Foot & ankle international
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Minimal Clinically Important Difference for the FAAM-ADL Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Initial Estimates and Predictors of Achievement

Jul 29, 2026

This study aimed to establish the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living subscale (FAAM-ADL) following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and identify predictors of achieving this MCID. The authors found that MCID thresholds ranged from 12.5 to 32.3 points, with lower preoperative FAAM-ADL scores being the only significant predictor of achieving the MCID. These findings provide initial benchmarks for evaluating functional recovery after TAA and highlight the need for further validation.

Hybrid, Suture Button, and Screw Fixation for Syndesmotic Stabilization in Isolated Danis Weber Type B and C Fibular Fractures

Jul 27, 2026

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of hybrid fixation, suture button (SB), and screw fixation for syndesmotic stabilization in isolated Danis Weber type B and C fibular fractures. The results indicated no significant differences in the 6-month Olerud Molander Ankle Score among the groups, although the SB group showed a slightly better range of motion at 12 months. The authors suggest that while hybrid fixation is a viable option, further prospective studies are needed to determine its added value in specific fracture patterns or patient subgroups.

The Distal Fascicle of the Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament (AITFL-df) as a Reliable Landmark for Fibular Tunnel Positioning in Anterior Talofibular Ligament Reconstruction

Jul 25, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether the distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL-df) could serve as a reliable anatomical landmark for fibular tunnel positioning during anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction, particularly when the fibular obscure tubercle (FOT) is unclear. Their study found that using the AITFL-df resulted in greater consistency in tunnel positioning compared to the FOT, especially in cases where the FOT visibility was compromised. The findings suggest that the AITFL-df may be a superior alternative for ensuring accurate fibular tunnel placement in ATFL reconstruction.

Postoperative Sensory Nerve Complications Following Ankle Arthroscopy: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Course in 545 Consecutive Procedures

Jul 25, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical course of postoperative neurologic complications following ankle arthroscopy in a cohort of 545 procedures. The authors found that 8.4% of patients experienced neurologic complications, primarily affecting the superficial peroneal nerve, with smoking and surgical approach identified as significant risk factors. While most patients reported gradual improvement over a mean follow-up of 13 months, complete symptom resolution was observed in less than half, highlighting the need for tailored preoperative counseling and early recognition of neuropathic symptoms.

Passive and Dynamic Stabilizers of First Ray Alignment After TMT-I Fusion: The C1-C2 Intercuneiform Ligament and Peroneus Longus in a Sequential Cadaveric Destabilization Model

Jul 22, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the impact of sequentially sectioning surrounding ligamentous structures on first ray alignment after TMT-I fusion and the role of the peroneus longus tendon as a dynamic stabilizer. The findings revealed that cutting specific ligaments, particularly the medial-middle intercuneiform ligament, led to increased instability in the first ray, while activation of the peroneus longus significantly mitigated this instability, especially in the transverse plane. Overall, the research highlights the importance of these structures in maintaining first ray stability post-fusion.

Minimally Invasive vs Open Lapidus Bunionectomy: 1-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes

Jul 20, 2026

This study aims to compare patient-reported outcomes between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open techniques for modified Lapidus bunionectomy in patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus. The findings indicate that both surgical approaches lead to significant improvements in various PROMIS scores at one year postoperatively, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient-reported outcomes or complication rates. However, the open technique demonstrated greater correction of certain radiographic angles compared to the MIS approach.

A Modified Ponseti Method for Skeletally Mature Complex Foot Deformities

Jul 17, 2026

This study investigates the effectiveness of a modified Ponseti method (PM) for treating skeletally mature patients with complex foot deformities (CFDs) through serial casting as a presurgical correction strategy. The authors found that this approach significantly improved foot deformity, achieving a plantigrade foot in 89% of cases and reducing the need for complex surgical interventions. The results suggest that the modified PM could enhance treatment outcomes for both idiopathic and acquired CFDs, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Incidence and Associated Factors of 2-Legged Nitinol Staple Breakage in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Jul 17, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with breakage of 2-legged nitinol staples (NSs) used in foot and ankle surgery. They found an overall breakage rate of 4.0%, with higher rates in specific anatomical sites and certain fixation strategies, suggesting that factors such as anatomical location, staple geometry, and fixation method may influence the risk of staple breakage.

Complications After Minimally Invasive vs Open Calcaneal Osteotomy: A Retrospective Study

Jul 17, 2026

The authors aimed to compare complication rates between minimally invasive (MIS) and open calcaneal osteotomy procedures, specifically looking at infection, wound dehiscence, nerve damage, hardware failure, reoperation, and nonunion. The study found no significant differences in major complication rates between the two approaches, although MIS showed fewer minor wound complications before false discovery rate adjustment. Both surgical methods resulted in significant improvements in patient-reported function and mobility, with notable pain score improvements in the MIS group after adjustment.

Defining Radiographic Threshold Values for the Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity Classification System: A Large-Cohort Diagnostic Study

Jul 7, 2026

The authors aimed to establish definitive cut-off threshold values for radiographic measurements used in the Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) classification system, which currently relies on subjective surgeon interpretation. By analyzing data from two large cohorts of PCFD patients and asymptomatic controls, they identified optimal cut-off values for various deformity classes, significantly enhancing the diagnostic reliability and clinical applicability of the PCFD classification. This study provides a foundation for improved clinical decision-making and future research in foot deformities.