PURPOSE: We compared the results of total ankle arthroplasty in patients with preoperative varus deformity of more than 20degrees with those of patients with varus deformity less than 20degrees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to January 2013, 9 ankles with preoperative varus deformity of more than 20degrees (varus group) and 31 ankles with varus deformity less than 20degrees (control group) underwent total ankle arthroplasty. Clinical results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and radiographic results were assessed using tibiotalar varus angle in standing anteroposterior radiographs taken preoperatively and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean duration of clinical follow-up was 42.8 months (14~60 months). The AOFAS score was improved by a mean 47.0 points in the varus group and 37.6 points in the control group. Statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (p=0.041). Tibiotalar varus angle measured at the last follow-up radiograph was 2.5degrees in the varus group and 1.0degrees in the control group and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.820). CONCLUSION: Satisfactory clinical and radiographic results can be achieved in patients with varus deformity more than 20degrees by precise bone resection and soft tissue release.
Ankle* ; Arthroplasty* ; Congenital Abnormalities* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Humans

OBJECTIVES: Despite the importance of the protection of patients' health information in clinical settings, little is known about the awareness of this concept in nursing students due to the lack of a suitable measurement tool. Hence, this study attempted to redevelop the Patients' Health Information Protection Awareness Scale, and evaluate its construct validity and reliability for nursing students. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Nursing students who were in their 3rd and 4th year were recruited from 10 universities in Korea to assess the construct validity, and 30 experts (27 nurses and 3 faculty members) participated in the content validation process. RESULTS: The content validity assessment indicated that 23 items were ideal. The assessment of construct validity using exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors: communication, management, and referrals. They together accounted for 54.1% of the variance in scale scores. The three-factor scale had good fit in the confirmatory factor analysis. Scale reliability was confirmed, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 for all items. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first attempt to redevelop the Patients' Health Information Protection Awareness Scale for student nurses. The 23-item scale was shown to be a reliable and valid tool. It facilitates the assessment of nursing students' awareness of patient information protection. Academic nursing programs and health organizations can use its scores to implement adequate education plans to safeguard information in nursing students.
Computer Security* ; Education ; Health Information Management ; Humans ; Korea ; Nursing ; Referral and Consultation ; Reproducibility of Results ; Students, Nursing

Purpose: Despite continuous updates of standard treatment guidelines for acute ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability (CAI), in practice preferred treatment protocols vary widely. Based on a Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) member survey, this study reports current trends in the management of ankle ligament injuries. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire containing 34 questions was sent to all KFAS members in September 2021. Questions mainly addressed clinical experience and preferences for the diagnosis and treatment of ankle ligament injuries. Answers with a prevalence of ≥50% among respondents were considered to reflect tendencies. Results: Eighty-four of the 550 members (15.3%) responded. Answers that showed a tendency were as follows: commonest additional image study (ultrasound), conservative treatment modality (immobilization, oral medication), frequency of surgical treatment (<5 cases per annum), most important factor when deciding on surgical treatment (activity level, e.g., occupation or sport), and commonest surgical procedure (open ligament repair). Answers that showed a tendency for CAI were as follows: most important symptom (repeated sprain, giving way), radiological factors (talar tilt, osteochondral lesion, anterior talar translation), and patient factors (occupation, sports activities, recurrent instability after surgery, etc.). For decision making regarding surgical treatment and method, the most preferred surgical procedure was the modified Broström procedure, and the most common repair technique was suture anchor technique. The following were considered poor prognostic factors; generalized laxity, failed previous surgery, cavovarus, severe mechanical instability, heavy work, obesity, and dissatisfaction after surgery because of residual pain. Conclusion This study updates information regarding current trends in the management of ankle ligament injuries in Korea, and reveals consensus opinions and variations in approaches to patients with an acute or chronic injury. The divergence of approaches identified indicates the need for further studies to determine standard guidelines and long-term results.