Aims. Surgical reconstruction of deformed Charcot feet carries a high risk of nonunion, metalwork failure, and deformity recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to these complications following hindfoot Charcot reconstructions. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent hindfoot Charcot reconstruction with an intramedullary nail between January 2007 and December 2019 in our unit. Patient demographic details, comorbidities, weightbearing status, and postoperative complications were noted. Metalwork breakage, nonunion, deformity recurrence, concurrent midfoot reconstruction, and the measurements related to intramedullary nail were also recorded. Results. There were 70 patients with mean follow-up of 54 months (SD 26). Overall, 51 patients (72%) and 52 patients (74%) were fully weightbearing at one year postoperatively and at final follow-up, respectively. The overall hindfoot union rate was 83% (58/70 patients). Age, BMI, glycated haemoglobin, and prior revascularization did not affect union. The ratio of nail diameter and isthmus was greater in the united compared to the nonunited group (0.90 (SD 0.06) and 0.86 (SD 0.09), respectively; p = 0.034). In those with a supplementary hindfoot compression screw, there was a 95% union rate (19/20 patients), compared to 78% in those without screws (39/50 patients; p = 0.038). All patients with a miss-a-nail hindfoot compression screw went on to union. Hindfoot metalwork failure was seen in 13 patients (19%). An intact medial malleolus was found more frequently in those with intact metalwork ((77% (44/57 patients) vs 54% (7/13 patients); p = 0.022) and in those with union ((76% (44/58 patients) vs 50% (6/12 patients); p = 0.018). Broken metalwork occurred more frequently in patients with nonunions (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001) and midfoot deformity recurrence (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001). Conclusion. Rates of hindfoot union and intact metalwork were noted in over 80% of patients. Union after hindfoot reconstruction occurs more frequently with an isthmic fit of the intramedullary nail and supplementary hindfoot screws. An intact medial malleolus is protective against nonunion and hindfoot metalwork failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):703–708

Aims. Patients with a deformity of the hindfoot present a particular challenge when performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The literature contains little information about the relationship between TKA and hindfoot alignment. This systematic review aimed to determine from both clinical and radiological studies whether TKA would alter a preoperative hindfoot deformity and whether the outcome of TKA is affected by the presence of a postoperative hindfoot deformity. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Search terms consisted of “total knee arthroplasty/replacement” combined with “hindfoot/ankle alignment”. Inclusion criteria were all English language studies analyzing the association between TKA and the alignment of the hindfoot, including the clinical or radiological outcomes. Exclusion criteria consisted of TKA performed with a concomitant extra-articular osteotomy and case reports or expert opinions. An assessment of quality was conducted using the modified Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019106980). Results. A total of 17 studies were found to be eligible for review. They included six prospective and ten retrospective studies, and one case-control study. The effects of TKA showed a clinical improvement in the hindfoot deformity in three studies, but did not if there was osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle (one study) or a persistent deformity of the knee (one study). The radiological alignment of the hindfoot corrected in 11 studies, but did not in the presence of a rigid hindfoot varus deformity (in two studies). The effects of a hindfoot deformity on TKA included a clinical association with instability of the knee in one study, and a shift in the radiological weightbearing axis in two studies. The mean MINORS score was 9.4 out of 16 (7 to 12). Conclusion. TKA improves both the function and alignment of the hindfoot in patients with a preoperative deformity of the hindfoot. This may not apply if there is a persistent deformity of the knee, a rigid hindfoot varus deformity, or OA of the ankle. Moreover, a persistent deformity of the hindfoot may adversely affect the stability and longevity of a TKA. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the moderate methodological quality of the studies which were included. Therefore, further prospective studies are needed in order to determine at which stage correction of a hindfoot deformity is required to optimize the outcome of a TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):87–97

We report the outcomes of 20 patients (12 men, 8 women, 21 feet) with Charcot neuro-arthropathy who underwent correction of deformities of the ankle and hindfoot using retrograde intramedullary nail arthrodesis. The mean age of the patients was 62.6 years (46 to 83); their mean BMI was 32.7 (15 to 47) and their median American Society of Anaesthetists score was 3 (2 to 4). All presented with severe deformities and 15 had chronic ulceration. All were treated with reconstructive surgery and seven underwent simultaneous midfoot fusion using a bolt, locking plate or a combination of both. At a mean follow-up of 26 months (8 to 54), limb salvage was achieved in all patients and 12 patients (80%) with ulceration achieved healing and all but one patient regained independent mobilisation. There was failure of fixation with a broken nail requiring revision surgery in one patient. Migration of distal locking screws occurred only when standard screws had been used but not with hydroxyapatite-coated screws. The mean American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle (AAOS-FAO) score improved from 50.7 (17 to 88) to 65.2 (22 to 88), (p = 0.015). The mean Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey Physical Component Score improved from 25.2 (16.4 to 42.8) to 29.8 (17.7 to 44.2), (p = 0.003) and the mean Euroqol EQ‑5D‑5L score improved from 0.63 (0.51 to 0.78) to 0.67 (0.57 to 0.84), (p = 0.012). Single-stage correction of deformity using an intramedullary hindfoot arthrodesis nail is a good form of treatment for patients with severe Charcot hindfoot deformity, ulceration and instability provided a multidisciplinary care plan is delivered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:76–82

Background. Ankle and hindfoot fusion in the presence of large bony defects represents a challenging problem. Treatment options include acute shortening and fusion or void filling with metal cages or structural allograft, which both have historically low union rates. Impaction grafting is an alternative option. Methods. A 2 centre retrospective review of consecutive series of 32 patients undergoing hindfoot fusions with impaction bone grafting of morselised femoral head allograft to fill large bony void defects was performed. Union was assessed clinically and with either plain radiography or weightbearing CT scanning. Indications included failed total ankle replacement (24 patients), talar osteonecrosis (6 patients) and fracture non-union (2 patients). Mean depth of the defect was 29 ±10.7 mm and mean maximal cross-sectional area was 15.9 ±5.8 cm. 2. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis was performed in 24 patients, ankle arthrodesis in 7 patients and triple arthrodesis in 1 patient. Results. Mean age was 57 years (19–76 years). Mean follow-up of 22.8 ±8.3 months. 22% were smokers. There were 4 tibiotalar non-unions (12.5%), two of which were symptomatic. 10 TTC arthrodesis patients united at the tibiotalar joint but not at the subtalar joint (31.3%), but only two of these were symptomatic. The combined symptomatic non-union rate was 12.5%. Mean time to union was 9.6 ±5.9 months. One subtalar non-union patient underwent re-operation at 78 months post-operatively after failure of metalwork. Two (13%) patients developed a stress fracture above the metalwork that healed with non-operative measures. There was no bone graft collapse with all patients maintaining bone length. Conclusion. Impaction of morselised femoral head allograft can be used to fill large bony voids around the ankle and hindfoot when undertaking arthrodesis, with rapid graft incorporation and no graft collapse despite early loading. This technique offers satisfactory union outcomes without the need for shortening or synthetic cages

Introduction. Surgical reconstruction of deformed Charcot feet carries high risk of non-union, metalwork failure and deformity recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to these complications following hindfoot Charcot reconstructions. Methods. We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent hindfoot Charcot reconstruction with an intramedullary nail between 2007 and 2019 in our unit. Patient demographics, co-morbidities, weightbearing status and post-operative complications were noted. Metalwork breakage, non-union, deformity recurrence, concurrent midfoot reconstruction and the measurements related to intramedullary nail were also recorded. Results. There were 70 patients with mean follow up of 50±26 months. Seventy-two percent were fully weightbearing at 1 year post-operatively. The overall union rate was 83%. Age, BMI, HbA1c and peripheral vascular disease did not affect union. The ratio of nail diameter and isthmus was greater in the united compared to the non-united group (0.90±0.06 and 0.86±0.09, respectively; p = 0.03). Supplemental compression devices were used for 33% of those in the united compared to 8% in the non-united group (p = 0.04). All patients in the non-union group did not have a miss-a-nail screw. Metalwork failure was seen in 13 patients(19%). There was a significantly greater distal screw metalwork failure in those with supplementary bridging of tibia to midfoot (23% vs. 3%; p = 0.001). An intact medial malleolus was found more frequently in those with intact metalwork (77% vs. 54%, respectively; p = 0.02) and those with union (76% vs. 50%; p = 0.02). Broken metalwork occurred more frequently in patients with non-unions (69% vs. 8%; p < 0.001) and deformity recurrence (69% vs. 9%; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes occur in over 80% of patients. Union after hindfoot reconstruction occurs more frequently with an isthmic fit of the intramedullary nail, supplementary compression and miss-a-nail screws. An intact medial malleolus is protective against non-union and metalwork failure. Broken metalwork is linked to deformity recurrence and non-union

One assumed function of Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) is that by maintaining ankle joint motion we can protect the other hind foot joints from further degredation. 1. However, there is no work to our knowledge that compares hindfoot outcomes between TAR and arthrodesis. Sokolowski et al. found that 68% of TAR patients had no radiological progression of subtalar arthritis after TAR, and 4% went on to fusion. 2. However, no evaluation of the other hindfoot joints was made and no comparison made to other treatment. We performed a retrospective review of all patients at our centre who had had a TAR or ankle arthrodesis since 2002. Case notes and imaging were reviewed and all instances of hindfoot treatment (injections or surgical procedures) noted. Patients were excluded who had no documentation, were followed up at other hospitals, had prior hindfoot fusion, or were having staged surgeries at the time of index treatment. Chi squared analysis was used to compare the cohorts. 214 arthrodesis cases and 302 TAR were eligible. The average age was 57. Average time to follow up was 13 years (4–21). At the time of abstract submission 107 sets of notes had been reviewed fully. Full analysis will be performed by conference. 14% of TAR patients went on to have further procedures to the hindfoot joints while 35% of arthrodesis patients had further procedures (p=0.014). There was also a significant difference in the number of patients progressing to fusion of a further hindfoot joint between groups (TAR- 4%, arthrodesis- 20%, p=0.01). These data suggest that TAR are protective of symptomatic change of hindfoot joints. Patients with TAR had fewer hindfoot fusions than those with arthrodesis and also fewer procedures of any form, including injections

Abstract. Background. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion is indicated for severe arthritis, failed ankle arthroplasty, avascular necrosis of talus and as a salvage after failed ankle fixation. Patients in our study had complex deformities with 25 ankles having valgus deformities (range 50–8 degrees mean 27 degrees). 12 had varus deformities (range 50–10 degrees mean 26 degrees) 5 ankles an accurate measurement was not possible on retrospective images. 10 out of 42 procedures were done after failed previous surgeries and 8 out of 42 had talus AVN. Methods. Retrospective case series of patients with hindfoot nails performed in our centre identified using NHS codes. Total of 41 patients with 42 nails identified with mean age of 64 years. Time to union noted from X-rays and any complications noted from the follow-up letters. Patients contacted via telephone to complete MOXFQ and VAS scores and asked if they would recommend the procedure to patients suffering similar conditions. 17 patients unable to fill scores (5 deceased, 4 nails removed, 2 cognitive impairment and 6 uncontactable). Results. In our cohort 33/38 of hindfoot nails achieved both subtalar and ankle fusion in a mean time of 7 months. 25 patients with 26 nails had mean follow up with post op scores of 4 years. Their Mean MOXFQ scores were (Pain: 12.8 Walking: 12 Social: 8) and visual analogue pain score was 3. 85% of patients wound recommend this surgery for a similar condition. 20 complications with 15 requiring surgery(5 screw removals, 1 percutaneous drilling, 1 fusion site injection, 8 nail revisions). Conclusion. In our experience hindfoot nail TTC fusion reliably improves the function of patients with severe symptoms in a variety of pathophysiological conditions and complex deformities. Most of our patients would recommend this procedure. There is a lack of studies with long-term follow-up

We report the clinical and radiological outcome of total ankle replacement performed in conjunction with hindfoot fusion or in isolation. Between May 2003 and June 2008, 60 ankles were treated with total ankle replacement with either subtalar or triple fusion, and the results were compared with a control group of 288 ankles treated with total ankle replacement alone. After the mean follow-up of 39.5 months (12 to 73), the ankles with hindfoot fusion showed significant improvement in the mean visual analogue score for pain (p < 0.001), the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (p < 0.001), and the mean of a modified version of this score (p < 0.001). The mean visual analogue pain score (p = 0.304) and mean modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (p = 0.119) were not significantly different between the hindfoot fusion and the control groups. However, the hindfoot fusion group had a significantly lower mean range of movement (p = 0.009) and a higher rate of posterior focal osteolysis (p = 0.04). Both groups showed various complications (p = 0.131) and failure occurring at a similar rate (p = 0.685). Subtalar or triple fusion is feasible and has minimal adverse effects on ankles treated with total ankle replacement up to midterm follow-up. The clinical outcome of total ankle replacement when combined with hindfoot fusion is comparable to that of ankle replacement alone. Thus, hindfoot fusion should be performed in conjunction with total ankle replacement when indicated

Several emerging reports suggest an important involvement of the hindfoot alignment in the outcome of knee osteotomy. At present, studies lack a comprehensive overview. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review all biomechanical and clinical studies investigating the role of the hindfoot alignment in the setting of osteotomies around the knee. A systematic literature search was conducted on multiple databases combining “knee osteotomy” and “hindfoot/ankle alignment” search terms. Articles were screened and included according to the PRISMA guidelines. A quality assessment was conducted using the Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies (QUACS) - and modified methodologic index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) scales. Three cadaveric, fourteen retrospective cohort and two case-control studies were eligible for review. Biomechanical hindfoot characteristics were positively affected (n=4), except in rigid subtalar joint (n=1) or talar tilt (n=1) deformity. Patient symptoms and/or radiographic alignment at the level of the hindfoot did also improve after knee osteotomy (n=13), except in case of a small pre-operative lateral distal tibia- and hip knee ankle (HKA) angulation or in case of a large HKA correction (>14.5°). Additionally, a pre-existent hindfoot deformity (>15.9°) was associated with undercorrection of lower limb alignment following knee osteotomy. The mean QUACS score was 61.3% (range: 46–69%) and mean MINORS score was 9.2 out of 16 (range 6–12) for non-comparative and 16.5 out of 24 (range 15–18) for comparative studies. Osteotomies performed to correct knee deformity have also an impact on biomechanical and clinical outcomes of the hindfoot. In general, these are reported to be beneficial, but several parameters were identified that are associated with newly onset – or deterioration of hindfoot symptoms following knee osteotomy. Further prospective studies are warranted to assess how diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms based on the identified criteria could be implemented to optimize the overall outcome of knee osteotomy. Remark: Aline Van Oevelen and Arne Burssens contributed equally to this work

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. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients with infected Charcot foot deformity who underwent two-stage reconstruction with internal fixation between July 2011 and November 2019, with a minimum of 12 months’ follow-up. Results. We identified 23 feet in 22 patients with a mean age of 56.7 years (33 to 70). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 44.7 months (14 to 99). Limb salvage was achieved in all patients. At one-year follow-up, all ulcers have healed and independent full weightbearing mobilization was achieved in all but one patient. Seven patients developed new mechanical skin breakdown; all went on to heal following further interventions. Fusion of the hindfoot was achieved in 15 of 18 feet (83.3%). Midfoot fusion was achieved in nine of 15 patients (60%) and six had stable and painless fibrous nonunion. Hardware failure occurred in five feet, all with broken dorsomedial locking plate. Six patients required further surgery, two underwent revision surgery for infected nonunion, two for removal of metalwork and exostectomy, and two for dynamization of the hindfoot nail. Conclusion. Two-stage reconstruction of the infected and deformed Charcot foot using internal fixation and following the principle of ‘long-segment, rigid and durable internal fixation, with optimal bone opposition and local antibiotic elusion’ is a good form of treatment provided a multidisciplinary care plan is delivered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1611–1618

Aims. Hindfoot arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing has been described as a surgical strategy to reconstruct deformities of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with Charcot arthropathy. This study presents case series of Charcot arthropathy patients treated with two different retrograde intramedullary straight compression nails in order to reconstruct the hindfoot and assess the results over a mid-term follow-up. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive patients and 19 operated feet with Charcot arthropathy who underwent a hindfoot arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary compression nail. Patients were ten men and eight women with a mean age of 63.43 years (38.5 to 79.8). We report the rate of limb salvage, complications requiring additional surgery, and fusion rate in both groups. The mean duration of follow-up was 46.36 months (37 to 70). Results. The limb salvage rate was 16 of 19 limbs. Three patients had to undergo below-knee amputation due to persistent infection followed by osteomyelitis resistant to parenteral antibiotic therapy and repeated debridement. Complications including infection, hardware removal, nonunion, and persistent ulcers requiring further intervention were also observed. Postoperative functional scores revealed significant improvement compared with preoperative scores on American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) – Hindfoot scale, Foot Function Index (FFI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Conclusion. The use of retrograde intramedullary compression nail results in good rates of limb salvage when used for hindfoot reconstruction in patients with Charcot arthropathy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:190–6

Aims. The aim of this study was to present a series of patients with aseptic failure of a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) who were treated with fusion of the hindfoot using a nail. Patients and Methods. A total of 23 TAAs, in 22 patients, were revised for aseptic loosening and balloon osteolysis to a hindfoot fusion by a single surgeon (NH) between January 2012 and August 2014. The procedure was carried out without bone graft using the Phoenix, Biomet Hindfoot Arthrodesis Nail. Preoperative investigations included full blood count, CRP and ESR, and radiological investigations including plain radiographs and CT scans. Postoperative plain radiographs were assessed for fusion. When there was any doubt, CT scans were performed. Results. The mean follow-up was 13.9 months (4.3 to 37.2). Union occurred at the tibiotalar joint in 22 ankles (95.6%) with one partial union. Union occurred at the subtalar joint in 20 ankles (87%) of cases with two nonunions. The nail broke in one patient with a subtalar nonunion and revision was undertaken. The only other noted complication was one patient who suffered a stress fracture at the proximal aspect of the nail, which was satisfactorily treated conservatively. Conclusion. This study represents the largest group of patients reported to have undergone revision TAA to fusion of the hindfoot with good results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:475–9

Aims. The Chopart joint complex is a joint between the midfoot and hindfoot. The static and dynamic support system of the joint is critical for maintaining the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Any dysfunction leads to progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity (PCFD). Often, the tibialis posterior is the primary cause; however, contrary views have also been expressed. The present investigation intends to explore the comprehensive anatomy of the support system of the Chopart joint complex to gain insight into the cause of PCFD. Methods. The study was conducted on 40 adult embalmed cadaveric lower limbs. Chopart joint complexes were dissected, and the structures supporting the joint inferiorly were observed and noted. Results. The articulating bones exhibit features like a cuboid shelf and navicular beak, which appear to offer inferior support to the joint. The expanse of the spring ligament complex is more medial than inferior, while the superomedial part is more extensive than the intermediate and inferoplantar parts. The spring ligament is reinforced by the tendons in the superomedial part (the main tendon of tibialis posterior), the inferomedial part (the plantar slip of tibialis posterior), and the master knot of Henry positioned just inferior to the gap between the inferomedial and inferoplantar bundles. Conclusion. This study highlights that the medial aspect of the talonavicular articulation has more extensive reinforcement in the form of superomedial part of spring ligament and tibialis posterior tendon. The findings are expected to prompt further research in weightbearing settings on the pathogenesis of flatfoot. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):335–342

Most posterior hindfoot procedures have been described with the patient positioned prone. This affords excellent access to posterior hindfoot structures but has several disadvantages for the management of the airway, the requirement for an endotracheal tube in all patients, difficulty with ventilation and an increased risk of pressure injuries, especially with regard to reduced ocular perfusion. We describe use of the ‘recovery position’, which affords equivalent access to the posterior aspect of the ankle and hindfoot without the morbidity associated with the prone position. A laryngeal mask rather than endotracheal tube may be used in most patients. In this annotation we describe this technique, which offers a safe and simple alternative method of positioning patients for posterior hindfoot and ankle surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1317–19

Patients with a hindfoot deformity impose a particular challenge when performing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This could be attributed to the lack of insights concerning the outcome towards the hindfoot alignment. Our objective was to perform a systematic review of the literature to investigate the influence of TKA on hindfoot alignment and vice-versa. In accordance with the Methodological Index For Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) statement standards, we performed a systematic review. Electronic databases Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library were searched to identify capable studies studying the influence between TKA and hindfoot malalignment. We indentified four prospective cohort studies, seven retrospective cohort studies and one case-control study. All twelve articles addressed the influence of TKA on hindfoot alignment. Seven out of nine studies which noticed an improvement of hindfoot alignment after TKA, found a significant improvement (p<0.05). Aditionally three of these studies reported a significant improvement only in valgus hindfeet (p<0.05). On the topic of hindfoot alignment influencing TKA, we identified two studies. These studies reported an impact of hindfoot alignment on the weightbearing and described that 87% of hindfeet remained in valgus alignment after TKA. Available data suggests that alignment in valgus hindfeet can improve after TKA, though long term results are not present. Contrary to last, improvement of hindfoot alignment is not expected in varus hindfeet. Furthermore hindfoot alignment deformity may cause a reduction of the long term survival of the knee prosthesis and therefore should be taken in to account

Abstract. Objectives. Currently, the golden standard for the management of ankle fractures is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), a procedure which preserves joint anatomy and function. However, ORIF is associated with high risk of infection, especially in the elderly population, who tend to suffer from osteoporosis and vascular disease. Studies recommend hindfoot nailing (HFN) as a safe and efficient management alternative for this demographic. Unlike ORIF, HFN allows immediate weight-bearing, which has been linked to a lower rate of complications. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of hindfoot nailing in ankle fractures using a case series of 43 patients. Methods. This is a retrospective study with a sample size of 43 patients, that have a mean age of 77.3 years and several medical conditions. These patients experienced ankle fractures that were treated with HFN. Data collected included injury patterns, operative complications, rate of radiological union, comorbidities and changes in mobility and housing before and after surgery. Results. Before their fracture, 62.8% of patients mobilised using a walking stick or a wheeled frame. Following surgery, 52.4% experienced decreased level of mobility. 50% of patients achieved radiological union at the time of data analysis, whereas 52.4% of patients reported a post-operative complication, most commonly soft tissue or bone infection. Conclusions. Our study has a large sample size compared to previous research. The follow-up period varies depending on patient attendance to follow-up clinical appointments. Our patient cohort exhibits significantly lower rates of radiological union, higher incidence of complications and poor post-operative functional outcomes associated with HFN. These data contradict previous studies suggesting HFN for the surgical management of ankle fractures in the elderly and frail population and demonstrate that a more thorough evaluation of HFN is needed

Correction of valgus deformity of the hindfoot using a medial approach for a triple fusion has only recently been described for patients with tight lateral soft tissues which would be compromised using the traditional lateral approach. We present a series of eight patients with fixed valgus deformity of the hindfoot who had correction by hindfoot fusion using this approach. In addition, we further extended the indications to allow concomitant ankle fusion. The medial approach allowed us to excise medial ulcers caused by the prominent medial bony structures, giving simultaneous correction of the deformity and successful internal fixation. We had no problems with primary wound healing and experienced no subsequent infection or wound breakdown. From a mean fixed valgus deformity of 58.8° (45° to 66°) pre-operatively, we achieved a mean post-operative valgus angulation of 13.6° (7° to 23°). All the feet were subsequently accommodated in shoes. The mean time to arthrodesis was 5.25 months (3 to 9). We therefore recommend the medial approach for the correction of severe fixed valgus hindfoot deformities

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

Hindfoot disorders are complex 3D deformities. Current literature has assessed their influence on the full leg alignment, but the superposition of the hindfoot on plain radiographs resulted in different measurement errors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the hindfoot alignment on Weight-Bearing CT (WBCT) and its influence on the radiographic Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) angle. A retrospective analysis was performed on a study population of 109 patients (mean age of 53 years ± 14,49) with a varus or valgus hindfoot deformity. The hindfoot angle (HA) was measured on the WBCT while the HKA angle, and the anatomical tibia axis angle towards the vertical (TA. X. ) were analysed on the Full Leg radiographs. The mean HA in the valgus hindfoot group was 9,19°±7.94, in the varus hindfoot group −7,29°±6.09. The mean TA. X. was 3,32°±2.17 in the group with a valgus hindfoot and 1,89°±2.63 in the group with a varus hindfoot, which showed to be statistically different (p<0.05). The mean HKA Angle was −1,35°±2.73 in the valgus hindfoot group and 0,4°±2.89 in the varus hindfoot group, which showed to be statistically different (p<0.05). This study demonstrates a higher varus in both the HKA and TA. X. in valgus hindfoot and a higher tibia valgus in varus hindfoot. This contradicts the previous assumption that a varus hindfoot is associated with a varus knee or vice versa. In clinical practice, these findings contribute to a better understanding of deformity corrections of both the hindfoot and the knee

Background. There have been multiple techniques described to determine hindfoot alignment radiographically. The 2-dimensional nature of radiographs fails to take into account the contribution of the remainder of the foot to overall alignment. A new radiographic technique has been published in which the hindfoot alignment is calculated using the Ground Reaction Force Calcanea Offset. This technique accounts for the individual forefoot contribution to alignment, but is still limited by it´s 2-dimensional nature. The purpose of this study was to compare the hindfoot moment arm (HMA) described by Saltzman and the hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) described by Williamson, with a technique determining the ground reaction force calcaneal offset (GRF-CT) using 3-dimensional weight bearing CT Scans. Methods. The HMA, HAA, and GRF-CT 3-D weight bearing CT scans were measured by three different investigators. Each of these measurements were calculated twice on separate occasions by each investigator to determine the intra- and inter-observer reliability. Results. 104 patients underwent weight bearing hindfoot alignment radiographs and 3-dimensional weight bearing CT scans including 33 patients with varus and 71 patients with valgus hindfoot deformities. There was excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability with all three measurement techniques (P< 0.01), however the GRF-CT showed the best intra- and inter-observer reliability with the lowest standard deviation (P< 001). Conclusions. The GRF-CT technique is more reliable than traditional radiographic techniques for measuring the hindfoot alignment. While the intra- and inter-observer reliability is good for all three techniques, the GRF-CT technique resulted in the best intra- and inter-observer reliability with the lowest standard deviation. This technique provides the most accurate hindfoot alignment as it takes into account the effect of forefoot on overall alignment, preventing inaccuracies of projection and foot orientation in contrast to traditional radiographic techniques, which may be valuable in surgical decision making