Browsing by Author "Wagner, Pablo"
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Item Achilles tendoscopy for non insertional achilles tendinopathy. A preliminary study(2019) Wagner, Pablo; Wagner, Emilio; Ortiz, C.; Zanolli, Diego; Keller, A.; Maffulli, N.Background: To report the mid-term clinical results of endoscopic assisted surgery for patients suffering from chronic recalcitrant painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy who failed conservative management for at least 6 months. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective case series. Consecutive series of 11 patients, 6 men and 5 women, with a median age of 54 (range 40 – 67) years; 13 Achilles tendons with chronic recalcitrant painful mid-portion tendinopathy treated with tendinoscopy were included. Median follow-up of 87 (27-105) months. We report the symptoms duration, regular sports activity, treatment before surgery, complications and satisfaction after surgery, return to previous sport level, and postoperative VISA-A score. No tendon excision or transfer was performed at the time of surgery. All patients completed at least 20 sessions of supervised physical therapy and did not undertake impact sport activities for 6 months before surgery. Results: No postoperative complications were reported. Complete satisfaction was obtained in 10 out of 11 patients. The median postoperative VISA-A score was 100 (30-100) points. Conclusions: The mid-term results in patients with chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy undergoing endoscopic debridement are satisfactory. Level of Evidence: IV.Item "Angle to Be Corrected" in Preoperative Evaluation for Hallux Valgus Surgery: Analysis of a New Angular Measurement.(Sage, 2016) Ortiz, Cristián; Wagner, Pablo; Vela, Omar; Fischman, Daniel; Cavada, Gabriel; Wagner, EmilioBACKGROUND: The most common methods for assessing severity of hallux valgus deformity and the effects of an operative procedure are the angular measurements in weightbearing radiographs, specifically the hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). Our objective was to analyze the interobserver variability in hallux valgus patients of a new angle called the "angle to be corrected" (ATC), and to compare its capacity to differentiate between different deformities against IMA. METHODS: We included 28 symptomatic hallux valgus patients with 48 weightbearing foot x-rays. Three trained observers measured the 1 to 2 IMA and the ATC. We then identified retrospectively 45 hallux valgus patients, which were divided into 3 operative technique groups having used the ATC as reference, and analyzed the capacity of the IMA to differentiate between them. RESULTS: The IMA average value was 13.6 degrees, and there was a significant difference between observer 3 and observer 1 (P = .001). The average value for the ATC was 8.9 degrees, and there was no difference between observers. Both angles showed a high intraclass correlation. Regarding the capacity to differentiate between operative technique groups, the ATC was different between the 3 operative technique groups analyzed, but the IMA showed differences only between 2. CONCLUSIONS: The ATC was at least as reliable as the intermetatarsal angle for hallux valgus angular measurements, showing a high intraclass correlation with no interobserver difference. It can be suggested that the ATC was better than the IMA to stratify hallux valgus patients when deciding between different operative treatments.Item Biomechanical Cadaveric Evaluation of Partial Acute Peroneal Tendon Tears(2018) Wagner, Emilio; Wagner, Pablo; Ortiz, Cristian; Radkievich, Rubén; Palma, Felipe; Guzmán-Venegas, RodrigoBackground: No clear guideline or solid evidence exists for peroneal tendon tears to determine when to repair, resect, or perform a tenodesis on the damaged tendon. The objective of this study was to analyze the mechanical behavior of cadaveric peroneal tendons artificially damaged and tested in a cyclic and failure mode. The hypothesis was that no failure would be observed in the cyclic phase. Methods: Eight cadaveric long leg specimens were tested on a specially designed frame. A longitudinal full thickness tendon defect was created, 3 cm in length, behind the tip of the fibula, compromising 66% of the visible width of the peroneal tendons. Cyclic testing was initially performed between 50 and 200 N, followed by a load-to-failure test. Tendon elongation and load to rupture were measured. Results: No tendon failed or lengthened during cyclic testing. The mean load to failure for peroneus brevis was 416 N (95% confidence interval, 351–481 N) and for the peroneus longus was 723 N (95% confidence interval, 578–868 N). All failures were at the level of the defect created. Conclusion: In a cadaveric model of peroneal tendon tears, 33% of remaining peroneal tendon could resist high tensile forces, above the physiologic threshold. Clinical Relevance: Some peroneal tendon tears can be treated conservatively without risking spontaneous ruptures. When surgically treating a symptomatic peroneal tendon tear, increased efforts may be undertaken to repair tears previously considered irreparable.Publication Biomechanical Cadaveric Evaluation of the Role of Medial Column Instability in Hallux Valgus Deformity(2022) Wagner, Emilio; Wagner, Pablo; Pacheco, Florencia; López, Mario; Palma, Felipe; Guzmán, Rodrigo; Berral, FranciscoBackground: Medial column instability is a frequent finding in patients with flatfeet and hallux valgus, within others. The etiology of hallux valgus is multifactorial, and medial ray axial rotation has been mentioned as having an individual role. Our objective was to design a novel cadaveric foot model where we could re-create through progressive medial column ligament damage some components of a hallux valgus deformity. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen lower leg specimens were used, and fluorescent markers were attached in a multisegment foot model. Constant axial load and cyclic tibial rotation (to simulate foot pronation) were applied, including pull on the flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL). We first damaged the intercuneiform (C1-C2) ligaments, second the naviculocuneiform (NC) ligaments, and third the first tarsometatarsal ligaments, leaving the plantar ligaments unharmed. Bony axial and coronal alignment was measured after each ligament damage. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: A significant increase in pronation of multiple segments was observed after sectioning the NC ligaments. Damaging the tarsometatarsal ligament generated small supination and varus changes mainly in the medial ray. No significant change was observed in axial or frontal plane alignment after damaging the C1-C2 ligaments. The FHL pull exerted a small valgus change in segments of the first ray. Discussion: In this biomechanical cadaveric model, the naviculocuneiform joint was the most important one responsible for pronation of the medial column. Bone pronation occurs along the whole medial column, not isolated to a certain joint. Flexor hallucis longus pull appears to play some role in frontal plane alignment, but not in bone rotation. This model will be of great help to further study medial column instability as one of the factors influencing medial column pronation and its relevance in pathologies like hallux valgus. Clinical relevance: This cadaveric model suggests a possible influence of medial column instability in first metatarsal pronation. With a thorough understanding of a condition's origin, better treatment strategies can be developed.Item Biomechanical Evaluation of Circumtibial and Transmembranous Routes for Posterior Tibial Tendon Transfer for Dropfoot(2018) Wagner, Emilio; Wagner, Pablo; Zanolli, Diego; Radkievich, Rubén; Redenz, Gunther; Guzmán, RodrigoBackground: Tibialis posterior tendon transfer is performed when loss of dorsiflexion has to be compensated. We evaluated the circumtibial (CT), above-retinaculum transmembranous (TMAR), and under-retinaculum transmembranous (TMUR) transfer gliding resistance and foot kinematics in a cadaveric foot model during ankle range of motion (ROM). Methods: Eight cadaveric foot-ankle distal tibia specimens were dissected free of soft tissues on the proximal end, applying an equivalent force to 50% of the stance phase to every tendon, except for the Achilles tendon. Dorsiflexion was tested with all of the tibialis posterior tendon transfer methods (CT, TMAR, and TMUR) using a tension tensile machine. A 10-repetition cycle of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was performed for each transfer. Foot motion and the force needed to achieve dorsiflexion were recorded. Results: The CT transfer showed the highest gliding resistance (P < .01). Regarding kinematics, all transfers decreased ankle ROM, with the CT transfer being the condition with less dorsiflexion compared with the control group (6.8 vs 15 degrees, P < .05). TMUR transfer did perform better than TMAR with regard to ankle dorsiflexion, but no difference was shown in gliding resistance. The CT produced a supination moment on the forefoot. Conclusion: The CT transfer had the highest tendon gliding resistance, achieved less dorsiflexion and had a supination moment. Clinical Relevance We suggest that the transmembranous tibialis posterior tendon transfer should be the transfer of choice. The potential bowstringing effect when performing a tibialis posterior tendon transfer subcutaneously (TMAR) could be avoided if the transfer is routed under the retinaculum, without significant compromise of the final function and even with a possible better ankle range of motion.Item Biomechanical evaluation of various suture configurations in side-to-side tenorrhaphy.(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2014) Wagner, Emilio; Ortiz, Cristián; Wagner, Pablo; Guzman, Rodrigo; Ahumada, Ximena; Maffulli, NicolaBACKGROUND: Side-to-side tenorrhaphy is increasingly used, but its mechanical performance has not been studied. METHODS: Two porcine flexor digitorum tendon segments of equal length (8 cm) and thickness (1 cm) were placed side by side. Eight tenorrhaphies (involving sixteen tendons) were performed with each of four suture techniques (running locked, simple eight, vertical mattress, and pulley suture). The resulting constructs underwent cyclic loading on a tensile testing machine, followed by monotonically increasing tensile load if failure during cyclic loading did not occur. Clamps secured the tendons on each side of the repair, and specimens were mounted vertically. Cyclic loading varied between 15 N and 35 N, with a distension rate of 1 mm/sec. Cyclic loading strength was determined by applying a force of 70 N. The cause of failure and tendon distension during loading were recorded. RESULTS: All failures occurred in the monotonic loading phase and resulted from tendon stripping. No suture or knot failure was observed. The mean loads resisted by the configurations ranged from 138 to 398 N. The mean load to failure, maximum load resisted prior to 1 cm of distension, and load resisted at 1 cm of distension were significantly lower for the vertical mattress suture group than for any of the other three groups (p < 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: All four groups sustained loads well above the physiologic loads expected to occur in tendons in the foot and ankle (e.g., in tendon transfer for tibialis posterior tendon insufficiency). None of the four side-to-side configurations distended appreciably during the cyclic loading phase. The vertical mattress suture configuration appeared to be weaker than the other configurations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For surgeons who advocate immediate loading or motion of a side-to-side tendon repair, a pulley, running locked, or simple eight suture technique appears to provide a larger safety margin compared with a vertical mattress suture technique.Item Comparison of Suture-Augmented Ligamentplasty to Transarticular Screws in a Lisfranc Cadaveric Model(2020) Nery, Caio; Baumfeld, Daniel; Baumfeld, Tiago; Prado, Marcelo; Giza, Eric; Wagner, Pablo; Wagner, EmilioBackground: Lisfranc injuries represent a spectrum of trauma from high-energy lesions, with significant instability of the midfoot, to low-energy lesions, with subtle subluxations or instability without gross displacement. Recently, treatment options that allow for physiologic fixation of this multiplanar joint are being evaluated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the stability of a cadaveric Lisfranc injury model fixed with a novel suture-augmented neoligamentplasty in comparison with a traditional transarticular screw fixation construct. Methods: Twenty-four fresh-frozen, matched cadaveric leg and foot specimens (12 individuals younger than 65 years of age) were used for this study. Two different types of Lisfranc ligament injuries were tested: partial and complete. Two different methods of fixation were compared: transarticular screws and augmented suture ligamentplasty with FiberTape. Specimens were fixed to a rotation platform in order to stress the joints while applying 400 N of axial load and internal and external rotation. Six distances were measured and compared between the intact, injured, and fixed states with a 3D Digitizer arm, in order to evaluate the stability between them. Analysis of variance was used with P < .05 considered significant. Results: Using distribution graphs and analyzing the grouped data, it was observed that there was no difference between the 2 stabilization methods, but the augmented suture ligamentplasty presented lower variability and observed distance shortenings were more likely to be around the mean. The variability of the stabilization with screws was 2.9 times higher than that with tape (P < .001). Conclusion: We suggest that augmented suture ligamentplasty can achieve similar stability to classic transarticular screws, with less variability. Clinical relevance: This cadaveric study adds new information on the debate about Lisfranc lesions treatment. Flexible fixations, such as the synthethic ligamentplasty used, can restore good stability such as conventional transarticular screws.Publication Correction of Sagittal Plane Deformity of the Distal Tibia(2022) Wagner, Emilio; Wagner, PabloDistal tibia sagittal plane deformities are a frequent finding in tibial malunions (antecurvatum or recurvatum) or ankle posttraumatic arthritis (anterior or posterior ankle arthritis). They should be evaluated in all deformities using long leg and tibia radiographs. Measuring the anterior distal tibia angle is necessary to evaluate the deformity severity. To evaluate the magnitude of secondary talar anterior or posterior displacement, the tibial axis to talus ratio and/or the talar lateral process position relative to the tibia axis should be measured. Anterior closing or opening wedge osteotomies are the recommended treatment options for posterior ankle arthritis or anterior ankle arthritis, respectively.Item Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the VISA-A questionnaire for Chilean Spanish-speaking patients(2018) Keller, Andrés; Wagner, Pablo; Izquierdo, Guillermo; Cabrolier, Jorge; Caicedo, Nathaly; Wagner; Maffulli, NicolaBackground: The purpose of this study is to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the VISA-A questionnaire for Chilean Spanish speakers with Achilles tendinopathy (AT), which has been originally developed for English-speaking population. Methods: According to the guidelines published by Beaton et al., the questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted to Chilean patients in six steps: initial translation, synthesis of the translation, back translation, expert committee review, test of the pre-final version (cohort n = 35), and development of VISA-A-CH. The resulting Chilean version was tested for validity on 60 patients: 20 healthy individuals (group 1), 20 patients with a recently diagnosed AT (group 2), and 20 with a severe AT that already initiated conservative treatment with no clinical improvement (group 3). The questionnaire was completed three times by each participant: at the time of study enrollment, after an hour, and after a week of the initial test. Results: All six steps were successfully completed for the translation and cultural adaptation of the VISA-A-CH. VISA-A-CH final mean scores in the healthy group was significantly higher than those in the other groups. Group 3 had the lowest scores. Validity showed excellent test-retest reliability (rho c = 0.999; Pearson’s r = 1.000) within an hour and within a week (rho c = 0.837; Pearson’s r = 0.840). Conclusions: VISA-A was translated and validated to Chilean Spanish speakers successfully, being comparable to the original version. We believe that VISA-A-CH can be recommended as an important tool for clinical and research settings in Chilean and probably Latin-American Spanish speakers.Item Current Concepts in Treatment of Ligament Incompetence in the Acquired Flatfoot(2021) Wagner, Emilio; Wagner, PabloFlatfoot deformity consists of a loss of medial arch, hindfoot valgus, and forefoot abduction. Historically considered a posterior tendon insufficiency, multiple ligament damage and subsequent incompetence explain the different clinical presentations with varying degrees of deformity. When surgery is deemed necessary, depending on the apex of the deformity, skeletal and soft tissue procedures are considered to keep motion and restore function. Osteotomies are considered at every level where an apex of deformity is found. The recently designated tibiocalcaneonavicular ligament comprises the older superficial and deep deltoid and spring ligaments; its repair or reconstruction should be considered in most flatfoot cases.Item Early weight-bearing after percutaneous reduction and screw fixation for low-energy lisfranc injury(Sage Publications, 2013) Wagner, Emilio; Ortiz, Cristián; Villalón, Ignacio; Keller, Andrés; Wagner, PabloBACKGROUND: Anatomic restoration and postoperative rehabilitation of displaced fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal junction of the foot are essential. Our objective was to report percutaneous reduction and screw fixation results in low-energy Lisfranc fracture dislocation injuries that were treated with early weight-bearing and rehabilitation. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with low-energy Lisfranc injuries who underwent surgery between May 2007 and April 2011. The study reviewed 22 patients (12 men and 10 women) with an average age of 36.2 years (range, 16-50 years) and an average follow-up of 33.2 months (range, 12-50 months). We report the mechanism of trauma; quality of reduction in the postoperative digital radiographs; subjective satisfaction; AOFAS score; time required to return to work, recreational activities, and low-impact sports; and complications. Postoperatively, all of the patients were instructed to be non-weight-bearing for 3 weeks, and the stitches were removed after 2 weeks. At the third postoperative week, the patients were encouraged to bear weight as tolerated. RESULTS: Quality of reduction was anatomic or near anatomic in 100% of cases. The subjective satisfaction reported by patients was very good, with complete satisfaction in 20 of them (90.9%). The AOFAS average was 94 points (range, 90-100 points). Average return to work was at 7 weeks (range, 6-9 weeks), recreational activities 7.2 weeks (range, 6-9 weeks), training for low-impact sports 7.6 weeks (range, 7-8 weeks), and symptom-free sport activities 12.4 weeks (range, 11-13 weeks). CONCLUSION: In this selected group of patients with low-energy Lisfranc fracture dislocation, anatomic or near-anatomic reduction can be achieved with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation. Early weight-bearing is possible in these patients, and early return to regular activities and low-impact sport can be expected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.Item Evaluation of a mobile application for multiplier method growth and epiphysiodesis timing predictions(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2017) Wagner, Pablo; Standard, Shawn; Herzenberg, JohnBACKGROUND: The multiplier method (MM) is frequently used to predict limb-length discrepancy and timing of epiphysiodesis. The traditional MM uses complex formulae and requires a calculator. A mobile application was developed in an attempt to simplify and streamline these calculations. We compared the accuracy and speed of using the traditional pencil and paper technique with that using the Multiplier App (MA). METHODS: After attending a training lecture and a hands-on workshop on the MM and MA, 30 resident surgeons were asked to apply the traditional MM and the MA at different weeks of their rotations. They were randomized as to the method they applied first. Subjects performed calculations for 5 clinical exercises that involved congenital and developmental limb-length discrepancies and timing of epiphysiodesis. The amount of time required to complete the exercises and the accuracy of the answers were evaluated for each subject. RESULTS: The test subjects answered 60% of the questions correctly using the traditional MM and 80% of the questions correctly using the MA (P=0.001). The average amount of time to complete the 5 exercises with the MM and MA was 22 and 8 minutes, respectively (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Several reports state that the traditional MM is quick and easy to use. Nevertheless, even in the most experienced hands, performing the calculations in clinical practice can be time-consuming. Errors may result from choosing the wrong formulae and from performing the calculations by hand. Our data show that the MA is simpler, more accurate, and faster than the traditional MM from a practical standpoint.Item Interosseous membrane window size for tibialis posterior tendon transfer—Geometrical and MRI analysis(Elsevier, 2016) Wagner, Pablo; Ortiz, Cristián; Vela, Omar; Arias, Paul; Zanolli, Diego; Wagner, EmilioBACKGROUND: Tibialis posterior (TP) tendon transfer through the interosseous membrane is commonly performed in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In order to avoid entrapment of this tendon, no clear recommendation relative to the interosseous membrane (IOM) incision size has been made. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the TP size at the transfer level and therefore determine the most adequate IOM window size to avoid muscle entrapment. METHODS: Eleven lower extremity magnetic resonances were analyzed. TP muscle measurements were made in axial views, obtaining the medial-lateral and antero-posterior diameter at various distances from the medial malleolus tip. The distance from the posterior to anterior compartment was also measured. These measurements were applied to a mathematical model to predict the IOM window size necessary to allow an ample TP passage in an oblique direction. RESULTS: The average tendon diameter (confidence-interval) at 15cm proximal to the medial malleolus tip was 19.47mm (17.47-21.48). The deep posterior compartment to anterior compartment distance was 10.97mm (9.03-12.90). Using a mathematical model, the estimated IOM window size ranges from 4.2 to 4.9cm. CONCLUSION: The IOM window size is of utmost importance in trans-membrane TP transfers, given that if equal or smaller than the transposed tendon oblique diameter, a high entrapment risk exists. A membrane window of 5cm or 2.5 times the size of the tendon diameter should be performed in order to theoretically diminish this complication.Item Lesser metatarsal complications after MIS surgery(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2017) Khazen, Gabriel; Wagner, Pablo; Wagner, EmilioMinimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lesser metatarsals is performed through percutaneous incisions, with minimal scar formation. Nevertheless, MIS can have significant complications that may result in poor outcomes, forefoot pain, and metatarsalgia requiring further complex open revision surgery. These complications occur after inappropriate or poor surgical technique, lack of surgeon’s experience, and poor patient selection. The most frequent complication is metatarsalgia that occurs secondary to metatarsal malunion or nonunion. MIS is a technique that has to be carefully chosen for specific morbidities and performed only under experienced hands. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 5. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.Item Metatarsal Pronation in Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Review(2020) Wagner, Emilio; Wagner, PabloHallux valgus deformity is a multiplanar deformity, where the rotational component has been recognized over the past 5 to 10 years and given considerable importance. Years ago, a rounded shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head was identified as an important factor to detect after surgery because a less rounded metatarsal head was associated to less recurrence. More recently, pronation of the metatarsal bone was identified as the cause for the rounded appearance of the metatarsal head, and therefore, supination stress was found to be useful to achieve a better correction of the deformity. Using CT scans, up to 87% of hallux valgus cases have been shown to present with a pronated metatarsal bone, which highlights the multiplanar nature of the deformity. This pronation explained the perceived shape of the metatarsal bone and the malposition of the medial sesamoid bone in radiological studies, which has been associated as one of the most important factors for recurrence after treatment. Treatment options are discussed briefly, including metatarsal osteotomies and tarsometatarsal arthrodesis.Item Percutaneus repair in acute Achilles tendon rupture. Our experience in Chile(Andrés Keller, Pablo Mococain, Emilio Wagner, Pablo Wagner, Diego Zanolli, Percutaneus repair in acute Achilles tendon rupture. Our experience in Chile,Fuß & Sprunggelenk, Volume 17, Issue 4, 2019, Pages 204-209,ISSN 1619-9987, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuspru.2019.10.001, 2019) Keller, Andrés; Wagner, Emilio; Wagner, Pablo; Zanolli, Diego; Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Universidad del Desarrollo de Santiago; Mococain, PabloBackground. There is still no consensus in the literature regarding the ideal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Materials & Methods. We conducted a selective literature review and analyzed our own results. Results. Open surgery offers good functional results, but presents high rates of surgical wound complications. Conservative treatment is also described as a good option, but rerupture rates are significantly higher than with surgical treatment. On the other hand, percutaneous treatment offers great functional outcomes with minimal soft tissue damage, making it for us our treatment of choice in this type of injury. Outlook. In Chile, we have been developing some modifications to the original technique described by the Dresden Group in order to increase tensile forces of the repair and offer our patients a quicker and safer recovery.Item PRECICE (R) magnetically-driven, telescopic, intramedullary lengthening nail: pre-clinical testing and first 30 patients(Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie, 2017) Wagner, Pablo; Burghardt, Rolf; Green, Stuart; Specht, Stacy; Standard, Shawn; Herzenberg, JohnIntroduction: Femoral/tibial lengthening with a telescopic, magnetically-powered, intramedullary nail is an alternative to lengthening with external fixation. Methods: Pre-clinical testing was conducted of the PRECICE in a human cadaver. A retrospective review of the first 30 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral lengthening was also conducted. Nail accuracy was obtained by comparing the amount of nail distraction to the final bone length achieved at the end of the distraction process. Relative standard deviation of accuracy was used to calculate nail precision. Results: Devices performed successfully in a human cadaver. Thirty consecutive patients (10 females, 20 males; mean age, 23 years) with limb length discrepancy (LLD) were followed an average of 19 months (range, 12–24 months). Etiology included congenital shortening (14), posttraumatic deformities (7), Ollier disease (3), osteosarcoma resection (1), prior clubfoot (2), hip dysplasia (1), post-septic growth arrest of knee (1), and LLD after hip arthroplasty (1). Twenty-four femoral and eight tibial nails were implanted. Mean preoperative lengthening goal was 4.4 cm (range, 2–6.5 cm); mean postoperative length achieved was 4.3 cm (range, 1.5–6.5 cm). Average consolidation index was 36.4 days/cm (range, 12.8–113 days/cm). Mean nail accuracy was 97.3% with a precision of 92.4%. Average preoperative and 12-month postoperative Enneking scores were 21.5 and 25.3 (p < 0.001), respectively. The preoperative and 12-month postoperative SF-12 physical and mental component scores were not statistically different. Nine complications (nine limb segments) resolved: two partial femoral unions, two suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), one delayed tibial union, one fibular nonunion, one peroneal nerve irritation, one knee joint subluxation, and one confirmed DVT. Twenty-nine (91%) of 32 limb segments achieved successful bone healing without revision surgery. Discussion: Limb lengthening with PRECICE is reliable, but larger trials with longer follow-up will reveal limitations. Implantable nails prevent problems associated with external fixation, such as muscle tethering and pin-site infections.Item Proximal and Distal Failure Site Analysis in Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair(Sage, 2019-12) Wagner, Pablo; Wagner, Emilio; López, Mario; Etchevers, Gastón; Valencia, Oscar; Guzmán, RodrigoBackground: Different techniques have been described for percutaneous Achilles tendon rupture repair, but no biomechanical evaluation has been performed separately for proximal and distal suturing techniques. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically analyze proximal versus distal percutaneous Achilles suture configurations during cyclic loading and load to failure. Methods: A simulated, midsubstance rupture was created 6 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion in fresh-frozen cadaveric Achilles tendons. Fifteen proximal specimens were divided into 3 groups: (A1) triple locking technique, (A2) Bunnell-type technique, and (A3) double Bunnell-type technique. Twelve distal specimens were divided into 2 groups: (B1) triple nonlocking technique and (B2) oblique technique. Repairs were subjected to cyclic testing and load to failure. Load to failure, cause of failure, and tendon elongation were evaluated. Results: None of the proximal specimens and 7/12 of the distal ones failed in cyclic testing. The proximal fixation groups demonstrated significantly more strength than the distal groups (P = .001), achieving up to 710 N of failure load in Group A3. Groups B1and B2 failed on average at 380 N with no difference between them (P > .05). The majority of all repairs failed in the suture-tendon interface. Distal groups had more elongation during cyclic testing (13.7 mm) than proximal groups (9.4 mm) (P = .02). Conclusion: The distal fixation site in this Achilles tendon repair was significantly weaker than the proximal fixation site. A proximal modified suture configuration increased resistance to cyclic loading and load to failure significantly. Clinical relevance: A modification can be suggested to improve strength of the Achilles repair.Item Proximal and Distal Failure Site Analysis in Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair(2019) Wagner, Pablo; Wagner, Emilio; López, M.; Etchevers, G.; Valencia, O.; Guzmán-Venegas, RodrigoBackground: Different techniques have been described for percutaneous Achilles tendon rupture repair, but no biomechanical evaluation has been performed separately for proximal and distal suturing techniques. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically analyze proximal versus distal percutaneous Achilles suture configurations during cyclic loading and load to failure. Methods: A simulated, midsubstance rupture was created 6 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion in fresh-frozen cadaveric Achilles tendons. Fifteen proximal specimens were divided into 3 groups: (A1) triple locking technique, (A2) Bunnell-type technique, and (A3) double Bunnell-type technique. Twelve distal specimens were divided into 2 groups: (B1) triple nonlocking technique and (B2) oblique technique. Repairs were subjected to cyclic testing and load to failure. Load to failure, cause of failure, and tendon elongation were evaluated. Results: None of the proximal specimens and 7/12 of the distal ones failed in cyclic testing. The proximal fixation groups demonstrated significantly more strength than the distal groups (P = .001), achieving up to 710 N of failure load in Group A3. Groups B1and B2 failed on average at 380 N with no difference between them (P > .05). The majority of all repairs failed in the suture-tendon interface. Distal groups had more elongation during cyclic testing (13.7 mm) than proximal groups (9.4 mm) (P = .02). Conclusion: The distal fixation site in this Achilles tendon repair was significantly weaker than the proximal fixation site. A proximal modified suture configuration increased resistance to cyclic loading and load to failure significantly. Clinical Relevance: A modification can be suggested to improve strength of the Achilles repair.Item Proximal oblique sliding closing wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus(Sage Publications, 2013) Wagner, Emilio; Ortiz, Cristián; Gould, John; Naranje, Sameer; Wagner, Pablo; Mococain, Mococain; Keller, Andrés; Valderrama, Juan; Espinosa, MaximilianoBACKGROUND: The proximal oblique sliding closing wedge osteotomy (POSCOW) technique was developed to address moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. We present a retrospective multicenter study to analyze the midterm radiological and clinical outcomes of patients treated with this type of proximal osteotomy fixed with plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-four patients (187 feet) were operated on between May 2005 and June 2010 in 2 separate centers. Inclusion criteria were symptomatic moderate to severe incongruent hallux valgus deformity, no significant restriction in the first metatarsophalangeal joint movement, none to minimal degenerative changes in the first metatarsophalangeal or the tarsometatarsal joints, and no hypermobility. The median age was 60 years. The preoperative hallux valgus angle (HV) was 35.6 degrees, intermetatarsal angle (IM) was 15.3 degrees, AOFAS score was 53 points. The median follow-up was 35 months (range, 12-73). A POSCOW osteotomy was performed in all patients and fixed with plates. We recorded the satisfaction rate, postoperative clinical and radiological results, and complications. RESULTS: The patient satisfaction rate was 87%. The mean postoperative HV angle was 12.3 degrees, IM angle 4.8 degrees, AOFAS score 89 points. The mean decrease in the first metatarsal length was 2.2 mm (range, 0-8). Twelve feet (6.4%) with recurrence of the deformity required revision surgeries. Removal of complete or partial hardware was needed in 23 feet (12.3%) for symptomatic hardware. Five feet (2.6%) developed hallux varus but only 2 required surgery. Transfer metatarsalgia was noted in 9 feet (4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The POSCOW osteotomy was an effective and reliable method for relieving pain and improving function. A learning curve was present, as most of the complications happened in the initial cases. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported series of proximal closing wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus deformities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.