Aims. Anatomical atlases document classical safe corridors for the placement of transosseous fine wires through the calcaneum during circular frame external fixation. During this process, the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle (PTNVB) is placed at risk, though this has not been previously quantified. We describe a cadaveric study to investigate a safe technique for posterolateral to anteromedial fine wire insertion through the body of the calcaneum. Materials and Methods. A total of 20 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were divided into two groups. Wires were inserted using two possible insertion points and at varying angles. In Group A, wires were inserted one-third along a line between the point of the heel and the tip of the lateral malleolus while in Group B, wires were inserted halfway along this line. Standard dissection techniques identified the structures at risk and the distance of wires from neurovascular structures was measured. The results from 19 limbs were subject to analysis. Results. In Group A, no wires pierced the PTNVB. Wires were inserted a median 22.3 mm (range 4.7 to 39.6) from the PTNVB; two wires (4%) passed within 5 mm. In Group B, 24 (46%) wires passed within 5 mm of the PTNVB, with 11 wires piercing it. The median distance of wires from the PTNVB was 5.5 mm (range 0 to 30). A Mann–Whitney U test showed that this was significantly closer than in Group A (Hodges–Lehmann shift, 14.06 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 10.52 to 16.88; p < 0.0001). In Group B, with an increased angle of insertion there was greater risk to the PTNVB (r. s.  = -0.80; p < 0.01). Conclusion. Insertion of wires using an entry point one-third along a line from the point of the heel to the tip of the lateral malleolus (Group A) appears to be the safer technique. An insertion angle of up to 30° to the coronal plane can be used without significant risk to the PTNVB. Insertion of wires halfway along a line from the point of the heel to the tip of the lateral malleolus (Group B) carried a significantly higher risk of injury to neurovascular structures and, if necessary, an angle of insertion parallel to the coronal plane should be used. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1054–9

We describe the surgical technique and results of arthroscopic subtalar release in 17 patients (17 feet) with painful subtalar stiffness following an intra-articular calcaneal fracture of Sanders’ type II or III. The mean duration from injury to arthroscopic release was 11.3 months (6.4 to 36) and the mean follow-up after release was 16.8 months (12 to 25). The patient was positioned laterally and three arthroscopic portals were placed anterolaterally, centrally and posterolaterally. The sinus tarsi and lateral gutter were debrided of fibrous tissue and the posterior talocalcaneal facet was released. In all, six patients were very satisfied, eight were satisfied and three were dissatisfied with their results. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from a mean of 49.4 points (35 to 66) pre-operatively to a mean of 79.6 points (51 to 95). All patients reported improvement in movement of the subtalar joint. No complications occurred following operation, but two patients subsequently required subtalar arthrodesis for continuing pain. In the majority of patients a functional improvement in hindfoot function was obtained following arthroscopic release of the subtalar joint for stiffness and pain secondary to Sanders type II and III fractures of the calcaneum

Background. The current ‘gold standard’ method for enabling weightbearing during non-invasive lower limb immobilisation is to use a Patella Tendon-Bearing (PTB) or Sarmiento cast. The Beagle Böhler Walker™ is a non-invasive frame that fits onto a standard below knee plaster cast. It is designed to achieve a reduction in force across the foot and ankle. Our objective was to measure loading forces through the foot to examine how different types of casts affect load distribution. We aimed to determine whether the Beagle Böhler Walker™ is as effective or better, at reducing load distribution during full weightbearing. Methods. We applied force sensors to the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads and the plantar surface of the calcaneum of 14 healthy volunteers. Force measurements were taken without a cast applied and then with a Sarmiento Cast, a below knee cast, and a below knee cast with Böhler Walker™ fitted. Results. Compared to a standard below knee cast, the Böhler Walker™ reduced the mean peak force through the first metatarsal head by 58.9% (p < .0001); 73.1% through the fifth metatarsal head (p < .0001); and by 32.2% (p < .0001) through the calcaneum. The Sarmiento cast demonstrated a mean percentage reduction in peak force of 8.6% (P = .39) and 4.4% (P = .87) through the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads respectively, but increased the mean peak force by 5.9% (P = .54) through the calcaneum. Conclusions. Using a Böhler Walker™ frame applied to a below knee cast significantly reduces loadbearing through the foot compared to a Sarmiento cast or a standard below knee cast. Implications. This could mean early weightbearing is safer and better tolerated in patients with a wide variety of foot and ankle pathologies, which can in turn improve quality of life and reduce the incidence of immobility dependent morbidity

We dissected 12 fresh-frozen leg specimens to identify the insertional footprint of each fascicle of the Achilles tendon on the calcaneum in relation to their corresponding muscles. A further ten embalmed specimens were examined to confirm an observation on the retrocalcaneal bursa. The superficial part of the insertion of the Achilles tendon is represented by fascicles from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, which is inserted over the entire width of the inferior facet of the calcaneal tuberosity. In three specimens this insertion was in continuity with the plantar fascia in the form of periosteum. The deep part of the insertion of the Achilles tendon is made of fascicles from the soleus tendon, which insert on the medial aspect of the middle facet of the calcaneal tuberosity, while the fascicles of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius tendon insert on the lateral aspect of the middle facet of the calcaneal tuberosity. A bicameral retrocalcaneal bursa was present in 15 of the 22 examined specimens. . This new observation and description of the insertional footprint of the Achilles tendon and the retrocalcaneal bursa may allow a better understanding of the function of each muscular part of the gastrosoleus complex. This may have clinical relevance in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1344–8

We hypothesised that a minimally invasive peroneus brevis tendon transfer would be effective for the management of a chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon. In 17 patients (three women, 14 men) who underwent minimally invasive transfer and tenodesis of the peroneus brevis to the calcaneum, at a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (2 to 7) the modified Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) was recorded and the maximum circumference of the calf of the operated and contralateral limbs was measured. The strength of isometric plantar flexion of the gastrocsoleus complex and of eversion of the ankle were measured bilaterally. Functional outcomes were classified according to the four-point Boyden scale. . At the latest review, the mean maximum circumference of the calf of the operated limb was not significantly different from the pre-operative mean value, (41.4 cm, 32 to 50 vs 40.6 cm, 33 to 46; p = 0.45), and not significantly less than that of the contralateral limb (43.1 cm, 35 to 52; p = 0.16). The mean peak torque (244.6 N, 125 to 367) and the strength of eversion of the operated ankle (149.1 N, 65 to 240) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than those of the contralateral limb (mean peak torque 289, 145 to 419; strength of eversion: 175.2, 71 to 280). The mean ATRS significantly improved from 58 pre-operatively (35 to 68) to 91 (75 to 97; 95% confidence interval 85.3 to 93.2) at the time of final review. Of 13 patients who practised sport at the time of injury, ten still undertook recreational activities. . This procedure may be safely performed, is minimally invasive, and allows most patients to return to pre-injury sport and daily activities. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:353–7

Aims. A failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is often associated with much bone loss. As an alternative to arthrodesis, the surgeon may consider a custom-made talar component to compensate for the bone loss. Our aim in this study was to assess the functional and radiological outcome after the use of such a component at mid- to long-term follow-up. Patients and Methods. A total of 12 patients (five women and seven men, mean age 53 years; 36 to77) with a failed TAA and a large talar defect underwent a revision procedure using a custom-made talar component. The design of the custom-made components was based on CT scans and standard radiographs, when compared with the contralateral ankle. After the anterior talocalcaneal joint was fused, the talar component was introduced and fixed to the body of the calcaneum. Results. At a mean follow-up of 6.9 years (1 to 13), 11 ankles were stable with no radiological evidence of loosening. Only one was lost to follow-up. The mean arc of movement was 21. °. (10. °. to 35. °. ). A total of nine patients (75%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome, two (17%) were satisfied but with reservations and one (8%) was not satisfied. All but one patient had an improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score (p = 0.01). Just one patient developed deep infection, leading to arthrodesis. Conclusion. A custom-made talar component yielded satisfactory results with regard to function, stability and satisfaction. This should encourage the use of such components as an alternative to arthrodesis of the ankle in patients with a failed TAA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:231–6

Introduction. Medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy with an FDL tendon transfer is a common method of correcting pes planus deformity secondary to grade II tibialis posterior dysfunction. There is currently no evidence that calcaneal displacement alters the centre of pressure in the foot from a medial to a more central position as the normal shape is reconstituted. Materials and Methods. We prospectively evaluated 12 patients undergoing flatfoot reconstruction. Each patient had a preoperative AOFAS hindfoot score, pedobariographs and antero-posterior and lateral radiographs. This was repeated 6 months following surgery. Results. An angle (α) between the central axis of the foot (calcaneum to 2nd metatarsal head) and the centre of pressure (COP) was calculated for each patient both pre and post operatively and analysed using the Shapiro Wilk and the Students t test. Pressures directly under the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads and the calcaneum were also recorded and the pre and post operative differences analysed. The mean change in α angle is 6.1° (p < 0.01). The mean increase in pressure on the 1st metatarsal head is 460kPa (p = 0.08). The pressure changes on the 5th metatarsal head and the calcaneum are not statistically significant. The mean AOFAS score increases from 39.2 preoperatively to 82.8 postoperatively (p = 0.0019). The Meary angle improves from a mean of 12.7° to 5.7° (p = 0.027) and the calcaneal pitch improves from15.1° to 18.2° (p = 0.12). Conclusion. The medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is able to significantly lateralise the centre of pressure in the foot and also increases the pressure under the 1st metatarsal head to more closely represent the parameters of the normal foot. The shape of the foot as judged radiographically and the clinical outcomes (AOFAS) are also improved

Aims

Calcaneal osteomyelitis remains a difficult condition to treat with high rates of recurrence and below-knee amputation, particularly in the presence of severe soft-tissue destruction. This study assesses the outcomes of single-stage orthoplastic surgical treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis with large soft-tissue defects.

Introduction:. The insertion footprint of the different muscles tendon fascicles of the Achilles Tendon on the calcanium tuberosity has not been described before. Method:. Twelve fresh frozen leg specimens were dissected to identify the different Achilles Tendon fascicles insertion footprint on the calcaneum in relation to their corresponding muscles. Further ten embalmed cadaveric leg specimens were examined to confirm an observation on the retrocalcaneal bursa. Results:. The superficial part of the AT insertion is made by tendon fascicles from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle which insert over the entire width of the inferior facet of the calcaneal tuberosity. In three specimens, this insertion had continuity with the plantar fascia in the form of periostium. The deep part of the TA insertion is made of fascicles from the soleus tendon which insert on the medial aspect of the middle facet of the calcaneal tuberosity while the lateral head of the gastrocnemius tendon fascicles insert on the lateral aspect of the middle facet of the calcaneal tuberosity. A bicameral retrocalcaneal bursa was present in 68% of examined legs. Conclusion:. This new observation and description of the Achilles insertion footprint and the retrocalcaneal bursa may allow a detailed understanding of the function of each muscular part of the gastrosoleous complex. This has potential significant clinical relevance in the treatment of Achilles pathologies around its insertion

Introduction. The delayed presentation of Achilles tendon rupture is common, and is a difficult problem to manage. A number of surgical techniques have been described to treat this problem. We describe the use of Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) transfer to augment the surgical reconstruction of the delayed presentation of achilles tendon rupture. Materials and Methods. Fourteen patients with chronic tendo-Achilles rupture, presenting between April 2008 and December 2010, underwent surgical reconstruction and FHL transfer. Surgery was performed employing standard operative techniques, with shortening of the Achilles tendon and FHL transfer into the calcaneum with a Biotenodesis screw (Arthrex). VISA-A scores were performed preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Complication data was collected by review of the electronic patient record and direct patient questioning. Results. One patient died of an unrelated cause shortly before outcome scoring, and another patient was excluded because casting in the preoperative period prevented accurate scoring, although he achieved a good post-treatment score. Analysis was therefore carried out on twelve patients. Eleven of the twelve patients had significant improvement in their VISA-A score, with a mean improvement in score of 30 (p < 0.05). There were no significant complications in any of the patients. Conclusion. Our results show that FHL transfer in the management of chronic Achilles tendon rupture is a good, safe and reliable technique. There is excellent improvement in the mean VISA-A score, with no significant complications. Our results support the use of FHL tendon transfer for patients with chronic tendo-Achilles rupture

Painful peroneal spastic flatfeet without coalition or other known etiologies in adolescence, remains a difficult condition to treat. We present eight such cases with radiological and surgical evidence of bony abnormalities in the lateral subtalar region just anterior to the posterior facet. All patients had presented as tertiary referrals with recalcitrant pain and had undergone a trial of orthotics and physiotherapy. Diagnostic workup included a clinical and radiographic evaluation. Clinical examination consisted of gait examination, foot alignment, range of motion, torsional profile of the lower limbs and marking of symptomatic foci. All patients had standing weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral projections of the foot and ankle, CT and/or MRI scans of the foot. Coalitions and other known intra-articular pathologies like subtalar arthritis were ruled out. All patients had bilateral flatfeet but unilateral peroneal spasm. All patients had an accessory anterolateral talar facet (ATF) which was arising as an anterior and distal extension of the lateral process of the talus. This caused lateral impingement between the facet and the calcaneum, confirmed by bone edema around the sinus tarsi and marked at the apex of the angle of Gissane on MRI scans. All patients had stiff subtalar joints with very limited movement under anaesthesia, indicating peroneal muscle contracture. Patients were treated with a combination of facet excision, fractional peroneal and gastrosoleus lengthening and calcaneal lengthening to correct the flatfoot and prevent lateral impingement

Introduction. Postoperative pain following the 3 component ankle arthroplasty (AA) (Mobility™) is a recognised problem without any apparent cause. This study aimed to determine pattern of postoperative pain following Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) and its management options. Materials and methods. In prospective observational study 167 patients who had (AA) and minimum follow-up of 24 months were included. FAOS ankle score, patients' satisfaction, SF36 and diagrammatic mapping of postoperative pain among other parameters were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months, 6 months and the annually. 20 Patients (12%) had moderate to severe postoperative ankle pain following the ankle arthroplasty. Results. Most of patients with mild pain and low AOFAS score during first year improved by the 2 year review. The pain was localised to the medial aspect of the ankle in 10 patients, lateral side in 8 patients, and both medial and lateral side in 1 patient and global in 1 patient with complex regional pain syndrome. 8 patients with medial or lateral pain needed a re-operation. 5 patients with medial pain were treated by complete release of deltoid ligament along with bony decompression of the medial compartment. None of the above implants were loose intra-operatively. 2 AA with lateral pain needed subtalar arthrodesis. 1 patient needed removal of metalwork from the calcaneum for relief of symptoms. A significant improvement of pain and AOFAS scores was observed in 3 out of the 5 patients who underwent medial compartment decompression and both patients who underwent subtalar arthrodesis. Conclusion. There are 10–13% of low AOFAS scores following Ankle Arthroplasty due to pain. In our series, the pain did not co-relate to implant loosening. Our treatment protocol of mapping of pain and re-do surgery could improve the long term outcome in a significant proportion of the patients

Persistent pain is a common cause of disability in patients after fractures of the calcaneum. Amongst the possible causes for post traumatic pain is the development of degenerative osteoarthritis of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint. However there are many other causes of post-traumatic hindfoot pain which require consideration prior to treatment. Knowledge of the patho-anatomy of calcaneal fractures is required to reach an accurate diagnosis. Significant symptoms and disability may be treated by arthrodesis of the subtalar joint. Post-traumatic arthritis in the non-operatively treated calcaneal fracture is however usually associated with deformity of the hindfoot, disordered hindfoot biomechanics, lateral wall fibular impingement and fibular tendon dysfunction. Fractures treated by primary open reduction and fixation should be well aligned but despite anatomic reduction may also develop posterior facet arthritis. Symptoms may also be caused by prominence or impingement of the implant, particularly of locked perimeter plates on the lateral wall. Patients therefore require careful assessment prior to surgery and any operative measures have to address these key features in order to produce a satisfactory clinical result. This lecture will address the potential problems of this type of surgery and key features in the clinical assessment and imaging of these patients. Subtalar arthrodesis in the presence of deformity is technically complex and requires careful planning in order to correct the deformity and to produce a well aligned hindfoot to allow corrected biomechanics without impingement and the fitment of suitable footwear. The surgical techniques and different types of surgery required to adequately manage the posterior facet and deformity will be covered and will include arthroscopically assisted in-situ fusion, the safe approaches for open surgery and techniques to reconstruct the lateral wall, fibular tendon function and osteotomies required to restore calcaneal height and alignment

Introduction. Chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon pose a significant management challenge to the clinician. Numerous methods of surgical reconstruction have been described and are generally associated with a higher complication rate than with immediate repair. We report our results with a single 5cm incision technique to reconstruct chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with transfer of FHL. This simple technique also enables easy tensioning of the graft/reconstruction to match the uninjured leg and early mobilisation. Materials & Methods. All patients undergoing late Achilles tendon reconstruction (over 4 months from rupture) during the period September 2006 to January 2010 were included in the study. All patients were treated using a single incision technique and posterior ankle FHL harvest with bio absorbable interference screw fixation in the calcaneum. Weight bearing was allowed from 2 weeks post operatively with a dynamic rehabilitation regime identical to that which we use following repair of acute ruptures. A retrospective review of the records was performed and a further telephone review undertaken. Results. 15 ‘late’ Achilles tendon reconstructions were undertaken in the study period. Their mean age was 55 years (38-80). Mean time from rupture was 16 months (5-96). Significant co-morbities included diabetes, chronic renal failure, multiple schlerosis and Parkinson's disease. The mean duration of follow-up was 20 months (7–38). There were no post-operative complications. AOFAS score improved significantly in all patients and all reported good or excellent improvement in strength and return to pre-injury function (including sport in 2 cases). Conclusion. This less invasive single incision technique of FHL transfer reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures as previously published from our unit seems to be a safe and reliable undertaking in patients with symptomatic chronic Achilles ruptures and is our preferred technique for all chronic ruptures especially in the presence of significant co-morbities

We have recently described an extended lateral approach to the hindfoot for the operative treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum. It has the advantage of avoiding damage to the sural nerve and preserving blood supply to allow prompt healing. We dissected 15 formalin-preserved cadavers, taking photographs to show the structures of the posterolateral aspect of the hindfoot and ankle. We describe a superficial and a deep triangle: the deep triangle contains a constant posterior peroneal artery which supplies the skin of the posterolateral heel. An approach designed to expose the sural nerve will divide this important artery and cause ischaemia of the posterior skin. The extended lateral approach elevates the sural nerve in a thick flap and preserves the blood supply of the skin. We have reviewed 150 consecutive patients after the use of this approach to study the indications for operation, the quality of wound healing, any damage to the sural nerve and other complications. We recommend the careful use of this approach. Our understanding of its anatomical basis has allowed us to widen the indications for its use

Aims

In our unit, we adopt a two-stage surgical reconstruction approach using internal fixation for the management of infected Charcot foot deformity. We evaluate our experience with this functional limb salvage method.

Aims

The traditional transosseus flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer for patients with Achilles tendinopathy requires two incisions to harvest a long tendon graft. The use of a bio-tenodesis screw enables a short graft to be used and is less invasive, but lacks supporting evidence about its biomechanical behaviour. We aimed, in this study, to compare the strength of the traditional transosseus tendon-to-tendon fixation with tendon-to-bone fixation using a tenodesis screw, in cyclical loading and ultimate load testing.

Aims

This paper documents the epidemiology of adults (aged more than 18 years) with a calcaneal fracture who have been admitted to hospital in England since 2000. Secondary aims were to document whether publication of the United Kingdom Heel Fracture Trial (UK HeFT) influenced the proportion of patients admitted to hospital with a calcaneal fracture who underwent surgical treatment, and to determine whether there has been any recent change in the surgical technique used for these injuries.

Objectives

Inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa (RB) is a common clinical problem, particularly in professional athletes. RB inflammation is often treated with corticosteroid injections however a number of reports suggest an increased risk of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture. The aim of this cadaveric study was to describe the anatomical connections of the RB and to investigate whether it is possible for fluid to move from the RB into AT tissue.

Aims

Various radiological parameters are used to evaluate a flatfoot deformity and their measurements may differ. The aims of this study were to answer the following questions: 1) Which of the 11 parameters have the best inter- and intraobserver reliability in a standardized radiological setting? 2) Are pre- and postoperative assessments equally reliable? 3) What are the identifiable sources of variation?