Validation of a New Device for Measuring Isolated Gastrocnemius Contracture and Evaluation of the Reliability of the Silfverskiöld Test

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 960-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Molund ◽  
Elisabeth Ellingsen Husebye ◽  
Fredrik Nilsen ◽  
Jan Hellesnes ◽  
Gøran Berdal ◽  
...  

Background: Important aspects on the diagnostics of isolated gastrocnemius contractures (IGCs) have been poorly described. This study was designed to validate a new ankle range of motion (ROM) measuring device for diagnosing an IGC. In addition, we wanted to investigate the reliability of the clinical Silfverskiöld test. Methods: Twelve health care personnel (24 feet) were examined by 4 testers on 3 different occasions for the reliability testing of the new ankle ROM measuring device. The same participants were examined using the Silfverskiöld test to examine the reliability of the clinical test. Eleven patients (15 feet) with IGC were examined before gastrocnemius recession, immediately after surgery, and 3 months after surgery to examine the validity and responsiveness of the ankle ROM device. Results: An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.85 was found for both inter- and intrarater reliability for the new ankle ROM device. The device confirmed an IGC in 13 of 15 feet before surgery and 3 of 13 feet at 3-month follow-up. At baseline, the measured ankle dorsiflexion was median 3 degrees with the knee in extension, which increased to 10 degrees ( P < .001) immediately after surgery and 12 degrees ( P = .003) at 3-month follow-up. ICC values of 0.230 to 0.791 were observed for the inter- and intrarater reliability testing of the clinical Silfverskiöld test. Conclusion: The new ankle ROM measuring device was reliable and responsive for detecting IGC. The Silfverskiöld test had poor inter- and intrarater reliability. Level of evidence Level II, prospective cohort study.

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Gatt ◽  
Nachiappan Chockalingam

Background: The assessment of the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle is an important clinical examination procedure. Evidence shows that the traditional goniometer is highly unreliable, and various designs of goniometers to measure the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle rely on the application of a known force to obtain reliable results. Hence, an innovative ankle dorsiflexion measurement device was designed to make this measurement more reliable by holding the foot in a selected posture without the application of a known moment. Objectives: To report on the comprehensive validity and reliability testing carried out on the new device. Methods: Following validity testing, four different trials to test reliability of the ankle dorsiflexion measurement device were performed. These trials included inter-rater and intra-rater testings with a controlled moment, intra-rater reliability testing with knees flexed and extended without a controlled moment, intra-rater testing with a patient population, and inter-rater reliability testing between four raters of varying experience without controlling moment. All raters were blinded. Study Design: A series of trials to test intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities. Results: Intra-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 and inter-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) was 0.953 with a controlled moment. With uncontrolled moment, very high reliability for intra-tester was also achieved (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94 with knees extended and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95 with knees flexed). For the trial investigating test–retest reliability with actual patients, intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 was obtained. In the trial investigating four different raters with uncontrolled moment, intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91 was achieved. Conclusions: The new ankle dorsiflexion measurement device is a valid and reliable device for measuring ankle dorsiflexion in both healthy subjects and patients, with both controlled and uncontrolled moments, even by multiple raters of varying experience when the foot is dorsiflexed to its end of range of motion. Clinical relevance An ankle dorsiflexion measuring device has been designed to increase the reliability of ankle dorsiflexion measurement and replace the traditional goniometer. While the majority of similar devices rely on application of a known moment to perform this measurement, it has been shown that this is not required with the new ankle dorsiflexion measurement device and, rather, foot posture should be taken into consideration as this affects the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Hung ◽  
Judith F. Baumhauer ◽  
Frank W. Licari ◽  
Jerry Bounsanga ◽  
Maren W. Voss ◽  
...  

Background: Investigating the responsiveness of an instrument is important in order to provide meaningful interpretation of clinical outcomes. This study examined the responsiveness of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF), the PROMIS Pain Interference (PI), and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sports subscale in an orthopedic sample with foot and ankle ailments. Methods: Patients presenting to an orthopedic foot and ankle clinic during the years 2014–2017 responded to the PROMIS and FAAM instruments prior to their clinical appointments. The responsiveness of the PROMIS PF v1.2, PROMIS PI v1.1, and FAAM Sports were assessed using paired samples t test, effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) at 4 different follow-up points. A total of 785 patients with an average age of 52 years (SD = 17) were included. Results: The PROMIS PF had ESs of 0.95 to 1.22 across the 4 time points (3, >3, 6, and <6 months) and SRMs of 1.04 to 1.43. The PROMIS PI had ESs of 1.04 to 1.63 and SRMs of 1.17 to 1.23. For the FAAM Sports, the ESs were 1.25 to 1.31 and SRMs were 1.07 to 1.20. The ability to detect changes via paired samples t test provided mixed results. But in general, the patients with improvement had statistically significant improved scores, and the worsening patients had statistically significant worse scores. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF, PROMIS PI, and FAAM Sports were sensitive and responsive to changes in patient-reported health. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.


Author(s):  
Jakob Ackermann ◽  
Alexandre Barbieri Mestriner ◽  
Kirstin Marie Shu Small ◽  
Emily Sheehy ◽  
Andreas H Gomoll

ObjectivesTibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a frequently performed procedure for the treatment of patellar instability and allows for chondral defect unloading when performed in conjunction with cartilage repair. Accurate intraoperative execution of the osteotomy is of utmost importance to achieve the desired outcome. The purpose of this study is to validate the intraoperative accuracy of the osteotomy angle of TTO.MethodsBetween January 2007 and May 2017, a total of 212 patients underwent TTO; however, only patients with postoperative axial (magnetic resonance) imaging were eligible for inclusion. Thus, 124 patients (126 knees) (58.5%) were evaluated in this study. The osteotomy angle was assessed by two independent reviewers (fellowship trained radiologist and orthopaedic surgeon) using MRI and compared with preoperative planning.ResultsPatients were on average 32.89 years (range 15–56, SD 9.7) of age at the time of surgery with an equal gender contribution (50% women vs 50% men). Postoperative MRI was conducted at 12.53 months (range 2–91 months, SD 12.2) follow-up. Postoperative MRI-measured osteotomy angles averaged 104.1% of planned angles and showed a high intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.87. The accuracy of the osteotomy cut did not vary with the planned steepness of the cut (p=0.984).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the high accuracy of the osteotomy angle can be achieved without the use of calibrated guides. Good exposure and visualisation of the TT intraoperatively are paramount for the precision of anteromedialisation TT osteotomy using the Fulkerson’s technique.Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective case seriesIRB protocol number2017P001677


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 515-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arno Frigg ◽  
Sandrine Zaugg ◽  
Gerardo Maquieira ◽  
Alex Pellegrino

Background: Stiffness after open hallux valgus surgery affects 7% to 38% of patients. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is thought to decrease this rate by reducing soft tissue trauma. MIS, now in its third generation, is advertised as delivering results superior to open surgery. However, no studies have reported stiffness or range of motion (ROM). Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2015, a total of 50 patients received open scarf-Akin surgery and 48 received minimally invasive Chevron Akin (MICA) surgery. The endpoints were American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, range of motion, visual analog scale for pain, scar length, and subjective foot value. The minimal follow-up time was 2 years. Results: Moderate stiffness occurred in 3 cases in both groups. In MICA, extension increased by 10 degrees while it remained unchanged in scarf. Both groups showed similar improvements in AOFAS score, pain, and subjective foot value. Radiographic evidence of correction was comparable, except for an increased shortening of the first metatarsal by 3 mm in MICA. The scars were smaller in MICA (1.2 cm) than in scarf (5 cm). Wound problems included delayed healing in 10% in scarf and wound infections in 4% in MICA. The rate of recurrence and other complications were comparable, except for reoperations, which were higher in MICA (27% mainly for protruding screws) than in scarf (8% mainly for stiffness). In MICA, 14% were intraoperatively converted to open surgery. Conclusion: MICA showed no advantages over scarf other than a shorter scar. The observed gain in extension could be related to the increased shortening of the first metatarsal because of the size of the burr. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort (nonrandomized, comparative) study.


2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 550-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent I. Smith ◽  
Kellie C. Huxel Bliven ◽  
Genoveffa R. Morway ◽  
Jason G. Hurbanek

Reference/Citation Paterson WH, Throckmorton TW, Koester M, Azar FM, Kuhn JE. Position and duration of immobilization after primary anterior shoulder dislocation: a systemic review and meta-analysis of the literature. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2010;92(18):2924–2933. Clinical Question Does an optimum duration and position of immobilization after primary anterior shoulder dislocation exist for reducing recurrence rates? Data Sources MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2009 without limitations. The search terms for all databases used were shoulder AND dislocation and shoulder AND immobilization. Study Selection Criteria used to include articles were (1) English language, (2) prospective level I or level II studies (according to Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery guidelines), (3) nonoperative management of initial anterior shoulder dislocation, (4) minimum follow-up of 1 year, and (5) rate of recurrent dislocation as a reported outcome. Data Extraction A standardized evaluation method was used to extract data to allow assessment of methods issues and statistical analysis to determine sources of bias. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate after nonoperative management of anterior shoulder dislocation. Additional data extracted and used in subanalyses included duration and position of immobilization and age at the time of initial dislocation. Data were analyzed to determine associations among groups using 2-tailed Fisher exact tests. For pooled categorical data, relative risk of recurrent dislocation, 95% confidence intervals, and heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and χ2 tests were calculated for individual studies. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to combine studies and estimate overall relative risk of recurrent dislocation and 95% confidence intervals. The statistical difference between duration of immobilization and position was determined using z tests for overall effect. Pooled results were presented as forest plots. Main Results In the initial search of the databases, the authors identified 2083 articles. A total of 9 studies met all of the criteria and were included in this review. In most of the studies, age was a risk factor for recurrence. Patients less than 30 years of age were more likely to sustain a recurrent dislocation than patients more than 30 years of age. In 5 studies (n = 1215), researchers found no difference in recurrence of shoulder dislocation when immobilized in internal rotation (IR) for less than 1 week (41%, 40 of 97) compared with more than 3 weeks (37%, 34 of 93) in patients less than 30 years of age (P = .52). Authors of 3 studies (n = 289) compared the effect of immobilization in IR versus external rotation (ER), and whereas they found no statistical difference, a trend appeared toward reduced recurrence rates in ER but not IR (P = .07). The rate of recurrent dislocation was 40% (25 of 63) in patients treated with IR sling immobilization and 25% (22 of 88) in patients immobilized in ER. Conclusions Overall, the investigators found that younger age (&lt;30 years) was a predictor of recurrent dislocations, immobilization for more than 1 week did not improve recurrence rates, and an apparent trend existed toward decreased recurrence rates with ER rather than IR. According to the review and meta-analysis by Paterson et al, the level of evidence for recommendations regarding optimal duration and position of immobilization to reduce the risk of recurrent dislocation was therapeutic level II. This level of evidence was appropriate because the review included only prospective studies of level I or II and a minimum follow-up of 1 year.


2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072096961
Author(s):  
Clifford L. Jeng ◽  
John T. Campbell ◽  
Patrick J. Maloney ◽  
Lew C. Schon ◽  
Rebecca A. Cerrato

Background: Surgeons frequently add an Achilles tendon lengthening or gastrocnemius recession to increase dorsiflexion following total ankle replacement. Previous studies have looked at the effects of these procedures on total tibiopedal motion. However, tibiopedal motion includes motion of the midfoot and hindfoot as well as the ankle replacement. The current study examined the effects of Achilles tendon lengthening and gastrocnemius recession on radiographic tibiotalar motion at the level of the prosthesis only. Methods: Fifty-four patients with an average of 25 months follow-up after total ankle replacement were divided into 3 groups: (1) patients who underwent Achilles tendon lengthening, (2) patients who had a gastrocnemius recession, (3) patients with no lengthening procedure. Tibiotalar range of motion was measured on lateral dorsiflexion-plantarflexion radiographs using reference lines on the surface of the implants. Results: Both Achilles tendon lengthening and gastrocnemius recession significantly increased tibiotalar dorsiflexion when compared to the group without lengthening. However, the total tibiotalar range of motion among the 3 groups was the same. Interestingly, the Achilles tendon lengthening group lost 11.7 degrees of plantarflexion compared to the group without lengthening, which was significant. Conclusion: Both Achilles tendon lengthening and gastrocnemius recession increased radiographic tibiotalar dorsiflexion following arthroplasty. Achilles tendon lengthening had the unexpected effect of significantly decreasing plantarflexion. Gastrocnemius recession may be a better choice when faced with a tight ankle replacement because it increases dorsiflexion without a compensatory loss of plantarflexion. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 499-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Briceno ◽  
Timilien Wusu ◽  
Philip Kaiser ◽  
Patrick Cronin ◽  
Alyssa Leblanc ◽  
...  

Background: There is limited evidence that syndesmotic implant removal (SIR) is beneficial. However, many surgeons advocate removal based on studies suggesting improved motion. Methodologic difficulties make the validity and applicability of previous works questionable. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle dorsiflexion after SIR using radiographically measured motion before and after screw removal utilizing a standardized load. Methods: All patients undergoing isolated SIR were candidates for inclusion. Dorsiflexion was measured radiographically: (1) immediately before implant removal intraoperatively, (2) immediately after removal intraoperatively, and (3) 3 months after removal. A standardized torque force was applied to the ankle and a perfect lateral radiograph of the ankle was obtained. Four reviewers independently measured dorsiflexion on randomized, deidentified images. A total of 29 patients met inclusion criteria. All syndesmotic injuries were associated with rotational ankle fractures. There were 11 men (38%) and 18 women (62%). The mean, and standard deviation, age was 50.3 ± 16.9 years (range 19-80). Results: The mean ankle dorsiflexion pre-operatively, post-operatively, and at a 3-month follow-up was 13.7 ± 6.6 degrees, 13.3 ± 7.3 degrees and 11.8 ± 11.3 degrees, respectively ( P = .466). For subsequent analysis, 5 patients were excluded because of the potential confounding effect of retained suture button devices. Analysis of the remaining 24 patients (and final analysis of 21 patients who had complete 3-month follow-up) demonstrated similar results with no statistically significant difference in ankle dorsiflexion at all 3 time points. Conclusion: Removal of syndesmotic screws may not improve ankle dorsiflexion motion and should not be used as the sole indication for screw removal. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0018
Author(s):  
Andrea Stracciolini ◽  
Laura Boucher ◽  
Sarah Jackson ◽  
Naomi Brown ◽  
Danielle Magrini ◽  
...  

Background The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is an important soft tissue constraint to preventing patellar dislocations in young athletes. The anatomy of the MPFL has been investigated in cadaveric studies and magnetic resonance studies. No studies to date have provided anatomical data of the MPFL on ultrasonography. Purpose To investigate the feasibility of musculoskeletal ultrasonography for the evaluation of the MPFL, and to determine interrater and intrarater reliability for MPFL ultrasound measures. Methods Ten control participants (20 knees) 20 to 50 years underwent ultrasonography performed by 3 researchers (musculoskeletal ultrasound radiologist, athletic trainer/biomechanist, primary care sports medicine physician) from 3 different institutions for interrater reliability testing. Intrarater reliability testing was performed at 2 separate institutions by 4 physicians, each performing the same knee ultrasound protocol on 20 knees in 10 study participants 2 to 3 weeks apart. In total, 180 images were created for interrater reliability, and 480 images for intrarater reliability. Examinations were performed with linear high-frequency transducers (10-18 MHz) with the participant in the supine position and the extremity flexed at 45°. Measurements included ligament length (long axis to ligament) from the patellar to the femoral attachment sites, ligament width (short axis to ligament) at the patellar attachment, and ligament thickness (long axis to ligament) midway between the patella and femur. Mean and SD were calculated for all measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was used to assess intrarater and interrater reliability. ICC values < 0.40 indicated poor reliability, whereas those between 0.40 and 0.75 indicated fair to good reliability, and those > 0.75 indicated excellent reliability. Results The mean US value for MPFL length was 44.83mm (SD 6.68), mean thickness 2.66mm (SD 0.85), and mean width 11.76mm (SD 2.99). The overall ICC values for interrater reliability testing indicated fair to good reliability for length measures (0.7) and poor reliability for thickness (–0.1) and width (0.3; Table 1.1). Overall ICC values for intrarater reliability indicated fair to good reliability for length (0.5), excellent for thickness (0.9), and poor reliability for width (–0.3; Table 1.2). Conclusions Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a feasible and reliable office-based method of measuring MPFL length and thickness. These quantitative measures set the groundwork for establishing normative anatomical measures of the MPFL in athletes and establish a protocol for testing and measuring the MPFL using musculoskeletal ultrasonography. [Table: see text][Table: see text]


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596712110215
Author(s):  
Blake C. Meza ◽  
Scott M. LaValva ◽  
Julien T. Aoyama ◽  
Christopher J. DeFrancesco ◽  
Brendan M. Striano ◽  
...  

Background: Bone-age determination remains a difficult process. An atlas for bone age has been created from knee-ossification patterns on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thereby avoiding the need for radiographs and associated costs, radiation exposure, and clinical inefficiency. Shorthand methods for bone age can be less time-consuming and require less extensive training as compared with conventional methods. Purpose: To create and validate a novel shorthand algorithm for bone age based on knee MRIs that could correlate with conventional hand bone age and demonstrate reliability across medical trainees. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Included in this study were adolescent patients who underwent both knee MRI and hand bone age radiographs within 90 days between 2009 and 2018. A stepwise algorithm for predicting bone age using knee MRI was developed separately for male and female patients, and 7 raters at varying levels of training used the algorithm to determine the bone age for each MRI. The shorthand algorithm was validated using Spearman rho ( rS) to correlate each rater’s predicted MRI bone age with the recorded Greulich and Pyle (G&P) hand bone age. Interrater and intrarater reliability were also calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: A total of 38 patients (44.7% female) underwent imaging at a mean age of 12.8 years (range, 9.3-15.7 years). Shorthand knee MRI bone age scores were strongly correlated with G&P hand bone age ( rS = 0.83; P < .001). The shorthand algorithm was a valid predictor of G&P hand bone age regardless of level of training, as medical students ( rS = 0.75), residents ( rS = 0.81), and attending physicians ( rS = 0.84) performed similarly. The interrater reliability of our shorthand algorithm was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88), indicating good to excellent interobserver agreement. Respondents also demonstrated consistency, with 6 of 7 raters demonstrating excellent intrarater reliability (median ICC, 0.86 [range, 0.68-0.96]). Conclusion: This shorthand algorithm is a consistent, reliable, and valid way to determine skeletal maturity using knee MRI in patients aged 9 to 16 years and can be utilized across different levels of orthopaedic and radiographic expertise. This method is readily applicable in a clinical setting and may reduce the need for routine hand bone age radiographs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 262-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claus Deglmann ◽  
Vanja Celigoj ◽  
Bernhard Lukas ◽  
Ahmed Elgammal

Purpose The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of four-corner fusion using dorsal circular plate. Methods We operated on 20 patients between 2009 and 2011. Results At a mean follow-up period of 30 months (range: 14–62, SD: 16), the mean VAS improved from 8 (range: 4–10, SD: 2) preoperatively to 4 (range: 0–8, SD: 2). Function measured with the DASH score improved from 37 (range: 10–75, SD: 18) to 26 (range: 2.5–64, SD: 19). Eighteen patients in our series showed full consolidation and two patients showed persistent nonunion. Three cases required plate removal due to dorsal impingement. Conclusion  Four-corner fusion using dorsal circular plate showed satisfactory results in this study, but it did not show superior results compared with simpler fixation methods mentioned in the literature, such as K-wires or screw fixation. Currently, we are principally using K-wires as a fixation method of choice in our four-corner fusion procedures. Level of Evidence  Level II.


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