APKASS Consensus Statement on Chronic Syndesmosis Injury, Part 2: Indications for Surgical Treatment, Arthroscopic or Open Debridement, and Reconstruction Techniques of Suture Button and Screw Fixation

Background: The indications for surgical treatment of chronic syndesmosis injury are challenging for many orthopaedic clinicians, as there is no international consensus on the optimal management of these injuries. Purpose: An international group of experts representing the field of sports injuries in the foot and ankle area was invited to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence regarding chronic syndesmosis injury. All were members of the Asia-Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society (APKASS). Study Design: Consensus statement. Methods: From November to December 2020, a total of 111 international experts on sports medicine or ankle surgery participated in a 2-stage Delphi process that included an anonymous online survey and an online meeting. A total of 13 items with 38 statements were drafted by 13 core authors. Of these, 9 items with 17 clinical questions and statements were related to indications for surgical treatment, arthroscopic versus open debridement, and suture button versus screw fixation reconstruction techniques and are presented here. Each statement was individually presented and discussed, followed by a general vote. The strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; and unanimous, 100%. Results: Of the 17 questions and statements, 4 achieved unanimous support, 11 reached strong consensus, and 2 reached consensus. Conclusion: This APKASS consensus statement, developed by international experts in the field, will assist surgeons and physical therapists with surgical indications and techniques for chronic syndesmosis injury.

Do pre-operative radiologic assessment predict postoperative outcomes in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy?: a retrospective database study

Introduction Diagnosis and treatment of insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon (IAT) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of pre-operative radiological pathologies on the patient-reported outcomes following open debridement of all pathologies for IAT. Materials and methods In this IRB-approved retrospective correlation and comparative study, patients with pre-operative imaging were identified from the authors’ retrospective IAT database comprising of 118 patients. All were treated by a standardized surgical treatment strategy utilizing a midline, transachillary approach and debridement of all pathologies. A total of fifteen radiologic parameters were measured on radiographs (RX) and MRI. The patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-G) and the general health questionnaire SF-12 at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The data are presented as mean ± SD (95% CI). Results 88 patients (74.6%) with an average age of 50 ± 12 (47–52) years were included. Radiographs were available in 68 patients and MRI in 53. The mean follow-up was 3.8 ± 1.9 (3.4–4.3) years. The overall VISA-A-G was 81 ± 22 (77–86), the SF-12 PCS 54 ± 7 (52–55), and the SF-12 MCS 52 ± 9 (50–54) points. None of the assessed radiological parameters had a significant influence on the patient-reported outcome following surgical treatment for IAT. Conclusion In this retrospective correlation study, no significant association was found between preoperative radiographic and MRI radiologic parameters for IAT and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (VISA-A-G and SF-12).

Management of recurrent post-traumatic seroma of thigh (Morel-Lavallée lesion) by percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy using tetracyclines (PAST)

Morel-Lavallée lesion is a chronic, recurrent collection of serous fluid in the soft tissues and usually occurs following injury. The most common sites are thigh, hip and pelvic region. This presents as a local or diffuse swelling and may cause discomfort to the patient besides being a potential site for bacterial contamination. So, early diagnosis and timely management is crucial for an early and successful outcome. The investigation modality of choice for diagnosis of these lesions is MRI. Definitive management ranges from percutaneous aspiration with or without sclerotherapy to open debridement and irrigation. Although recurrences are common with conservative management, it can be minimised with judicious use of sclerotherapy.

Septic arthritis of the knee due to <i>Pantoea</i> <i>agglomerans</i>: look for the thorn

We report on a patient with septic arthritis of the knee with Pantoea agglomerans after a penetrating black locust thorn injury. Antibiotics alone or in combination with an arthroscopy may be insufficient for achieving source control. Accurate medical history and open debridement with a search for a thorn fragment are key to successful treatment.

An unusual presentation of morel- lavallee lesion in the arm: a case report

<p class="abstract">Morel-lavallee lesions (MLL) are post traumatic closed internal de-gloving injury with abrupt separation of skin and subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. The shearing force damages the blood vessels and lymphatics, resulting in collection of the serosanguinous fluid and necrotized fat. Early diagnosis and management minimize complications like infections or extensive skin necrosis. MLLs commonly described in pelvic and lower extremity trauma, and there are limited reports in other locations. A 28-year-old male presented with pain and swelling over the left elbow for 6 days with multiple deep bruises over the skin extending from mid arm to proximal forearm. Ultrasound of the arm revealed a large encapsulated collection consistent with MLL. An open debridement with excision of all necrotic skin and necrotic tissue was performed followed by skin grafting. Intra-operative cultures were negative and pathology was consistent with MLL. Morel-lavallee lesions should always be considered as early diagnosis of previous trauma regardless the location. The key to recognize this injury depends on suspicious mechanism involving significant shear forces. Aggressive surgical debridement remains the key to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.</p>