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. Methods. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent combined single-stage orthoplastic treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis (01/2008 to 12/2022). Primary outcome measures were osteomyelitis recurrence and below-knee amputation (BKA). Secondary outcome measures included flap failure, operating time, complications, and length of stay. Results. A total of 30 patients (14 female, 16 male; mean age 53.7 years (95% CI 48.0 to 59.5)) underwent combined orthoplastic surgical treatment for BACH “complex” calcaneal osteomyelitis with a median follow-up of 31 months (IQR 11.75 to 49.25). Of these, 19 received a local flap and 11 received a free flap. The most common causes were fracture-related infection (n = 12; 40%) and ulceration (n = 10; 33%); 21 patients (70%) had already undergone at least one operation elsewhere. Osteomyelitis was eradicated in 23 patients (77%). There were seven patients who developed recurrent osteomyelitis (23%), all in the local flap group. One patient required a BKA. Univariate analysis revealed that local flap reconstruction (OR 13.5 (95% CI 0.7 to 269.7); p = 0.029) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 16.5 (95% CI 1.35 to 203.1); p = 0.008) were associated with increased risk of recurrence. Free flap reconstruction took significantly longer intraoperatively than local flaps (mean 481 minutes (408 to 554) vs mean 168 minutes (119 to 216); p < 0.001), but without significant differences in length of stay or frequency of outpatient appointments. Conclusion. In our study involving 30 patients, single-stage orthoplastic management was associated with 77% (n = 23) eradication of infection and only one amputation in this complex and comorbid patient group. Risk factors for failure were peripheral vascular disease and local flap reconstruction. While good outcomes can be achieved, this treatment requires high levels of inpatient and outpatient care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1443–1450

We reviewed 83 patients after below-knee amputation. In 56 with 69 amputations early management was by plaster-pylon. A plaster cast is applied in the operating room, and a pylon added one week later, after which full weight-bearing is allowed. We compared these patients with 27 who had soft bandaging. The 'healing' time was reduced from 98 days to 40 days, and there were no major complications in the plaster-pylon group. The technique is simple and cheap and can be used by paramedical staff without specialised training or equipment

We analysed the complication rate in 140 below-knee amputations in relation to surgical technique and the presence of diabetes. In all cases, the skin perfusion pressure was measured below the knee before operation to provide an objective evaluation of the microcirculation. In diabetic patients we found a significantly higher complication rate after using a long posterior flap than after equal sagittal flaps. No such difference could be demonstrated in non-diabetic patients. We suggest that the higher incidence of atherosclerotic lesions in the three major arteries below the knee in diabetic patients may account for the difference. We recommend the use of the sagittal technique for below-knee amputation in diabetic patients

Forty-five Chinese patients had below-knee amputation by a sagittal flap technique; 84% for ischaemia. Satisfactory healing was obtained in over 90%, but complications and failure were more common in patients with diabetes mellitus. A modified sagittal flap is recommended

The growth of the stump has been studied in eighteen children with below-knee amputations. Measurements were available shortly after operation and later at skeletal maturity. It was found that all patients achieved less than expected growth and that the reduction was greater in those patients who had had amputation for congenital deformity

We report a case which highlights the progression of osteofibrous dysplasia to adamantinoma and questions whether intralesional curettage is the appropriate treatment. The role of a joint-sparing massive endoprosthesis using cortical fixation is demonstrated and we describe a unique biomedical design which resulted in the manufacture of an end cap to allow amputation through a custom-made proximal tibial replacement, rather than an above-knee amputation following recurrence.

When amputation just below the knee becomes necessary after extensive loss of bone from the tibia and of anterior soft tissue in the treatment of tumours, fractures or infection, the remaining proximal tibia may be too short for a below-knee prosthesis, although the knee may be normal. We have included the distal tibia or foot in a long posterior flap by turning it up thus increasing the length of a very short proximal tibial stump. The knee is thereby saved, allowing satisfactory use of a below-knee prosthesis.

This technique is particularly applicable when the distal leg is normal and well vascularised. Five procedures have been undertaken. We present two illustrative cases.

We present the results of 13 patients who suffered severe injuries to the lower leg. Five sustained a traumatic amputation and eight a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIC open fracture. All were treated with debridement, acute shortening and stabilisation of the fracture and vascular reconstruction. Further treatment involved restoration of tibial length by callus distraction through the distal or proximal metaphysis, which was commenced soon after the soft tissues had healed (n = 8) or delayed until union of the fracture (n = 5).

All patients were male with a mean age of 28.4 years (17 to 44), and had sustained injury to the leg only. Chen grade II functional status was achieved in all patients. Although the number of patients treated with each strategy was limited, there was no obvious disadvantage in the early lengthening programme, which was completed more quickly.

The June 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at: First MTPJ fusion in young versus old patients; Minimally invasive calcaneum Zadek osteotomy and the effect of sequential burr passes; Comparison between Achilles tendon reinsertion and dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy; Revision ankle arthroplasty – is it worthwhile?; Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis or below-knee amputation – salvage or sacrifice?; Fusion or replacement for hallux rigidus?

Background. The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is a challenging and increasing problem because of the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and operative fixation of heel fractures. In 1931, Gaenslen reported treatment of hematogenous calcaneal osteomyelitis by surgical excision through a midline, sagittal plantar incision. We have refined this approach to allow successful healing and early mobilization in a modern series of complex patients with hematogenous, diabetic, and postsurgical osteomyelitis. Methods. Twenty-eight patients (mean age 54.6 years, range 20–94) with Cierny-Mader stage IIIB chronic osteomyelitis were treated with sagittal incision and calcaneal osteotomy, excision of infected bone, and wound closure. All patients received antibiotics for at least 6 weeks, and bone defects were filled with an antibiotic carrier in 20 patients. Patients were followed for a mean of 31 months (SD 25.4). Primary outcome measures were recurrence of calcaneal osteomyelitis and below-knee amputation. Secondary outcome measures included 30-day postoperative mortality and complications, duration of postoperative inpatient stay, footwear adaptions, mobility, and use of walking aids. Results. All 28 patients had failed previous medical and surgical treatment. Eighteen patients (64%) had significant comorbidities. The commonest causes of infection were diabetes ± ulceration (11 patients), fracture-related infection (4 patients), pressure ulceration, hematogenous spread, and penetrating soft tissue trauma. The overall recurrence rate of calcaneal osteomyelitis was 18% (5 patients) over the follow-up period, of which 2 patients (7%) required a below-knee amputation. Eighteen patients (64%) had a foot that comfortably fitted into a normal shoe with a custom insole. A further 6 patients (21%) required a custom-made shoe, and only 3 patients required a custom-made boot. Conclusion. Our results show that a repurposed Gaenslen calcanectomy is simple, safe, and effective in treating this difficult condition in a patient group with significant local and systemic comorbidities

Aims. When a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) fails, it can be converted to a fusion or a revision arthroplasty. Despite the increasing numbers of TAAs being undertaken, there is little information in the literature about the management of patients undergoing fusion following a failed TAA. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the survival of fusions following a failed TAA using a large dataset from the National Joint Registry (NJR). Methods. A data linkage study combined NJR and NHS Digital data. Failure of a TAA was defined as a fusion, revision to a further TAA, or amputation. Life tables and Kaplan-Meier graphs were used to record survival. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted to compare the rates of failure. Results. A total of 131 patients underwent fusion as a salvage procedure following TAA. Their mean age was 65.7 years (SD 10.6) and 73 (55.7%) were male. The mean follow-up was 47.5 months (SD 27.2). The mean time between TAA and fusion was 5.3 years (SD 2.7). Overall, 32 (24.4%) underwent reoperations other than revision and 29 (22.1%) failed. Of these 24 (18.3%) underwent revision of the fusion and five (3.8%) had a below-knee amputation. No patients underwent conversion to a further TAA. Failure usually occurred in the first three postoperative years with one-year survival of fusion being 96.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 90.7 to 98.3) and three-year survival in 69 patients being 77.5% (95% CI 68.3 to 84.4). Conclusion. Salvage fusion after a failed TAA shows moderate rates of failure and reoperations. Nearly 25% of patients required revision within three years. This study is an extension of studies using the same methodology reporting the failure rates and risk factors for failure, which have recently been published, and also one reporting the outcome of revision TAA for a failed primary TAA, using the same methodology, which will shortly be published. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1094–1098

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is a salvage procedure to functionally block the ankle and subtalar joints to treat severe ankle and hindfoot disease. Complication rates range between 20-40%, with below-knee amputation rate 1.5-19%. The heterogeneous patient cohort and indication(s) for surgery make post-operative outcomes difficult to predict. Consulting patients about potential pain and functional outcomes is difficult. When researching this area commonly, PROM data is used, less frequently functional objective measures like the 2-minute-walk-test (2MWT) are used. The aim was to compare the PROMs and objective outcomes between patients who underwent TTCA and BKA. Fifty-two patients underwent a TTCA using an intramedullary hindfoot nail. Indications for TTCA, post-traumatic OA, failed arthrodesis and malalignment. These patients were compared to 11 patients who underwent unilateral below knee amputation (BKA) due to trauma. Outcomes measures PROMs AOFAS ankle hindfoot scale and Shor-Form 36 (SF-36). Objective measures; 2MWT, Timed-up-and-go (TUG). Mean age TTCA 55.9, BKA 46.4. Average follow-up time 53 months. TTCA group had average 6.3 operations prior to arthrodesis (range 1-23). Of the TTCA group two ankles did not unite (7%), all complication rate 35%, 18% reported no pain. A significant negative correlation was demonstrated between the clinical outcome and the number of surgeries prior to the TTCA. TUG and 2MWT had significantly (p<0.05) better outcomes for the BKA group compared to TTCA. SF-36 BKA patients scored higher than the TTCA patients on physical functioning (p<0.01) and mental health (p<0.05) subscales as well as the mental component score (p<0.05). This study gives clinicians evidence about the natural history of hindfoot arthrodesis and functional outcomes from BKA. Hopefully this study will improve evidence to help patients and surgeons make decisions about expected surgical outcomes from TTCA and BKA procedures

Introduction. Osseointegration is a potential treatment option for transfemoral amputees experiencing socket related problems. Till this date, there is little data assessing the feasibility and advantages of osseointegration in individuals with transtibial amputations. Materials and Methods. We prospectively followed 91 patients undergoing transtibial osseointegration from 2014–2018 who either 1) reported pain or mobility dissatisfaction with socket prosthesis; 2) had an intact limb with incapacitating pain, complex deformity, or profound distal weakness or 3) were recent amputees preferring osseointegration. Adverse events were monitored including infection, periprosthetic fracture, implant breakage, aseptic loosening, revision surgery/additional amputation and death. Functional outcomes were measured using the Questionnaire of persons with a Trans-femoral amputation (Q-TFA) and mobility was assessed using Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Time Up and Go (TUG). Results. Following osseointegration surgery, there was a significant increase in the Q-TFA global score, the 6MWT and the K-levels during follow-up. At one year following Osseointegration surgery, all patients were pain-free, the 11 patients who were wheelchair-bound prior to surgery were ambulatory, and the other 27 patient unable to walk prior to surgery, demonstrated improved mobility. There were 7 cases of implant removals due to pain and loosening and 10 cases of revisions within an average of 1.8 years, of which 1 was aseptic loosening, 6 due to infection, 1 failure to integrate and 2 implant fractures. No periprosthetic bone fractures occurred. Conclusions. Transtibial osseointegration results in improved functional outcomes after amputation. Complications are manageable and should decrease with surgical and implant improvements

Aims. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion is used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the ankle and subtalar joint, including osteoarthritis (OA), Charcot arthropathy, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus, failed total ankle arthroplasty, and severe deformity. The prevalence of postoperative complications remains high due to the complexity of hindfoot disease seen in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between preoperative conditions and postoperative complications in order to predict the outcome following primary TTC fusion. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 patients who underwent TTC fusion at the same institution between 2011 and 2019. Risk ratios (RRs) associated with age, sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking, preoperative ankle deformity, and the use of bone graft during surgery were related to the postoperative complications. We determined from these data which pre- and perioperative factors significantly affected the outcome. Results. Out of the 101 patients included in the study, 29 (28.7%) had nonunion, five (4.9%) required below-knee amputation (BKA), 40 (39.6%) returned to the operating theatre, 16 (15.8%) had hardware failure, and 22 (21.8%) had a postoperative infection. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of Charcot arthropathy and non-traumatic OA had significantly higher nonunion rates of 44.4% (12 patients) and 39.1% (18 patients) (p = 0.016) and infection rates of 29.6% (eight patients) and 37% (17 patients) compared to patients with traumatic arthritis, respectively (p = 0.002). There was a significantly increased rate of nonunion in diabetic patients (RR 2.22; p = 0.010). Patients with chronic kidney disease were 2.37-times more likely to have a nonunion (p = 0.006). Patients aged over 60 years had more than a three-fold increase in the rate of postoperative infection (RR 3.60; p = 0.006). The use of bone graft appeared to be significantly protective against postoperative infection (p = 0.019). Conclusion. We were able to confirm, in the largest series of TTC ankle fusions currently in the literature, that there remains a high rate of complications following this procedure. We found that patients with a Charcot or non-traumatic arthropathy had an increased risk of nonunion and postoperative infection compared to individuals with traumatic arthritis. Those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or aged over 60 years had an increased risk of nonunion. These findings help to confirm those of previous studies. Additionally, our study adds to the literature by showing that autologous bone graft may help in decreasing infection rates. These data can be useful to surgeons and patients when considering, discussing and planning TTC fusion. It helps surgeons further understand which patients are at a higher risk for postoperative complications when undergoing TTC fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(3):345–351

Aims. This study reports the outcomes of a technique of soft-tissue coverage and Chopart amputation for severe crush injuries of the forefoot. Patients and Methods. Between January 2012 to December 2016, 12 patients (nine male; three female, mean age 38.58 years; 26 to 55) with severe foot crush injury underwent treatment in our institute. All patients were followed-up for at least one year. Their medical records, imaging, visual analogue scale score, walking ability, complications, and functional outcomes one year postoperatively based on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores were reviewed. Results. The mean length of follow-up was 18.6 months (13 to 28). Two patients had a local infection, flap necrosis was seen in one patient, and one patient experienced a skin graft wound healing delay. Of the 12 patients, one had persistent infection and eventually required below-knee amputation, but pain-free walking was achieved in all the other patients. The mean one-year postoperative AOFAS and SF-36 scores were 75.6 (68 to 80) and 82 (74 to 88), respectively. Conclusion. Although our sample size was small, we believe that this treatment method may be a valuable alternative for treating severe foot crush injuries. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1359–63

Objectives. The surgical challenge with severe hindfoot injuries is one of technical feasibility, and whether the limb can be salvaged. There is an additional question of whether these injuries should be managed with limb salvage, or whether patients would achieve a greater quality of life with a transtibial amputation. This study aims to measure functional outcomes in military patients sustaining hindfoot fractures, and identify injury features associated with poor function. Methods. Follow-up was attempted in all United Kingdom military casualties sustaining hindfoot fractures. All respondents underwent short-form (SF)-12 scoring; those retaining their limb also completed the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle (AAOS F&A) outcomes questionnaire. A multivariate regression analysis identified injury features associated with poor functional recovery. Results. In 12 years of conflict, 114 patients sustained 134 fractures. Follow-up consisted of 90 fractures (90/134, 67%), at a median of five years (interquartile range (IQR) 52 to 80 months). The median Short-Form 12 physical component score (PCS) of 62 individuals retaining their limb was 45 (IQR 36 to 53), significantly lower than the median of 51 (IQR 46 to 54) in patients who underwent delayed amputation after attempted reconstruction (p = 0.0351). Regression analysis identified three variables associated with a poor F&A score: negative Bohler’s angle on initial radiograph; coexisting talus and calcaneus fracture; and tibial plafond fracture in addition to a hindfoot fracture. The presence of two out of three variables was associated with a significantly lower PCS compared with amputees (medians 29, IQR 27 to 43 vs 51, IQR 46 to 54; p < 0.0001). Conclusions. At five years, patients with reconstructed hindfoot fractures have inferior outcomes to those who have delayed amputation. It is possible to identify injuries which will go on to have particularly poor outcomes. Cite this article: P. M. Bennett, T. Stevenson, I. D. Sargeant, A. Mountain, J. G. Penn-Barwell. Outcomes following limb salvage after combat hindfoot injury are inferior to delayed amputation at five years. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:131–138. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0217.R2

Aims. We retrospectively report our experience of managing 30 patients with a primary malignant tumour of the distal tibia; 25 were treated by limb salvage surgery and five by amputation. We compared the clinical outcomes of following the use of different methods of reconstruction. Patients and Methods. There were 19 male and 11 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 19 years (6 to 59) and the mean follow-up was 5.1 years (1.25 to 12.58). Massive allograft was used in 11 patients, and autograft was used in 14 patients. The time to union, the survival time of the reconstruction, complication rate, and functional outcomes following the different surgical techniques were compared. The overall patient survival was also recorded. Results. Out of 14 patients treated with an autograft, 12 (86%) achieved union at both the proximal and distal junctions. The time to union at both junctions of the autograft was significantly shorter than in those treated with an allograft (11.1 vs 17.2 months, p = 0.02; 9.5 vs 16.2 months, p = 0.04). The complication rate of allograft reconstruction was 55%. The five patients treated with an amputation did not have a complication. Out of the 25 patients who were treated with limb salvage, three (12%) developed local recurrence and underwent amputation. The mean functional Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score after autograft reconstruction was higher than after allograft reconstruction (81% vs 67%; p = 0.06), and similar to that after amputation (81% vs 82%; p = 0.82). The two- and five-year overall rates of survival were 83% and 70%, respectively. Conclusions. This consecutive case series supports the safety of limb salvage and the effectiveness of biological reconstruction after the resection of a primary tumour of the distal tibia. Autograft might be a preferable option. In some circumstances, below-knee amputation remains a valid option

Introduction. Advances in the management of open tibial fractures have reduced the incidence of long-term complications of these injuries. However, a number of patients continue to suffer from sequelae such as infection, non-union and malunion. Many orthopaedic surgeons believe a below-knee amputation with a well-fitted prosthesis is a better alternative to limb reconstruction surgery. There are few studies that evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of amputees against patients who have undergone limb salvage procedures, and their results are conflicting. The hypothesis of this study is that patients who have undergone limb salvage have as good or better outcomes than those who have had below-knee amputations. Methods. This is a retrospective case study. One group (n=12) had been treated with below-knee amputation following a variety of lower limb fractures. The other group (n=11) had developed complications following tibial fractures and undergone limb salvage surgery using the Ilizarov method. The groups were compared by means of a postal questionnaire, comprising the Oswestry Disability Index and the SF-36 Health Survey. Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for any of the health scales measured. However, for the two scales in the SF-36 measuring functional health (Physical Functioning and Role-Physical) the differences were much lower than for any of the other scales (both p=0.13). The 95% confidence intervals for the difference between the means for each group were -6.4 to 45.4 for PF and -7.4 to 61.2 for RP. Discussion. This study provides evidence that limb conserving surgery offers a genuine improvement in long term functional health. The failure to reach statistical significance is a reflection of the relatively small numbers of patients affected and the difficulties in collecting data retrospectively