Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 5. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06469-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Tunnel syndromes around the foot and ankle are underrecognized and frequently misdiagnosed nerve entrapments that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for these syndromes, focusing on the sural nerve, deep peroneal nerve, tibial nerve, medial plantar nerve, and inferior calcaneal nerve.

METHODS: A thorough literature review was conducted, examining studies and case reports on nerve entrapments in the foot and ankle. The review covers the clinical assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment options, including conservative and surgical interventions.

RESULTS: Tunnel syndromes of the foot and ankle can arise from various causes, including trauma, anatomical variations, repetitive strain, and systemic conditions. Clinical manifestations often include burning pain, tingling, and motor weakness, depending on the affected nerve. Accurate diagnosis relies on a detailed patient history, physical examination, and adjunctive tests such as electrodiagnostic and imaging. Conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, orthotics, and corticosteroid injections, are often effective, while surgical decompression is reserved for refractory cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing and diagnosing tunnel syndromes in the foot and ankle is essential for effective management and preventing permanent nerve damage. A systematic approach that integrates clinical evaluation and appropriate imaging can improve patient outcomes. Timely intervention, whether conservative or surgical, is crucial for alleviating symptoms and restoring function.

PMID:40042611 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06469-5

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 5. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06451-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: While robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) has demonstrated improved surgical precision, its impact on early postoperative pain management remains unclear. This study compared early postoperative pain outcomes between RA-TKA and conventional TKA (C-TKA).

METHODS: In this retrospective study, 230 consecutive patients (309 knees) who underwent primary TKA were analyzed: 143 patients (181 knees) in the C-TKA group and 87 patients (128 knees) in the RA-TKA group. Pain scores at rest and during movement were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for 72 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS: While pain scores at rest showed no significant differences between groups, RA-TKA patients reported significantly lower pain scores during movement at 24 h post-surgery (p = 0.023). The RA-TKA group demonstrated significantly reduced opioid consumption during the first 48 postoperative hours (p = 0.001 for 0-24 h; p = 0.03 for 24-48 h) and shorter length of hospital stay (p = 0.011). Subgroup analysis of unilateral procedures showed similar advantages in the RA-TKA group.

CONCLUSION: RA-TKA was associated with reduced pain during movement, decreased opioid consumption, and shorter hospital stay in the early postoperative period compared to C-TKA.

PMID:40042610 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06451-1

Injury. 2025 Feb 28;56(4):112231. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112231. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There have been no published studies evaluating the impact of humeral stem length on humeral shaft periprosthetic fractures. We sought evaluate the differences in fracture patterns between periprosthetic fractures around a short stem and standard stem humeral implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients sustaining a humeral shaft periprosthetic fracture around shoulder arthroplasty implants from December 2011 to January 2021 were identified using ICD-9/10 codes. Three upper extremity trained surgeons evaluated all radiographs assessing fracture location and configuration, as well as signs of stem stability before and after the fracture. They classified the fractures based on two classification schemes: Wright & Cofield, and the Unified Classification System (UCS), and they recorded their recommended treatment for each case based on fracture pattens and implant stability.

RESULTS: 76 patients with periprosthetic humeral shaft fractures were identified and divided into two groups: short stem (n=18) and standard stem (n=58). Patients with a short stem were more likely to be classified as having an unstable prosthesis after fracture (67% versus 33%, p=0.01). Additionally, the proposed plan for treatment was different between the two groups (p=0.004): more patients in the standard stem group were recommended open reduction internal fixation (50% vs. 33%) or non-operative treatment (17% vs. 0%), and more patients in the short stem group were recommended revision arthroplasty (50% vs. 29%).

CONCLUSION: Patients sustaining a periprosthetic fracture around a short implant may be more likely to have an unstable prosthesis compared to a standard stem, which may have an impact on treatment options.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis Study, Level III.

PMID:40043641 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112231

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Mar 5;107(5):e15. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01497. Epub 2025 Mar 5.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40042508 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01497

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Mar 5;107(5):e14. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01097. Epub 2025 Mar 5.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40042507 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01097

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Mar 5;107(5):e13. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01157. Epub 2025 Mar 5.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40042506 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01157

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 4. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06464-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Medializing displacement calcaneal osteotomies are part of conservative surgical treatments and represent a reliable option in valgus flatfoot deformities. Favorable short-term results of this procedure is well-known. However, there are few series with follow-up beyond five years. This study reports the clinical outcomes of calcaneal medialization osteotomy with a minimum follow-up of five years. The primary objective was to compare functional scores and radiographic measurements at the preoperative stage, immediately post operative, and at the final follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-centre, multi-operator study of 32 patients, who underwent a medialization calcaneal osteotomy for type II flatfoot. Clinical evaluation of the patients was conducted using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score and the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score. Radiographic evaluation used the plantar arch angle angle, the talus-first metatarsal axis (T-M1) on lateral weight-bearing radiographs, and calcaneal valgus on Meary's angle in a hindfoot alignment view.

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was seven years. AOFAS score improved from 46 to 87 and EFAS score from 11 to 20 (p < 0.05). Each radiographic parameter was significantly modified between the preoperative and immediate postoperative periods.

CONCLUSION: We observed a significant and lasting improvement in functional scores at a mean follow-up of seven years. The correction of the evaluated radiographic parameters was significant and remained stable over time.

PMID:40035852 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06464-w

SICOT J. 2025;11:12. doi: 10.1051/sicotj/2025005. Epub 2025 Mar 4.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Although the surgical techniques and functional outcomes of conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are well-established, there is limited data available on robotic arm-assisted TKA (RATKA) in the context of valgus knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of RATKA in the correction of moderate to severe valgus knee deformities using minimally constrained implants and to evaluate the short-term functional outcomes associated with this technique.

METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on patients with moderate to severe grade valgus knee deformity who underwent RATKA from August 1, 2020 to May 31, 2022. Of 873 primary RATKA cases, 48 cases had valgus knee deformities. Among these, 27 had grade 2-3 valgus with intact medial collateral ligament (MCL), two had grade 3 valgus with incompetent MCL, 14 had grade 1 valgus, and five had post-traumatic valgus deformities. Over a two-year follow-up period, functional outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Score (KSS), and complications were documented; however, radiological outcomes were not analyzed.

RESULTS: Among 27 patients with Grade 2-3 valgus, the final cohort included 21 patients (24 knees). The mean age was 58.33 ± 9.63 years and 70.8% were female. Ten (41.7%) patients had rheumatoid arthritis and 14 (58.3%) had degenerative osteoarthritis (OA). The median surgical time was 68.00 (13.00) minutes, and the median blood loss was 478.45 (176.25) mL. The valgus grade was reduced from a baseline value of 22.43 ± 7.05 degrees to 5.26 ± 1.53 degrees at 6 weeks. The WOMAC scores improved from 67.58 ± 7.27 at baseline to 1.38 ± 0.57 in the second year post-operatively. Similarly, the KSS scores improved from 26.67 ± 10.34 at baseline to 181.96 ± 7.20 in the second year. One patient sustained a Type II supracondylar femur fracture after a fall, managed with distal femur arthroplasty, while another had delayed tibia pin tract healing, treated with antibiotics and dressings.

CONCLUSION: RATKA facilitates precise correction of moderate to severe valgus deformity through enhanced surgical planning and execution, achieving adequate functional outcomes with minimal complications through the application of functional alignment philosophy.

PMID:40035462 | PMC:PMC11878094 | DOI:10.1051/sicotj/2025005

Injury. 2025 Feb 20;56(4):112225. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112225. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lacerations rank as the most common paediatric injury that requires a physician evaluation. Glass is a frequent cause of such lacerations, however there is currently little to no information on this. Hence, this paper aims to describe the burden and characteristics of such injuries in Singapore. This study is a retrospective review of glass-related trauma presented to paediatric hospital KKH Emergency Department between 1st January 2017 and 4th July 2023. Data on patient and injury characteristics, as well as treatment plans were collected. 680 patients up to 18 years old (average 6.93) were included in the study. 420 (62 %) were male. The number of glass-related injuries were stable at about 100 per year from 2017 to 2023. 649 (95 %) cases were unintentional. 528 (78 %) injuries occurred indoors.159 (23 %) children had adult supervision at time of injury. A majority of 458 (67 %) injuries occurred during the weekday. Primary blunt injuries were the highest at 414 (61 %), followed by 230 (34 %) penetrating injuries. 317 (37 %) injuries occurred at the lower limb, 305 (36 %) at the upper limb, and 105 (12 %) at the face. 596 (87.6 %) patients had "None to mild" injuries, 31 (4.6 %) with "Moderate" injuries, and 53 (7.8 %) with "Severe" injuries. Glass doors led to 315 (46 %) cases, with glass shards and glass panels causing 85 (12.5 %) and 84 (12.5 %) cases respectively. 555 (82 %) of patients received definitive treatment in the Emergency Department and 74 (11 %) required surgery. The average duration of hospitalization of all patients is 0.36 days. 430 patients averaged 3.66 weeks of follow-up, while 247 were discharged immediately. 85 (13 %) patients required inpatient care. Only 1 patient required fluid resuscitation in the Emergency Department. Most glass injuries are unintentional, caused by glass doors, occur indoors and are, fortunately, mild cases.

PMID:40037263 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112225

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06461-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Groin pain in athletes, particularly inguinal-related groin pain, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge despite recent consensus on terminology. This study aims to explore nerve disorders as a key contributor to groin pain in athletes, focusing on the anatomy, aetiology, diagnosis, and management options.

METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on the anatomical variability of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerves, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and conservative and surgical treatments for nerve-related inguinal pain. Key studies on nerve entrapment, neuropathic and nociceptive pain mechanisms, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS: Variability in nerve pathways and sensory overlap complicate diagnosis and management. Neuropathic pain often presents with burning or electric sensations due to nerve compression or entrapment, while nociceptive pain manifests as dull or stabbing pain. Conservative treatment, including exercise-based rehabilitation and nerve blocks, offers relief in many cases. For refractory cases, surgical treatment can provide significant pain resolution, with nerve identification and potential neurectomy improving outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Nerve disorders play a critical role in inguinal-related groin pain in athletes. Accurate diagnosis relies on detailed clinical examination and targeted imaging. Conservative treatments are first line, but surgical interventions addressing nerve entrapment or compression are effective for persistent cases. Future research should focus on the role of collagen deficiencies, nerve histopathology, and long-term outcomes of different treatment modalities.

PMID:40032740 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06461-z

Injury. 2025 Feb 22;56(4):112227. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112227. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Interlocking screw backout is a significant complication of femoral nailing that may lead to pain, fixation failure, and need for reoperation. The risk for this is increased in osteoporotic bone or in cases of so-called "extreme nailing" when the articular segment is short, and fixation is limited. A newly developed retrograde femoral nailing system (DePuy Synthes RFN-Advanced™ Retrograde Femoral Nailing System (DePuy Synthes, Monument, CO)) was designed specifically to prevent this known failure mode and was recently approved for use within the United States. A preassembled polymer inlay at the distal portion of the nail (through which the distal interlocking screws are placed) is marketed as eliminating interfragmentary motion and screw toggle which can ultimately lead to screw backout. Despite this purposeful design, multiple surgeons at our Level I trauma center in the southeastern US have noted a relatively high occurrence of distal interlocking screw backout when compared to other nail designs used in the same time. We present a single institution retrospective review of placed retrograde femoral nails and their complications, particular loss of interlock bolt fixation and revision surgery in the DePuy Synthes RFN-A group (21.43 %), compared to other implant designs (5.41 %) during the initial implementation period at our institution.

PMID:40031117 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112227

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Mar 3. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01454. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40029939 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01454

Injury. 2025 Feb 21;56(4):112226. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112226. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition which disrupts bone homeostasis leading to impaired healing and profound complications in ankle fractures. Hyperglycaemia and chronic inflammation cause increased generation of advanced glycation end products and reactive oxygen species which ultimately drive osteoclastogenesis and increase bone resorption. Together with a lack of insulin signalling, these mechanisms compromise bone metabolism and increase the risk of complications in fracture healing. Diabetes is associated with comorbidities such as vasculopathy and neuropathy which further contribute to the risk of complications. The complications identified in diabetic patients with ankle fractures include non-union, malunion, infection, amputation, and mortality. Thus, careful consideration is needed when deciding between surgical and conservative treatment. This narrative review provides a synthesis of the literature covering the impact of diabetes on ankle fractures, considering their high prevalence in the UK.

PMID:40023923 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112226

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 1. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06458-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of scaphocapitate arthrodesis with lunate excision in patients with stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck's disease.

METHOD: Between September 2013 and April 2024, 106 consecutive patients were screened, with 64 consenting to participate. Final analysis included 56 patients (32 stage IIIB and 24 stage IIIC) who underwent scaphocapitate arthrodesis with lunate excision, utilizing distal radius bone grafting stabilized by Herbert compression screws. Preoperative and postoperative assessments (6, 18, 36, and 84 months) included VAS score for pain, ROM, grip strength, MMWS, PRWE scores, and radiographic evaluations including RS angle, CHR, CUDR, and ulnar variance.

RESULTS: The mean operative time was 75 ± 11 min, and the average follow-up was 86 ± 2.5 months. The union rate was 91% with a mean time to union of 10 ± 2 weeks. Preoperative mean VAS scores (63 ± 4 mm) significantly decreased to 25 ± 9 mm at 6 months and 12 ± 4 mm at 36 months (p = 0.001), with a slight increase to 22 ± 5 mm at 84 months. ROM improved from 46% ± 9% of the healthy side preoperatively to 59% ± 3.2% at 36 months (p = 0.001) but slightly decreased to 58% ± 3% at 84 months. Grip strength improved from 48% ± 8% preoperatively to 89% ± 6.4% at 36 months (p = 0.001) and remained stable at 88% ± 4% at 84 months. The mean MMWS increased from 46 ± 7 to 75 ± 5 (p = 0.001), while PRWE scores decreased from 68 ± 8 to 23 ± 6 (p = 0.001). The mean RS angle decreased from 59° ± 8° preoperatively to 50° ± 3° at 36 months (p = 0.001). There was no significant change in CHR (0.44 ± 0.04 to 0.46 ± 0.03, p = 0.251), while CUDR decreased from 31 ± 3 mm to 25 ± 2 mm (p = 0.021). Ulnar variance remained stable (p = 0.325). Degenerative changes were noted in 13 patients (23%) at the RS joint, with six showing Grade I, 5 Grade II, and 1 Grade III degeneration. Additionally, 5 patients (9%) exhibited changes at the STT joint, comprising three with Grade I and 2 with Grade II degeneration.

CONCLUSION: Scaphocapitate arthrodesis with lunate excision can improves pain, ROM, grip strength, and functional scores in patients with stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck's disease. Over time, improvements in VAS scores and functional metrics were notable, though there was a slight decline in pain relief and ROM at 84 months. These changes are critical to understanding the potential degenerative complications, particularly at the RS joint, where some patients developed osteoarthritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

PMID:40024945 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06458-8

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 1. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06454-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of implant-associated and radiographic factors on survival rates and revisions of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS: This retrospective study included 68 patients who underwent TSA for primary OA at a single institution between 2008 and 2015, with a minimum follow-up of 60 months. Patients with prior shoulder surgeries, perioperative infections, or revisions within 12 months postoperatively were excluded. Patients were divided into Group A (Survivors) and Group B (Revisions) based on implant survival. Radiographic parameters analyzed included critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromiohumeral distance (AHD), lateral offset (LO), humeral head-stem index (HSI), centre of rotation (COR), and glenoid erosion, categorized using Sirveaux, Lévigne, Franceschi, and Walch classifications. Demographic data were also assessed.

RESULTS: Of 68 patients, 57 were in Group A (mean age: 58.5 ± 10.1 years; follow-up: 115.8 months) and 11 in Group B (mean age: 61.4 ± 8.3 years; follow-up: 113.9 months). Implant survival was 84% after 115.8 ± 34.5 months. Baseline demographics were comparable (e.g., smoking: p = 0.75), as was osteolysis prevalence (Group A: 47%; Group B: 45%; p = 0.91). HSI was significantly higher in Group B (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.1; p = 0.03). No other radiographic differences were significant.

CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty can expect favourable mid- to long-term outcomes, with implant survival rates of 84% and relatively low complication rates. Although osteolysis is common, it rarely necessitates revision surgery. The role of the humeral head-stem index (HSI) warrants further investigation.

STUDY DESIGN: Level IV; retrospective case study.

PMID:40024944 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06454-y

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 1. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06474-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of UBS (Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel) and HSD (High-speed drill) for performing anterior or posterior decompressions in patients with pathologies in cervical and lumbar regions.

METHODS: Between October 2022 and June 2024, 60 patients underwent surgery in which a UBS (Sonopet UST-2001; Stryker Neuro Spine ENT, MI, USA) and High-speed Midas Rex MR8 (Medtronic, Fort Worth, TX, USA) drill was used. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. The study included 27 men and 33 women with a mean age of 59,5 ± 14.6 years (range: 28-85). The following patient data were recorded: preoperative and postoperative JOA scores, intraoperative blood loss, and operative time for decompression in lumbar and cervical region.

RESULTS: In UBS group, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 166.0 ± 64.3 ml. The mean preoperative and postoperative JOA scores were 4.5 ± 1.0 and 8.6 ± 1.8 and the mean postoperative follow-up duration was 6.1 ± 4.4 months in UBS group. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 221.2 ± 93.4 ml in HSD group. The mean preoperative and postoperative JOA scores were 5.2 ± 1.1 and 8.2 ± 1.2 in HSD group. In the HSD group, the blood loss (BL) value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the UBS group. The preoperative/postoperative JOA score improvement in the UBS group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the HSD group.

CONCLUSIONS: The UBS can be safely used in spinal surgery. It reduces intraoperative blood loss and provide better clinical improvement. Authors would like to emphasize that the UBS resects the bone with oscillatory movements rather than rolling motions and this mechanism of action is important in reducing the risk of dura mater injury.

PMID:40024943 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06474-8

Injury. 2025 Feb 25;56(3):112228. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112228. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40022873 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112228

Injury. 2025 Feb 20:112223. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112223. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A case of traumatic strabismus was painted in two portraits of Franz Josias, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (1697-1764). Both canvases are held by the Art Collection of Veste Coburg (Accession numbers: M.076 & M.363).

METHODS: Resorting to the "Guidelines for Iconodiagnosis", a careful comparison of the portraits of the Duke pre-dating an accident with those showing evidence of an ocular trauma afterwards, was performed. An analysis of the historical and biographical written sources was carried out as well.

RESULTS: At the age of 32 years, while playing battledore and shuttlecock (in French "jeu de volant", a forerunner of badminton), Duke Franz Josias sustained a traumatic left eye injury. This did not heal with time and was depicted in contemporary paintings of the Duke.

CONCLUSION: Combining both biographical and artistic sources, a diagnosis of post-traumatic strabismus due to injury of the left inferior rectus muscle was proposed with an Iconodiagnosis level of evidence II.

PMID:40021390 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112223

Injury. 2025 Feb 20;56(4):112224. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112224. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The soft tissue of the heel is weak, and calcaneal bone defects occur easily post-infection, resulting in the inability of paediatric patients to walk normally. Calcaneal reconstruction is challenging. We aimed to evaluate the methodology and clinical effects of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of calcaneal infectious bone defects.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 12 children with infectious calcaneal bone defects treated by the Ilizarov technique in our center from January 2018 to August 2022.Stump lengthening of the calcaneus was performed in nine cases. Due to severe calcaneus infection the calcaneus was removed, and talus lengthening was performed in three children. Two children were treated with drug-loaded spacer bone cement to control peripheral soft tissue infection before bone elongation could be performed, while the other ten cases underwent bone lengthening at one stage after radical debridement. Pain, foot function, self-care ability and hind foot function were evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Maryland Foot Score, Activity of Daily Living scale, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society retro ankle foot score.

RESULTS: In this cohort of 12 children, the time for bone lengthening ranged from 32 to 64 days (mean 41.75 ± 10.09 days), and the distance of bone lengthening was between 2.6 cm and 5.4 cm (mean 3.57 ± 0.86 cm). The inflammation indicators CRP, ESR, and IL-6 were significantly reduced after radical debridement (15.72 ± 3.09 vs 6.04 ± 1.28, 25.20 ± 2.72 vs 15.11 ± 1.56, 16.39 ± 3.75 vs 2.99 ± 1.08, respectively; p < 0.01). Bone reconstruction effectively reduced pain in the affected limb and significantly improved foot function, self-care ability, and hind foot function in these children. In four cases, external fixators were removed and an Achilles tendon lengthening operation was performed to further reconstruct calcaneal bone function. After surgical treatment, all the children in this cohort were able to return to normal life.

CONCLUSION: The Ilizarov technique for treating large infectious calcaneal bone defects and bone lengthening can effectively reconstruct the function of the calcaneal bone without significantly affecting the ankle joint.

PMID:40020515 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112224

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00050. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

➢ Orthopaedic surgeon pay structures are diverse, but most commonly are productivity-based.➢ Physician ownership of ambulatory surgery centers is a growing phenomenon and may have effects on clinical decision-making.➢ Hospital systems are paid by multiple mechanisms, including case-based reimbursement (based on Diagnosis-Related Groups). Incentives are substantially different between the types of payers (Medicare and Medicaid compared with private insurance).➢ Payer revenues stem from risk-adjusted premiums and investments in income-generating assets; a growing focus on cost-effective care and outcome-focused data by payers has led to changes in pay structures.

PMID:40020042 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00050