Foot & ankle international
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Multiplanar Interactions in the Cavovarus Foot

Mar 24, 2026

This study aimed to identify the key morphological differences in pes cavus among individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, idiopathic cavus, and healthy controls. The findings revealed that individuals with CMT exhibited significantly greater forefoot adduction and midfoot supination, as well as more pronounced alterations in both the transverse and medial longitudinal arches compared to the other groups, indicating a distinct pattern of muscular imbalances associated with CMT.

The Synovial Fingerprint of Ankle Fractures: A Central Role for WNT Pathway Activation in Posttraumatic Ankle Osteoarthritis

Mar 23, 2026

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms linking ankle fractures to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) by analyzing synovial tissue transcriptional changes. The authors identify distinct synovial gene expression profiles associated with PTOA, highlighting the central role of WNT pathway activation in the disease process. Their findings suggest that understanding these molecular drivers could inform early therapeutic interventions following ankle fractures.

Impact of Non-Tobacco Nicotine Use on Outcomes Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Mar 20, 2026

The authors investigate the impact of non-tobacco nicotine (NTN) use on surgical outcomes following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), given the established adverse effects of tobacco-derived nicotine. Their retrospective cohort study reveals that NTN users experience significantly higher rates of surgical site complications within the first year post-surgery, while no significant differences were noted for implant-related outcomes or healthcare use. The findings suggest that incorporating NTN use into preoperative assessments may enhance risk stratification and patient counseling.

Medial Malleolar Osteotomy: The Influence of 2 Types of Osteotomies and 2 Fixation Methods on Articular Displacement in Fresh-Frozen Cadaveric Specimens

Mar 17, 2026

This study aimed to determine the effects of two types of medial malleolar osteotomies (oblique and chevron) and two fixation methods (2 screws vs. 3 screws) on articular displacement in fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. The findings revealed that the chevron osteotomy fixed with 3 screws resulted in no measurable articular displacement, significantly outperforming the oblique osteotomy and the 2-screw fixation in terms of stability. Overall, the research suggests that the chevron technique with 3 screws is the superior option for minimizing articular step-off.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty vs Arthrodesis in an HbA_1c-Defined Diabetic Cohort: Lower 1- to 5-Year Structural Complication Rates in a Retrospective Propensity-Matched Study

Mar 17, 2026

This study compares the outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle arthrodesis (AA) in diabetic patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, specifically examining the rates of postoperative complications. The authors found that TAA had lower structural complication rates at 1, 3, and 5 years compared to AA, while the infection rates were not significantly different after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Overall, TAA demonstrated non-inferior outcomes in this diabetic cohort, suggesting it may be a safer surgical option than AA.

Peroneal Artery Danger Zone With Syndesmotic Screw Fixation: A Computed Tomography Angiography Study

Mar 17, 2026

This study investigates the risk of injury to the peroneal artery (PA) and its deep perforating branch (dPA) during trans-syndesmotic screw (TSS) fixation in high-risk patients with unstable ankle fractures. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of computed tomography angiograms to identify the "danger zone" where these vessels are at risk, finding that 98.5% of limbs analyzed were at risk, particularly in the distal fifth of the limb. The findings provide critical measurements to help avoid vascular compromise during surgical fixation in vulnerable populations.

Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Speed Recovery After Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain? A Prospective Comparative Study Among Athletes

Mar 17, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy accelerates recovery from acute lateral ankle sprains in athletes compared to conventional treatment. While both treatment groups showed significant improvements in physical function and pain interference over 12 months, PRP therapy resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the time to return to unrestricted sports. However, the study concluded that PRP did not enhance overall functional outcomes compared to standard care, indicating the need for larger trials to validate these findings.

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus: Complications and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Mar 13, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis for patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus, focusing on patient-reported outcomes and complications. The findings indicate significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures at 26 weeks, sustained over two years, despite a notable complication rate of 19.4%, including a 9.7% non-union rate.

Modified Lambrinudi Combined With X-Shaped Plate Internal Fixation for Triple Arthrodesis

Mar 12, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a modified Lambrinudi triple arthrodesis combined with X-shaped plate internal fixation for treating equinovarus foot deformity. In a retrospective study of 14 patients, they found that this surgical approach resulted in successful bony union and significant improvements in both foot function and quality of life, as evidenced by enhanced SF-36 scores and reduced pain levels. The study concludes that this method is a reliable option for correcting the deformity and improving patient outcomes.

Outcomes and Complications of First Tarsometatarsal Plantarflexion Bone Block Arthrodesis With a Precontoured Allograft Wedge

Mar 7, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the midterm outcomes and complications associated with first tarsometatarsal plantarflexion bone block arthrodesis using a precontoured allograft wedge. Their retrospective study revealed a concerning 42% nonunion rate and a 27% revision rate among the 49 patients analyzed, suggesting that careful patient selection and thorough counseling about potential complications are crucial before proceeding with this surgical technique.