scholarly journals Parachute-Induced Pectoralis Major Tears in Military Servicemembers: What Is the Functional Recovery?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596712110144
Author(s):  
K. Aaron Shaw ◽  
Scott Brown ◽  
Colleen M. Moreland ◽  
Ivan J. Antosh ◽  
Stephen A. Parada
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Outcome Assessment ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Injury Mechanism ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Operative Repair ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background: Although the most common injury mechanism for pectoralis major (PM) tears is an eccentric loading mechanism typically caused by bench pressing, within the military, there is a unique injury mechanism associated with airborne operations. The results of operative repair for these parachute-induced PM tears have not been previously reported. Purpose/Hypothesis: To assess the functional outcomes in military servicemembers undergoing operative repair of parachute-induced PM tears. We hypothesized that functional recovery would be impaired with delayed surgical intervention. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were active duty military servicemembers who underwent operative repair for PM tears caused by a parachute-induced mechanism. Charts were reviewed to identify characteristic, injury, and surgical variables. Patients completed the functional outcome assessment with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaires. Outcomes were compared between patients treated within 6 weeks of injury and those treated beyond 6 weeks. Results: Of the 68 identified PM tears, 25 were the result of parachute-induced mechanisms. A total of 13 patients consented and completed the functional outcome assessment. The mean patient age was 30.6 ± 6.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 5.46 ± 1.26 years. Ten patients underwent repair within 6 weeks of injury, and the remaining 3 patients underwent repair at a mean of 338 days after injury (95% CI, -42.8 to 718.8 days), a significant difference between groups ( P = .006). All 13 patients were able to return to military duties at a mean of 6 months from injury. Patients treated within 6 weeks of injury had significantly higher functional outcomes (DASH score, 6.17 vs 26.67; P = .018; ASES score, 85.97 vs 49.5; P = .008), with greater strength performance compared with preinjury (bench press, 90.58% vs 38.95%; P = .0057; push-ups, 81.9% vs 23.8%; P = .023) compared with patients treated beyond 6 weeks of injury. Conclusion: Operative repair of parachute-induced PM tears within 6 weeks of injury provided a superior functional and strength recovery when compared with delayed surgical repair. Acute repair should be recommended for military servicemembers who experience this unique injury mechanism.

scholarly journals Anatomical plating versus titanium elastic nailing for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: a prospective comparative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 278
Author(s):  
Ashish Philip ◽  
Shishir Murugharaj Suranigi ◽  
Lingaraj . ◽  
Kanagasabai Rengasamy ◽  
Syed Najimudeen
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Minimal Invasive ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Randomised Study ◽  
Titanium Elastic Nailing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prospective Comparative Study ◽  
Clavicle Fractures ◽  
The Mean

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Plate fixation has become the standard operative method for fixing displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Over the years, TENS has also gained lot of attention due to its minimal invasive nature, smaller scar and reduced operative time. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcome of middle third displaced clavicle fractures treated either by plate or intra medullary TENS fixation using Constant Murley score and disability of the arm, shoulder and hand score.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective randomised study was conducted from January 2010 to September 2016 at our institute on patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.<strong> </strong>A total of 56 patients (TENS; n=25, plating; n=31), classified according to orthopaedic trauma association classification underwent midshaft clavicle fixation. They were followed-up for a minimum period of 1 year.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Length of the scar in the TENS group was significantly smaller when compared to the incision in the plating group (1.86±1.23 and 11.01±3.29 cms respectively, p&lt;0.001). The Constant shoulder score measured at the end of 1 year was 90.77±9.01 for the TENS group and 92.63±6.04 for the plating group, not significant statistically (p=0.269). The mean DASH score was also not significantly different (p=0.552) between the TENS group and the plating group, at 6.01±11.09 and 6.32±10.33 respectively.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In comparison with plate fixation, the nailing procedure is less invasive, requires smaller incisions and has a shorter duration of hospital stay with no statistically significant difference in terms of functional outcome. Hence, TENS technique is recommended for the fixation of displaced mid-shaft non-/minimal comminuted clavicular fractures, especially for young individuals and can be used as an alternative to plate fixation.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

scholarly journals Timing of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003
Author(s):  
Direk Tantigate ◽  
J. Turner Vosseller ◽  
Justin Greisberg ◽  
Benjamin Ascherman ◽  
Christina Freibott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Open Reduction ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Unstable ankle fractures are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for stabilization in an effort to ultimately prevent post-traumatic arthritis. It is not uncommon for operative treatment to be performed as an outpatient in the ambulatory surgery setting several days to a couple weeks after the injury to facilitate things from a scheduling perspective. It is unclear what effect this delay has on functional outcome. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of delayed operative treatment by comparing the functional outcomes for groups of patients based on the amount of time between the injury and surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 122 ankle fracture patients who were surgically treated by ORIF over a three year period was performed. All ankle fracture patients older than 18 years with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up were included. A total of 61 patients were included for this study. Three patients were excluded; 2 patients had an open injury and 1 patient presented with a delayed union. Demographic data, comorbidities, injury characteristics, duration from injury to surgery, operative time, length of postoperative stay, complications and functional outcomes were recorded. Functional outcome was determined by Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at the latest follow-up visit. Comparison of demographic variables and the subcategory of FAOS including symptoms, pain, activities of daily living (ADL), sport activity and quality of life (QOL) was performed between patient underwent ORIF less than 14 days after injury and 14 days or greater. Results: A total of 58 patients were included in this study. Thirty-six patients (62.1%) were female. The mean age of patients was 48.14 ± 16.84 years (19-84 years). The mean follow-up time was 41.48 ± 12.25 months (24-76 months). The duration between injury and operative fixation in the two groups was 7 ± 3 days (<14 days) and 18 ± 3 days (>14 days), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic variables, comorbidities, injury characteristics, or length of operation. Each subcategory of FAOS demonstrated no statistically significant difference between these two groups. (Table 1) Additionally, further analysis for the delayed fixation more than 7 days and 10 days also revealed no significant difference of FAOS. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture more than 14 days does not significantly diminish functional outcome according to FAOS. Delay of ORIF for ankle fractures does not play a significant role in the long-term functional outcome.

scholarly journals Functional outcomes of bone marrow aspirate concentrate application in osteoarthritis of the knee

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 587
Author(s):  
Safa Gursoy ◽  
Mustafa Akkaya ◽  
Mehmet Emin Simsek ◽  
Murat Bozkurt
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Bone Marrow Aspirate ◽  
Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽  
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate ◽  
Symptomatic Knee ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a very common musculoskeletal disorder. Although total knee replacement is a suitable option in the treatment of severe OA, it has some limitations when performed in the early stage and early age. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), which is rich in mesenchymal stem cells, is promising due to its potentially regenerative and symptomatic effects in many disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of BMAC in terms of functional recovery in OA of the knee joint.Methods: Total of 52 patients with unilateral symptomatic knee OA but no inflammatory disease, advanced malalignment or instability were enrolled in this study. Bone marrow aspirate was collected from the iliac crest in one session, prepared using a manufactured kit and the patients received intra-articular injections of this BMAC. The mean age of the patients was 59.2±7.4 and the mean follow-up period was 22.1±3.6 months. Functional outcomes of the patients were evaluated using Modified Cincinnati and Tegner Lysholm scoring systems.Results: It was observed that both Lysholm and Cincinnati scores of the patients were statistically significantly higher throughout the follow-up period as compared to the period before the procedure (p=0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in Lysholm and Cincinnati ratings between gender, side and body mass index groups throughout the follow-up period (p >0.05). It was found that the results of the patients with Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 4 severe joint arthrosis were statistically significantly lower (p <0.05).Conclusions: Considering the functional outcomes of the patients up to two years, it was observed that the application of concentrated bone marrow aspirate provided functional recovery in arthrosis of the knee joint.

Scaphoid Nonunion Is a Disabling Problem in a Military Population

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110031
Author(s):  
Nicholas H. Lake ◽  
Rafae Khan ◽  
Kyle W. Mombell ◽  
Mary Fergus ◽  
Dominic Gomez-Leonardelli
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Scaphoid Nonunion ◽  
Military Population ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Return To Duty

Background Scaphoid nonunion can occur in up to 55% of displaced scaphoid fractures. Long-term functional outcomes of this injury are lacking. In addition, no study has published rate of return to active military service after this injury. Our goal was to educate providers and patients on expected functional outcomes and return to duty after treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent scaphoid nonunion repair at our institution from 2008 to 2017. The primary outcome measures were union rates, return to duty rates, and functional outcome scores obtained by telephone call. A total of 144 patients were included and 40 responded to our call for long-term follow-up. Results A total of 72% of patients achieved union after surgery, 18% required revision surgery, and 74% of patients were able to return to full duty after surgery. However, this number progressively decreased at 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. At an average of 5.9 years after surgery, the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH) score was 23.9. The mean qDASH for patients who achieved union (21.9) was significantly lower than those with persistent nonunion (29.2) ( P = .0115). Conclusion Scaphoid nonunion is a difficult problem in the military. We found a high rate of persistent nonunion often requiring revision to partial or full wrist arthrodesis. In addition, our long-term functional outcome scores demonstrate significant disability after this injury, even when union is achieved. This information can help us better counsel our patients and set expectations after treatment of this injury.

EXPRESS: Comparison of Mothership versus Drip-and-Ship Models in treating patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110132
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mohamed ◽  
Nida Fatima ◽  
Ashfaq Shuaib ◽  
Maher Saqqur
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Randomized Control

Introduction There is controversy if direct to comprehensive center “mothership” (MS) or stopping at primary center for thrombolysis before transfer to comprehensive center “drip-and- ship” (DS) are best models of treatment of acute stroke. In this study, we compare MS and DS models to evaluate the best option of functional outcome. Methods Studies between 1990 and 2020 were extracted from online electronic databases. We compared the clinical outcomes, critical time measurements, functional independence and mortality were then compared. Results A total of 7,824 patients’ data were retrieved from 13 publications (3 randomized control trials and 10 retrospective ones). 4,639 (59.3%) patients were treated under MS model and 3,185 (40.7%) followed the DS model with mean age of 70.01±3.58 vs. 69.03±3.36; p< 0 .001, respectively. The National Institute Health Stroke Scale was 15.57±3.83 for the MS and 15.72±2.99 for the DS model (p=<0.001). The mean symptoms onset-to-puncture time was significantly shorter in the MS group compared to the DS (159.69 min vs. 223.89 min; p=<0.001, respectively). Moreover, the collected data indicated no significant difference between symptom’s onset to intravenous (IV) thrombolysis time and stroke onset-to-successful recanalization time (p=0.205 and p=<0.001, respectively). Patients had significantly worse functional outcome [modified rankin score (mRS)] (3-6) at 90-days in the DS model [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.47, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.13-1.92, p<0.004] and 1.49-folds higher likelihood of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.22-1.81, p<0.0001) compared to MS. However, there were no statistically significant difference in terms of mortality (OR: 1.16, 95%CI: 0.87-1.55, p=0.32) and successful recanalization (OR: 1.12, 95%CI: 0.76-1.65, p=0.56) between the two models of care. Conclusion Patients in the MS model have significantly improved functional independence and recovery. Further studies are needed as the data from prospectively randomized studies is not of sufficient quality to make definite recommendations.

scholarly journals A study on the outcome of displaced midshaft non-comminuted clavicle fractures treated with anatomical locking plate versus titanium elastic nail

2020 ◽  
pp. 221049172097518
Author(s):  
Vineet Thomas Abraham ◽  
Chandrasekaran Marimuthu
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Plate Versus ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Titanium Elastic Nail ◽  
Constant Murley Score ◽  
Elastic Nail ◽  
Clavicle Fractures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Quick Dash

Purpose: Fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle is well known to decrease nonunion, malunion and shoulder disability as compared to nonoperative treatment. This study was done to compare the clinical and functional outcome of group 1 clavicle fractures treated with anatomic locking plates (ALP) versus Titanium elastic nail (TEN). Methods: We studied patients presenting with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated with ALP or TEN. The study period was from Jan 2013 to Dec 2016. Patients were reviewed and at each visit clinical and radiological progress of union was noted, complications if any were noted, functional assessment was done using the quick Dash score and Constant Murley score. Results: A total of 116 patients met our inclusion criteria. 62 patients were treated with TEN and 54 with ALP. Bony union was achieved at an average of 11.8 weeks in the TENS group and 12.8 weeks in the ALP group post operatively and this was found to be significant. The mean postoperative Constant Murley score in the ALP and the TEN groups were 92.8 (range 80–97), and 93.7 (82–97) respectively. The mean postoperative quick dash score in the ALP and TEN groups were 2.48(range from 0 to 6.8) and 2.1 (range 0–9.1) respectively. Conclusion: Both Anatomical locking plate and TEN are good options for the treatment of non-comminuted mid clavicular fractures as they have a similar functional outcome. TEN nail insertion has the advantage of being minimally invasive, having a faster union time and may be recommended in midshaft clavicle fractures without comminution.

Are the Classic and the Congruent Arc Latarjet Procedures Equally Effective for the Treatment of Recurrent Shoulder Instability in Athletes?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 2081-2089
Author(s):  
Luciano A. Rossi ◽  
Ignacio Tanoira ◽  
Tomás Gorodischer ◽  
Ignacio Pasqualini ◽  
Domingo Luis Muscolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Bone Block ◽  
Return To Sports ◽  
Glenohumeral Instability ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anterior Glenohumeral Instability

Background: There is a lack of evidence in the literature comparing outcomes between the classic and the congruent arc Latarjet procedures in athletes. Purpose: To compare return to sports, functional outcomes, and complications between the classic and the congruent arc Latarjet procedures in athletes with recurrent glenohumeral instability. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between June 2009 and June 2017, 145 athletes with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability underwent surgery with the Latarjet as a primary procedure in our institution. The classic procedure was used in 66 patients, and the congruent arc method was used in 79 patients. Return to sports, range of motion (ROM), the Rowe score, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain in sports activity, and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS) were used to assess functional outcomes. Recurrences were also evaluated. The postoperative bone block position and consolidation were assessed with computed tomography. Results: In the total population, the mean follow-up was 41.3 months (range, 24-90 months) and the mean age was 25.3 years (range, 18-45 years). In total, 90% of patients were able to return to sports; of these, 91% returned at their preinjury level of play. No significant difference in shoulder ROM was found between preoperative and postoperative results. The Rowe, VAS, and ASOSS scores showed statistical improvement after operation ( P < .001). The Rowe score increased from a preoperative mean of 42.8 points to a postoperative mean of 95.2 points ( P < .01). Subjective pain during sports improved from 3.2 points preoperatively to 0.7 points at last follow-up ( P < .01). The ASOSS score improved significantly from a preoperative mean of 46.4 points to a postoperative mean of 88.4 points ( P < .01). No significant differences in shoulder ROM and functional scores were found between patients who received the classic vs congruent arc procedures. There were 5 recurrences (3.5%): 3 dislocations (2%) and 2 subluxations (1%). No significant difference in the recurrence rate was noted between groups. The bone block healed in 134 cases (92%). Conclusion: In athletes with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability, the Latarjet procedure produced excellent functional outcomes. Most athletes returned to sports at their preinjury level, and the rate of recurrence was very low, regardless of whether the patients received surgery with the classic or congruent arc technique.

scholarly journals Clinical and functional outcomes of a novel transosseous device to treat rotator cuff tears: A minimum 2-year follow-up

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 230949901987517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Arican ◽  
Yalçın Turhan ◽  
Zekeriya Okan Karaduman ◽  
Tacettin Ayanoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Rotator Cuff Tear ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Full Thickness ◽  
Gold Standard Method ◽  
Cuff Tear ◽  
The Mean

Purpose: Despite the improvements in the repair equipment techniques of rotator cuff, a gold standard method has not been defined yet and transosseous fixation through deltoid-splitting (mini-open) approach is still regarded as a good option. The primary purpose of this study is to present satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes with a novel transosseous device in full-thickness rotator cuff tear through deltoid-splitting. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was performed on 70 consecutive patients who underwent surgery by a single surgeon from June 2014 to June 2016 for a full-thickness rotator cuff tear and was managed with a novel transosseous device. Total number of patients, mean age, percentage of male and female patients, mean duration of follow-up, percentage of involvement of the dominant extremity, affected shoulder, and tear size were recorded. Functional and clinical outcomes were assessed baseline and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months and final follow-up using Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) and Constant-Murley scores. Results: A total of 70 (49 (70%) female, 21 (30%) male) patients whose mean age was 58.66 ± 9.19 (38–77) years were included. The mean surgery time was 35.33 ± 5.34 (28–55) min. The mean follow-up time was 28.31 ± 3.03 (24–36) months. According to the DeOrio and Cofield classification, 15 (21.43%) tears were small, 33 (47.14%) medium, 16 (22.86%) large, and 6 (8.57%) massive. By the final follow-up, the mean Constant-Murley score had significantly improved from 27.67 ± 7.46 (13–41) to 81.25 ± 3.77 (74–87; p = 0.0001) and the Q-DASH score had decreased from 82.34 ± 10.37 (65.91–100) to 10.28 ± 6.88 (0–23.45; p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the Constant-Murley or Q-DASH score at baseline–final follow-up between the small, medium, large, and massive tear groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tear using this novel transosseous device significantly improved functional and clinical scores. However, further long-term prospective randomized multicenter trials involving comparative studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

scholarly journals Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pectoralis Major Injuries in an Active Duty Military Cohort: Mechanism Affects Tear Location

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596712092501
Author(s):  
John Synovec ◽  
K. Aaron Shaw ◽  
Joshua Hattaway ◽  
Aimee M. Wilson ◽  
Mickey Chabak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Injury Mechanism ◽  
Mechanism Of Injury ◽  
Operative Repair ◽  
Active Duty Military ◽  
Tear Pattern ◽  
Tendon Tears

Background: Pectoralis major (PM) tendon tears are common injuries in athletic patient populations, where operative repair is largely recommended for maximum functional recovery. The repair varies in difficulty and technique based on the location of the tear within the muscle-tendon unit. Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) has been reported to be sensitive and specific for identifying the tear location, but the effect of injury mechanism on tear pattern has not been previously investigated. Purpose: To examine PM tears in a military patient population and assess the effect of injury mechanism (weightlifting vs high-energy trauma) on the tear pattern and accuracy of MRI interpretation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Active duty military servicemembers undergoing operative repair of PM tendon tears with corresponding preoperative MRIs from 2 medical centers were identified. Two musculoskeletal fellowship–trained radiologists reviewed imaging studies, reporting the location of the tear within the muscle-tendon unit and the severity of the tear (sternal head vs clavicular head vs both). Radiographic findings were compared against intraoperative findings. Mechanism of injury and timing from injury to imaging and surgery were assessed to determine whether they affected the accuracy of MRI interpretations. Results: A total of 72 patients were included (mean ± SD age, 33.7 ± 7.0 years; 100% male). Mechanisms of injury consisted of 46 weightlifting injuries and 26 high-energy injuries. Interrater reliability was poor for tear location (kappa, 0.162; P = .003) but substantial for extent of tear (kappa, 0.637; P < .0001). MRI had a 51.3% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity for identifying complete tears. MRI had a sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 72.2% for avulsion injuries and sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 79.3% for musculotendinous injuries. Mechanism of injury had no effect on extent of the tear but did affect the location of the tear, with a higher rate of avulsion injuries in the high-energy mechanism cohort (81% vs 40%; P = .02). Conclusion: The mechanism of injury was found to significantly affect the location of tendon tears. A higher rate of avulsion injuries was found in high-energy injuries than weightlifting injuries. MRI appeared to be less sensitive and specific than previous reports for traumatic PM tendon injuries.

Lower Signal Intensity of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament is Associated with a Higher Rate of Return to Sport After ATFL Repair for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 2380-2385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Li ◽  
Yinghui Hua ◽  
Sijia Feng ◽  
Hongyun Li ◽  
Shiyi Chen
Keyword(s):  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Rate Of Return ◽  
Anterior Talofibular Ligament ◽  
Aofas Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background: The treatment strategy for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is usually determined by the ATFL remnant condition during surgery. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based signal intensity of the ATFL remnant, represented by the signal/noise ratio (SNR) value, can reveal the ATFL remnant condition. Thus far, there is a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between the ATFL remnant condition and functional outcomes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to quantitatively evaluate whether the MRI-based ATFL ligament SNR value is related to functional outcomes after ATFL repair for ankles with chronic lateral ankle instability. The hypothesis was that a lower preoperative SNR is related to a better clinical outcome, particularly a higher rate of return to sport. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: First, a preliminary study was performed to measure the ATFL SNR in preoperative MRI, the results of which suggested that a preoperative SNR >10.4 was indicative of a poor ATFL condition. Then, a cohort study was retrospectively performed with consecutive patients who underwent open repair of ATFL injuries between January 2009 and August 2014. Accordingly, the patients were divided into 2 groups: high SNR (HSNR; ≥10.4) and low SNR (LSNR; <10.4). Functional outcomes based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and Tegner Activity Scale were then compared between the HSNR group and the LSNR group. Results: Ultimately, 70 patients were available for the final follow-up: 37 in the HSNR group and 33 in the LSNR group. No significant difference was detected between the HSNR group and the LSNR group in terms of the AOFAS score, KAFS, or Tegner Activity Scale ( P > .05 for all) preoperatively. At the final follow-up, the mean ± SD AOFAS score in the LSNR group (92 ± 6) was higher than that in the HSNR group (87 ± 12), although no significant difference was detected postoperatively ( P = .16). The mean KAFS in the LSNR group (94 ± 7) was significantly higher than that in the HSNR group (88 ± 11) postoperatively ( P = .03). At follow-up, the mean Tegner score in the LSNR group (6; range, 3-7) was significantly higher than that in the HSNR group (5; range, 1-8) postoperatively ( P = .03). Patients in the LSNR group had a significantly higher percentage of sports participation than those in the HSNR group (91% vs 65%, P = .02) postoperatively. Conclusion: A lower signal intensity in the ATFL ligament based on preoperative MRI is associated with a better clinical outcome, particularly a higher rate of return to sport.

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