Despite advancements, revision rates following total ankle replacement (TAR) are high in comparison to other total joint replacements. This explant analysis study aimed to investigate whether there was appreciable metal particulate debris release from various contemporary TARs by describing patterns of material loss. Twenty-eight explanted TARs (9 designs: 3 fixed and 6 mobile bearing), revised for any reason, were studied. The articulating surfaces of the metal tibial and talar components as well as the polyethylene insert were assessed for damage features using light microscopy. Based on the results of the microscopic analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was performed to determine the composition of embedded debris identified, as well as non-contacting 3D profilometry. Pitting, indicative of material loss, was identified on the articulating surfaces of 54% of tibial components and 96% of talar components. Bearing constraint was not found to be a factor, with similar proportions of fixed and mobile bearing metal components showing pitting. More cobalt-chromium than titanium alloy tibial components exhibited pitting (63% versus 20%). Significantly higher average surface roughness (Sa) values were measured for pitted areas in comparison to unpitted areas of these metal components (p<0.05). Additionally, metallic embedded debris (cobalt-chromium likely due to pitting of the tibial and talar components or titanium likely from loss of their porous coatings) was identified in 18% of polyethylene inserts. The presence of hard 3. rd. body particles was also indicated by macroscopically visible sliding plane scratching, identified on 79% of talar components. This explant analysis study demonstrates that metal debris is released from the articulating surfaces and the coatings of various contemporary TARs, both fixed and mobile bearing. These findings suggest that metal debris release in TARs may be an under-recognised issue that should be considered in the study of painful or failed TAR moving forwards

We have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of a metal resurfacing inlay implant for osteochondral defects of the medial talar dome after failed previous surgical treatment. We prospectively studied 20 consecutive patients with a mean age of 38 years (20 to 60), for a mean of three years (2 to 5) post-surgery. There was statistically significant reduction of pain in each of four situations (i.e., rest, walking, stair climbing and running; p ≤ 0.01). The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from 62 (interquartile range (IQR) 46 to 72) pre-operatively to 87 (IQR 75 to 95) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score improved on all subscales (p ≤ 0.03). The mean Short-Form 36 physical component scale improved from 36 (23 to 50) pre-operatively to 45 (29 to 55) at final follow-up (p = 0.001); the mental component scale did not change significantly. On radiographs, progressive degenerative changes of the opposing tibial plafond were observed in two patients. One patient required additional surgery for the osteochondral defect. This study shows that a metal implant is a promising treatment for osteochondral defects of the medial talar dome after failed previous surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1650–5

There are few reports of the surgical treatment for late stage Freiburg’s disease with flattening of the metatarsal head and osteoarthritis. We describe the results of the surgical treatment of ten consecutive patients with advanced stage Freiburg’s disease (Smillie’s stage V), using a technique that has not been published previously.

There is no optimal treatment for osteochondral defects of the talus after failed primary surgical treatment. To treat these patients, a 15-mm diameter metal implant was developed for the medial talar dome. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the metal implantation technique for osteochondral lesions of the medial talar dome.

This is a prospective case series. The inclusion criteria were the combination of a large OCD (ϕ >12 mm) of the medial talar dome, persistent complaints >1 year after treatment, and clinically relevant pain levels. The exclusion criteria were: age <18 years, OCD size >20 mm, ankle osteoarthritis grade 2 or 3, concomitant ankle pathology, and diabetes. The primary outcome measure was the Numeric Rating Scale pain (NRS) rest, walking, running, and stair climbing. Secondary outcome measures were: Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, and clinical and radiographic complications. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to calculate p-values.

Between October 2007 and March 2009 10 patients were included. The median follow-up was 2 years (range, 2–3 years). On preoperative CT scanning, the median lesion size was 15 (range, 12–20) × 11 (range, 8–14) mm. The NRS rest improved from a median of 3 (0–7) preoperatively to 0.5 (0–2) at final follow-up (p = 0.017), NRS walking from 6.5 (4–8) to 1 (0–4) (p = 0.005), NRS running from 9 (6–10) to 3 (0–10) (p = 0.024), and NRS stair climbing from 6 (4–8) to 1 (0–7) (p = 0.012). The FAOS improved significantly on four of five subscales. The AOFAS improved from a median of 70 (47–75) before surgery to 89 (69–100) at final follow-up (p = 0.008). There were three temporary complications: hyposensibility about the scar in two and a superficial wound infection in one. There were no radiographic complications.

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

Background. Open or arthroscopic ankle fusion (AAF) is a successful operative treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. Evidence suggest that AAFs have better outcomes. In addition to the operative technique other patient-factors can influence outcomes. The most significant complication of ankle fusion is a non-union. To better understand the risk factors related to this we undertook a retrospective investigation of primary AAFs. Methods. We reviewed all AAFs conducted at our institution over a 10-year period. Patients excluded if they had simultaneous fusion of neighbouring joints or were lost to follow-up. The primary outcome variable was radiographic union. Other operative complications were analysed as secondary outcomes. Two hundred and eighty-four eligible AAFs in 271 patients were performed over the study period. Results. The overall non-union rate was 7.7 %. Univariate logistic regression analysis found that smoking (6.2% non-union in non-smokers vs 24% in smokers) and prior triple fusion (5.5% non-union in the absence of prior triple fusion vs 70% in the presence of a prior triple fusion) were independent risk factors for non-union. Multivariate analysis showed that only prior triple fusion was predictive (OR 40.0 [9.4,170.3], p < 0.0001). Increasing age, obesity (BMI >30), surgical grade (trainee vs consultant), diabetes or the degree of weightbearing status post-operatively were not significant risk factors of non-union. The leading cause of reoperation was the removal of metal (18%). There were 5 superficial (1.8%) and 4 deep (1.4%) infections. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a 75% ‘survivorship’ of the subtalar joint at 10 years following an arthroscopic ankle fusion. Conclusion. This is the largest case series of AAFs in the literature and the first to demonstrate that patients who had an AAF performed after a previous triple fusion have unacceptably high non-union rates and may benefit from other surgical options. This study data could also useful for patient consenting purposes

Aims

The Vantage Total Ankle System is a fourth-generation low-profile fixed-bearing implant that has been available since 2016. We aimed to describe our early experience with this implant.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate and functional outcomes of bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Additionally, we evaluated the rate of graft incorporation and identified associated predisposing factors using CT scan.

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).

Aims

Despite the increasing numbers of ankle arthroplasties, there are limited studies on their survival and comparisons between different implants. The primary aim of this study was to determine the failure rates of primary ankle arthroplasties commonly used in the UK.

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This study reports updates the previously published two-year clinical, functional, and radiological results of a group of patients who underwent transfibular total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), with follow-up extended to a minimum of five years.

Aim. We describe a case series using adjuvant calcium sulphate bio composites with antibiotics in treating infected metalwork in the foot and ankle. Method. 11 patients aged 22–81 (9 males, 2 females) were treated with clinical evidence of infected limb metal work from previous orthopaedic surgery. Metal work removal with intra osseous application of either cerement in 8 cases (10–20ml including 175mg–350mg gentamycin) or stimulan in 3 cases (5–12ml including 1g vancomycin) into the site was performed. Supplemental systemic antibiotic therapy (oral/intravenous) was instituted based on intraoperative tissue culture and sensitivity. Results. 7 patients had infected ankle metalwork, 2 had infected foot metalwork and 2 had infected external fixators. Metal work was removed in all cases. Mean pre operative CRP was 25.4 mg/l (range 1–137mg/l). Mean postoperative CRP at 1 week was 15.4mg/l (range 2–36mg/l) and at 1 month was 16.1mg/l (range 2–63mg/l). Mean pre op WCC was 8.5×10. 9. (range 6.2–10.6×10. 9. ). Mean post op WCC at 1 week was 8.8×10. 9. (range 5.1–12.7×10. 9. ) and 1 month was 7.1×10. 9. (range 3.7–10.4×10. 9. ). Organisms cultured included enterobacter, staphylococcus species, stenotrophomonas, acinetobacter, group B streptococcus, enterococcus, escherichia coli, pseudomonas, morganella morganii and finegoldia magna. Infection eradication as a single stage procedure with primary would closure and healing was achieved in 10 out of 11 cases (90.9%). No additional procedures were required in these cases. Conclusions. Our results support the use of a calcium sulphate bio composite with antibiotic as an adjuvant for effective local infection control in cases with implant related bone sepsis. The technique is well tolerated with no systemic or local side effects. Our results show that a single stage implant removal, debridement and local antibiotic delivery can achieve over 90% success rates. We theorise that it could minimise the need for prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy in such cases

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.

Aims

The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes.

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.

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This is a multicentre, non-inventor, prospective observational study of 503 INFINITY fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs). We report our early experience, complications, and radiological and functional outcomes.

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We report the medium-term outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 Zenith total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) from a single, non-designer centre.

Aim. Anatomical reduction and Stable fixation of Lisfranc injuries is considered the gold standard. There is controversy about how it is best achieved. Some surgeons would advocate routine open anatomical reduction, which as a concept was popular in 1980s but the same anatomical reduction and fixation can be achieved percutaneously. We describe our method of close reduction and percutaneous fixation and present our results. Materials and methods. 22 patients with a minimum follow up of 12 months were included. We achieved satisfactory anatomical reduction percutaneously in all patients and internal fixation was performed using cannulated screws for medial and middle columns. Functional outcome was evaluated using Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and components of this score were analysed individually to assess which domain was most affected. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured using a force plate in a walking platform. Results. The average age at operation was 48 years (17–67). Mean follow up was 20 months (13–60). The average Foot & Ankle Disability Index at final follow up was 79 (66–94). No loss of reduction or metal breakage was noted. Walking on uneven surface, going down stairs, heavy work and pain first thing in the morning were the domains of functional Index that showed poor recovery. None of the patients had pain at rest. Only three patients found it extremely hard to return to recreational activities. None of the patients had problems related to wound. Gait analysis showed a prolonged push-off (p=0.22) and significantly prolonged pre-swing phase (p=0.015) of the affected limb. Conclusions. Percutaneous reduction and fixation technique for Lisfranc injuries provides predicatable good functional outcome and gait pattern similar to open tecchinques with a potentially decreased risk of wound problems

Aims

The primary objective was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 infection and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery during the global pandemic. Secondary objectives were to determine if there was a change in infection and complication profile with changes introduced in practice.

Background. Lisfranc/midfoot injuries are complex injuries with a reported incidence of 1 in 55000 in literature and frequently overlooked. But, recently they are becoming more commonly diagnosed with advent of CT scan and examination under anaesthesias (EUA) for suspicion fractures. Here we present a case series results of a single surgeons experience over the last 6 years. Methods. Retrospective review of 68 patients treated by a single surgeon over the last 6 years. Injuries were diagnosed on plain Xrays, clinic examination. Any suspicious injury were further assessed by a CT scan, all injuries were confirmed by EUA and treated with open reduction and internal fixation within 4 weeks of injury. Post-operative immobilisation in full cast for 6 weeks then a removal boot with non-weight bearing for a total of 3months. They were followed up regularly initially at 3, 6 and 12months. At final review the following data was collected: clinical examination, plain x-ray looking for: late deformity, signs of OA in Lisfranc joint, Auto fusion rate, rate of metal work failure. The x-rays findings were correlated with: (1) type of fixation. (2) The following scores: FAOS, AOFAS-M, specially designed new foot and ankle score. Results. 43 males: 25 females. 37 right: 31 left sided injuries. 90% were fully weight bearing with minimal discomfort after 6months. In 12 months all of them returned to their normal daily life activities. Wound complications: 2 of them had initial wound complications which were treated successfully with 2 weeks of oral antibiotics, 2 had lateral scar tenderness. One had loosened metal work, revised to fusion. Conclusion. Early operative intervention with good anatomical reduction can minimise the potential chronic disability associated with these injuries. This is a largest series of Lis-franc injuries of a single surgeon with good clinical outcome following surgical fixation