Foot/Ankle News

Recently published data indicated elite-level rugby players and soccer players can return to play within 31 weeks after they undergo surgery for acute Lisfranc injuries, but bony injuries were associated with a longer return to play than ligamentous injuries.

Zimmer Biomet Holdings announced they received FDA 510(k) clearance for the Unite3D Bridge Fixation System, designed using 3D-printed technology to offer stability in foot and ankle arthrodesis.

Acute midsubstance Achilles tendon ruptures, an increasingly common athletic injury in patients 30 years to 50 years old, can result in significant functional limitation and decreased quality of life. The management of these injuries is controversial, with no consensus in the literature regarding the use of surgical treatment or optimal repair technique.

Recently published data indicated that in the United States, total ankle arthroplasty is a relatively safe surgery with an overall 30-day complication rate of 1.4%.

In the January/February editorial of Orthopedics, Editor-in-Chief, Robert D. D’Ambrosia, MD, announced several changes being made to the print and online editions of the publication.

Investigators of this study found conversion of ankle arthrodesis to total ankle arthroplasty improved function and offered pain relief to most patients at short-term follow-up.

SAN DIEGO — Treatment of overtly unstable malleolar fractures with close contact casting showed outcomes equivalent to those of open reduction and internal fixation among elderly patients and were associated with a cost reduction in results of a multicenter study presented at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual Meeting, here.

Navicular stress fractures are a relatively common presentation to an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. Most involve recreational or high-level athletes who present with vague complaints of pain in the foot or ankle, especially during increased activity levels. In the clinic, it is often difficult to localize the area of pathology. A high index of suspicion must be maintained to diagnose and treat stress reactions or fractures of the navicular bone. Once diagnosed, several treatment options, both operative and nonoperative, exist.

Results of this retrospective comparative study demonstrated both sural fasciocutaneous flaps and rotational fasciocutaneous perforator flaps are efficacious options for coverage of distal medial leg wounds.

Comparisons made between injury radiographs, preoperative MRI scans and intraoperative results indicated the Lauge-Hansen classification can accurately predict ligament injuries in ankle fracture cases, according to study results.