RESUMEN
Midfoot arthrodesis is the accepted surgical treatment for symptomatic midfoot arthritis. The published literature has focused on joint-spanning static fixation. Several companies have developed diamond-shaped locked dorsal compression plates, which allow for longitudinal joint compression. After dorsal plate insertion, a spreader device opens the arms of the plate mediolaterally, which allows the plate to compress longitudinally. This work describes outcomes of such locked dorsal compression plates for midfoot arthritis at a single institution. We reviewed 62 patients who underwent midfoot arthrodesis for symptomatic midfoot arthritis using locked dorsal compression plates over a 7-year period. A total of 173 joints were spanned for fusion. The primary outcome measure was radiographic union and visual analog scale pain scores. Characteristics of patients who experienced nonunion versus those who had union were evaluated. Of the 173 joints, there was a 81.5% fusion rate (141/173 joints) and 14 patients experienced nonunion. There was a statistically significant difference in the average number of joints spanned in patients with nonunion (3.6) and patients with union (2.5) (pâ¯=â¯.02). Locked dorsal compression plate arthrodesis is a viable technique for achieving midfoot fusion. This mechanical method of compression does not, however, lend itself to improved fusion rates compared with prior reports. A greater number of arthrodesis sites is associated with a higher nonunion rate. Emerging technology using newer materials and improved biomechanical designs may show improved results.
Asunto(s)
Artrodesis , Osteoartritis , Placas Óseas , Pie , Humanos , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: This study compared the results of regional blocks containing a single anesthetic, bupivacaine, with those containing bupivacaine and 3 additives (buprenorphine, clonidine, and dexamethasone) in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery over a 9-month period were prospectively enrolled and randomized to receive a peripheral nerve block containing either a single anesthetic (SA) or one with 3 additives (TA). Patients, surgeons, and anesthesiologists were blinded to the groups. Patients maintained pain diaries and were evaluated at 1 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Fifty-six patients completed the study. RESULTS: The TA group had a longer duration of analgesic effect than the SA group (average 82 vs 34 hours, P < .05). Forty-eight hours after surgery, 93% of SA blocks, compared with 34% of TA blocks, had completely worn off. The TA group had a longer duration of sensory effects. At 3 months, 10 of 26 (38.5%) TA patients, compared with 3 of 30 (10%) SA patients, reported postoperative neurologic symptoms. Pain scores in both groups were not statistically different at 1 week or 3 months after surgery. Patients in both groups were similarly satisfied with their blocks. CONCLUSION: Both types of nerve blocks provided equivalent pain control and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. The 3-additive agent blocks were associated with a longer duration of pain relief and a longer duration of numbness, as well as higher rates of postoperative neurologic symptoms. Longer pain relief may be obtained at the cost of prolonged sensory deficits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.