, towards a learning curve during a foot and ankle consultant surgeon’s first year of practice. Collating data from other new consultants may demonstrate a learning curve with statistical significance

Introduction: The assessment of quality in the provision of healthcare is one of the core features of the National Health Service in the 21st Century. From April 2009 Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) data are being collected for the Department of Health for elective hip and knee arthroplasty using generic and disease specific measures of health status. The perceived uses of these data may be for research, assessment of procedural outcome, measures of health inequalities and to aid commissioning groups in selecting their secondary care providers. Foot and ankle surgery covers a wide spectrum of operative procedures with patient responses less predictable than with major joint arthroplasty. We report the use of a sixteen point satisfaction-based questionnaire in order to investigate the nature of patient outcome after the processes of foot and ankle surgery. Methods: A prospective series of 100 two-part Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires was distributed to patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery at the Northern General Hospital under the care of four foot and ankle surgeons over a three-month period. The questionnaires were numbered to allow patient anonymity. The first part of nine questions enquired about pre-operative preparation and information and was distributed before surgery. The second part of seven questions, distributed at the first post-operative clinic sought to investigate their hospital and operative experience. Free text comments were requested in addition to the VAS responses, which were expressed as percentages. Results: 97% of part one and 85% of part two questionnaires were returned completed. 82% had both parts completed and matched. The day case to inpatient ratio was 55: 45. For part one, all clinically related questions scored more than 90% satisfaction, with only two scores for administration-based questions falling below this level. For part two, satisfaction for clinical questions again scored more than 90% and overall, all scored more than 80% satisfaction. Only 23% of pre-operative and 28% of post-operative questionnaires were returned with free-text comments. Conclusions: A simple patient satisfaction-based questionnaire may be as useful as existing non-validated generic scoring systems used in foot and ankle surgery when assessing quality in the health service, particularly where regional demographics or referral patterns may be important factors influencing patient outcomes. Active dialogue with the surgical colleges and Department of Health should be pursued to avoid inappropriate outcome measures being imposed in foot and ankle surgery

Objective To survey current antithrombotic prophylaxis regimes of foot and ankle surgeons in the UK, and their self-reported rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Method A postal questionnaire was sent to 180 members of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society requesting regime and types of antithrombotic prophylaxis (if any) used for elective forefoot, elective midfoot, open elective ankle, elective ankle arthroscopy and ankle trauma surgery, and numbers of cases of DVT and PE. Results Ninety surgeons responded (50%). Surgeons had been practising as consultants with a special interest in foot and ankle surgery for an average of 8.9 years, and performed an average of 24 foot and ankle cases per month. Ten per cent never used antithrombotic prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery, 64/90 used it routinely for certain cases, and 17/90 used it routinely in all patients. The most common types of prophylaxis were low molecular weight heparin, aspirin and TED stockings. In an approximate overall total of 223,500 foot and ankle cases, the self reported DVT rate was 0.1%. There were 45 reported PEs (0.02%). There was no significant difference in the rate of DVT between those who never, sometimes or always used prophylaxis. Only 5.5% surgeons employed a specific screening protocol to identify high risk patients. Discussion There is widely varying clinical antithrombotic practice among foot and ankle surgeons in the UK, with no significant difference in reported DVT rates. This has implications for clinical practice and medicolegal issues

Purpose of the study: The pathophysiology of reflex dystrophy or type I complex regional pain syndrome remains poorly understood, but the cost is considerable in terms of public health expenditures both for programmed and emergency orthopedic surgery. We present a historical cohort assessed to evaluate the usefulness of vitamin C for the prevention of reflex dystrophy in programmed foot and ankle surgery. Material and methods: The study included two groups of patients treated in two successive periods: July 2002 to June 2003 and July 2003 to June 2004. All patients underwent foot and ankle surgery performed by the same senior surgeon. Diabetic feet were excluded. The first group (185 feet, 177 patients) was not given any particular preventive treatment. The second group (235 feet, 215 patients) was given one gram vitamin C for 45 days. The diagnosis of reflex dystrophy was retained on the basis of clinical and radiological arguments noted at follow-up visits with the operator. Several factors were studied: gender, age, type of disease condition, history of reflex dystrophy, psychological context, duration of tourniquet, cast immobilization. Results: Reflex dystrophy occurred in 18 feet in group. 1 (9.6%) and in 4 (1.7%) in group 2. The difference was significant. Presence of a history of dystrophy was significantly associated with development of dystrophy (RR=10.4). A psychological context appeared to increase the risk of dystrophy (RR 2.6) but did not reach significance. There was no statistical relationship with age, gender, duration of tourniquet, type of disease condition, or surgical procedure performed. Discussion: Vitamin C has been found to be effective in the prevention of reflex dystrophy after wrist fractures. Data in the literature is scarce on dystrophy of the foot and ankle. Our study provided objective evidence of the usefulness of vitamin C for the prevention of reflex dystrophy in foot and ankle surgery patients, a complication frequently observed in our control group (9.6%). The psychological context and history of dystrophy increase the risk of dystrophy. Conclusion: Vitamin C is associated with a lower risk of reflex dystrophy in the postoperative period after foot and ankle surgery. We advocate preventive treatment with vitamin C

The patient-reported Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), with 3 dimensions (Walking/standing(W/S), Pain, Social interaction(SI)) has previously been validated in patients undergoing hallux valgus surgery. A preliminary cross-sectional evaluation of its measurement properties relating to surgery on different regions of the foot and ankle is presented here. Within 4 weeks prior to foot or ankle surgery, 671of 764 consecutive eligible patients (87.8% response rate) were assessed with the: (i) MOXFQ questionnaire, (ii) SF-36 general health survey (iii) American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scales. Sample characteristics: mean age 53 years 427 (63.6%) female. Patients were booked for (main) surgery on Hallux (210, 31.3%), Lesser Toes (119, 17.7%), Mid foot (22, 3.3%), Ankle/Hind foot (311, 46.3%) and whole foot/multiple regions (9, 1.3%). MOXFQ item response rates were high (<2% missing on any one item) with responses generally well distributed across response categories. Item-total correlations within each dimension were generally above recommended levels. Internal consistency, as assessed by Cronbach's alpha, were 0.93, 0.84 and 0.71 for the W/S, Pain and SI dimensions, respectively. Within Hallux, Lesser toes and Ankle/hind foot surgical subgroups (low numbers precluded mid foot and whole/multiple region analyses), alphas for these subscales were similar. Convergent validity of MOXFQ was demonstrated by correlations between the 3 dimensions (W/S, Pain, SI) with similar dimensions of the SF-36 and relevant AOFAS scales. A priori hypotheses were generally supported. The MOXFQ demonstrates good baseline measurement properties in patients undergoing a range of foot and ankle surgery, suggesting its suitability as an outcome measure for clinical trials of foot and ankle surgery in general. The SI dimension, concerned with cosmesis and social participation has somewhat weaker properties but remains useful. Evidence for the MOXFQ's responsiveness across the range of foot and ankle surgery is yet to be assessed

The use of peripheral nerve blocks for postoperative pain relief following foot & ankle surgery is not widespread. We conducted a prospective study evaluating the efficacy and safety of such blocks in 30 patients who underwent foot & ankle surgery over a period of three months. Sciatic/popliteal nerve blocks were carried out for hindfoot operations and ankle blocks were used in forefoot surgery. All the ankle blocks were administered preoperatively by us while the sciatic nerve blocks were administered by the anaesthetist. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog scales and a record was also made of the analgesic requirements at fixed time intervals. Ninety-three percent of the patients were satisfied with their pain control and recorded a pain score of 0 – 1. Only seven percent required analgesics in the immediate postoperative period and a further 30% requested analgesia after 7 – 12 hours. Sixty-three percent had good pain relief at an average of 18 hours postoperatively and did not use any additional analgesics. We conclude that peripheral nerve blocks are very effective in post- operative pain management and this may allow many of the commonly performed foot and ankle procedures to be done as day case surgeries

Introduction: The Orthopaedic Leg Trolley (OLT) is an alternative to crutches in the management of patients treated non-weight bearing. Advantages of the OLT include ease of use and the avoidance of problems such as painful hands and axillae, thus promoting greater mobility and facilitating early discharge. It also leaves the hands free for other purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of the OLT following major elective foot and ankle surgery, using a questionnaire. Methods: A prospective clinical audit was conducted on thirty patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery. Post-operatively, each patient was provided with an OLT. A questionnaire, measuring patient experience and satisfaction, was administered after the period of non-weight bearing. Results: There were 13 males and 17 females, mean age 56 years, range 22 to 81 years. All patients had undergone major hindfoot reconstruction, and many had significant co-morbidities which rendered routine crutch use difficult. The mean duration of use was 4 weeks. After one week’s use, 80 of patients reported having no difficulty; 13.3% had slight difficulty; 6.7% had great difficulty; and no patients found the OLT impossible. All patients had used crutches pre-operatively: 76.7% rated the OLT as being easier to use than crutches; 13.3% felt that it was the same; and 10% reported that crutches were easier to use. Overall 53.3% rated the OLT as “invaluable”; 36.6% as being “very helpful”; 6.7% as being “quite helpful”; and 3.3% as being “not at all helpful”. Conclusion: This study shows that the OLT is a useful alternative to crutches. It is particularly helpful in the rehabilitation of patients who are treated non-weight bearing following major foot and ankle surgery and have significant co-morbidities making crutch use difficult