Aims. Postoperative rehabilitation regimens following
We reviewed 116 patients who underwent 118 arthroscopic
Aims. Infected and deformed neuropathic feet and ankles are serious challenges for surgical management. In this study we present our experience in performing
It has been suggested that arthrodesis of the ankle leads to osteoarthritis of the joints of the ipsilateral hind- and midfoot. We believe these studies overlooked the presence of osteoarthritic changes in these joints before the arthrodesis. We reviewed the pre-operative radiographs of 70 patients with osteoarthritis of the ankle who underwent 71
We describe a surgical technique for
The results of 62
Aims. Revision rates for ankle arthroplasties are higher than hip or knee arthroplasties. When a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) fails, it can either undergo revision to another ankle replacement, revision of the TAA to
We report a new method of
The surgical management of ankle arthritis with tibiotalar arthrodesis
is known to alter gait, as compared with normal ankles. The purpose
of this study was to assess post-operative gait function with gait
before arthrodesis. We prospectively studied 20 patients who underwent three-dimensional
gait analysis before and after tibiotalar arthrodesis. Cadence,
step length, walking velocity and total support time were assessed.
Kinetic parameters, including the moment and power of the ankle
in the sagittal plane and hip power were also recorded.Aims
Patients and Methods
Between 1999 and 2005, 23 failed total ankle replacements were converted to arthrodeses. Three surgical techniques were used: tibiotalar arthrodesis with screw fixation, tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with screw fixation, and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with an intramedullary nail. As experience was gained, the benefits and problems became apparent. Successful bony union was seen in 17 of the 23 ankles. The complication rate was higher in ankles where the loosening had caused extensive destruction of the body of the talus, usually in rheumatoid arthritis. In this situation we recommend tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with an intramedullary nail. This technique can also be used when there is severe arthritic change in the subtalar joint. Arthrodesis of the tibiotalar joint alone using compression screws was generally possible in osteoarthritis because the destruction of the body of the talus was less extensive. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis fusion with compression screws has not been successful in our experience.
We performed arthrodesis of the ankle in eight patients by arthroscopic joint excision and fixation with crossed tibiotalar compression screws. Two patients had rheumatoid arthritis and six had post-traumatic osteoarthritis. None had a serious deformity of the ankle. Clinical ankylosis was achieved in all cases and there was radiological evidence of bone fusion in four.
The results are presented of 47 compression arthrodeses of the ankle performed for osteoarthritis in 44 patients. In 26 cases the transverse anterior incision of Charnley had been used and in 21 cases medial and lateral incisions with division of the malleoli. Complications included infection (19%), non-union (14.9%) and malposition requiring a further procedure (8.5%). Three patients (6.4%) eventually had an amputation. Clinical assessment using a standard grading method showed that the functional result was not related to the angle of plantar flexion of the ankle, but was related to the varus/valgus position of the heel, the neutral position being associated with the best results. The anterior approach was more reliable in avoiding varus or valgus of the heel.
A multicentre, randomized, clinician-led, pragmatic, parallel-group orthopaedic trial of two surgical procedures was set up to obtain high-quality evidence of effectiveness. However, the trial faced recruitment challenges and struggled to maintain recruitment rates over 30%, although this is not unusual for surgical trials. We conducted a qualitative study with the aim of gathering information about recruitment practices to identify barriers to patient consent and participation to an orthopaedic trial. We collected 11 audio recordings of recruitment appointments and interviews of research team members (principal investigators and research nurses) from five hospitals involved in recruitment to an orthopaedic trial. We analyzed the qualitative data sets thematically with the aim of identifying aspects of informed consent and information provision that was either unclear, disrupted, or hindered trial recruitment.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to describe the technique of distraction
osteogenesis followed by arthrodesis using internal fixation to
manage complex conditions of the ankle, and to present the results
of this technique. Between 2008 and 2014, distraction osteogenesis followed by arthrodesis
using internal fixation was performed in 12 patients with complex
conditions of the ankle due to trauma or infection. There were eight
men and four women: their mean age was 35 years (23 to 51) at the
time of surgery. Bone healing and functional recovery were evaluated
according to the criteria described by Paley. Function was assessed
using the ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and
Ankle Society (AOFAS).Aims
Patients and Methods
Achieving arthrodesis of the ankle can be difficult
in the presence of infection, deformity, poor soft tissues and bone loss.
We present a series of 48 patients with complex ankle pathology,
treated with the Ilizarov technique. Infection was present in 30
patients and 30 had significant deformity before surgery. Outcome
was assessed clinically and with patient-reported outcome measures
(Modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (MAOFAS) scale and
the Short-Form (SF-36)). Arthrodesis was achieved in 40 patients with the Ilizarov technique
alone and in six further patients with additional surgery. Infection
was eradicated in all patients at a mean follow-up of 46.6 months
(13 to 162). Successful arthrodesis was less likely in those with
comorbidities and in tibiocalcaneal fusion compared with tibiotalar
fusion. These patients had poor general health scores compared with the
normal population before surgery. The mean MAOFAS score improved
significantly from 24.3 (0 to 90) pre-operatively to 56.2 (30 to
90) post-operatively, but there was only a modest improvement in
general health; the mean SF-36 improved from 44.8 (19 to 66) to
50.1 (21 to 76). There was a major benefit in terms of pain relief. Arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique is an effective treatment
for complex ankle pathology, with good clinical outcomes and eradication
of infection. However, even after successful arthrodesis general
health scores remain limited. Cite this article:
Aims. The aim of this study was to report the results of three forms of reconstruction for patients with a ditsl tibial bone tumour: an intercalary resection and reconstruction, an osteoarticular reconstruction, and arthrodesis of the ankle. Methods. A total of 73 patients with a median age of 19 years (interquartile range (IQR) 14 to 36) were included in this retrospective, multicentre study. Results. Reconstructions included intercalary resection in 17 patients, osteoarticular reconstruction in 11, and
Aims. To clarify the effectiveness of the induced membrane technique (IMT) using beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for reconstruction of segmental bone defects by evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes, and the effect of defect size and operated site on surgical outcomes. Methods. A review of the medical records was conducted of consecutive 35 lower limbs (30 males and five females; median age 46 years (interquartile range (IQR) 40 to 61)) treated with IMT using β-TCP between 2014 and 2018. Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS) was examined preoperatively and at final follow-up to clarify patient-centered outcomes. Bone healing was assessed radiologically, and time from the second stage to bone healing was also evaluated. Patients were divided into ≥ 50 mm and < 50 mm defect groups and into femoral reconstruction, tibial reconstruction, and
The December 2015 Foot &
Ankle Roundup. 360 . looks at: The midfoot fusion bolt: has it had its day?; Ankle arthroplasty: only for the old?; A return to the Keller’s osteotomy for diabetic feet?; Joint sparing surgery for ankle arthritis in the context of deformity?; Beware the subtalar fusion in the
The June 2015 Foot &
Ankle Roundup. 360 . looks at: Syndesmosis and outcomes in ankle fracture;
The October 2012 Foot &
Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at:
Posterior malleolar (PM) fractures are commonly associated with ankle fractures, pilon fractures, and to a lesser extent tibial shaft fractures. The tibialis posterior (TP) tendon entrapment is a rare complication associated with PM fractures. If undiagnosed, TP entrapment is associated with complications, ranging from reduced range of ankle movement to instability and pes planus deformities, which require further surgeries including radical treatments such as arthrodesis. The inclusion criteria applied in PubMed, Scopus, and Medline database searches were: all adult studies published between 2012 and 2022; and studies written in English. Outcome of TP entrapment in patients with ankle injuries was assessed by two reviewers independently.Aims
Methods
This scoping review aims to identify patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). A scoping review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A computer-based literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane trials, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full-text screening according to predetermined selection criteria. English-language original research studies reporting patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following TAA were included. Outcomes were defined as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), perioperative complications, and failure.Aims
Methods
Aims. Few reports compare the contribution of the talonavicular articulation
to overall range of movement in the sagittal plane after total ankle
arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar arthrodesis. The purpose of this
study was to assess changes in ROM and functional outcomes following
tibiotalar arthrodesis and TAA. Patients and Methods. Patients who underwent isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis or TAA
with greater than two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study.
Overall arc of movement and talonavicular movement in the sagittal
plane were assessed with weight-bearing lateral maximum dorsiflexion
and plantarflexion radiographs. All patients completed Short Form-12
version 2.0 questionnaires, visual analogue scale for pain (VAS)
scores, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Results. In all, 41 patients who underwent TAA and 27 patients who underwent
tibiotalar arthrodesis were enrolled in the study. The mean total
arc of movement was 34.2° (17.0° to 59.1°) with an average contribution
from the talonavicular joint of 10.5° (1.2° to 28.8°) in the TAA
cohort. The average total arc of movement was 24.3° (6.9° to 44.3°)
with a mean contribution from the talonavicular joint of 22.8° (5.6°
to 41.4°) in the arthrodesis cohort. A statistically significant
difference was detected for both total sagittal plane movement (p = 0.00025),
and for talonavicular motion (p <
0.0001). A statistically significant
lower VAS score (p = 0.0096) and higher FAAM (p = 0.01, p = 0.019,
respectively) was also detected in the TAA group. Conclusion. TAA preserves more anatomical movement, has better pain relief
and better patient-perceived post-operative function compared with
patients undergoing fusion. The relative increase of talonavicular
movement in fusion patients may play a role in the outcomes compared
with TAA and may predispose these patients to degenerative changes
over time. Take home message: TAA preserves more anatomic sagittal plane
motion and provides greater pain relief and better patient-perceived
outcomes compared with
This study examined windswept deformity (WSD) of the knee, comparing prevalence and contributing factors in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cohorts. A case-control radiological study was undertaken comparing 500 healthy knees (250 adults) with a consecutive sample of 710 OA knees (355 adults) undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty. The mechanical hip-knee-ankle angle (mHKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were determined for each knee, and the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), joint line obliquity, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) types were calculated. WSD was defined as a varus mHKA of < -2° in one limb and a valgus mHKA of > 2° in the contralateral limb. The primary outcome was the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between healthy and OA groups. Secondary outcomes were the proportional difference in WSD prevalence between constitutional varus and valgus CPAK types, and to explore associations between predefined variables and WSD within the OA group.Aims
Methods
The June 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup360 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?.
The December 2023 Foot & Ankle Roundup360 looks at: Subchondral bone cysts remodel after correction of varus deformity in ankle arthritis; 3D-printed modular endoprosthesis reconstruction following total calcanectomy; Percutaneous partial bone excision in the management of diabetic toe osteomyelitis; Hemiepiphysiodesis is a viable surgical option for Juvenile hallux valgus; Ankle arthroplasty vs arthrodesis: which comes out on top?; Patient-related risk factors for poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty; The Outcomes in Ankle Replacement Study.
This systematic review aimed to summarize the full range of complications reported following ankle arthroscopy and the frequency at which they occur. A computer-based search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Emcare, and ISI Web of Science. Two-stage title/abstract and full-text screening was performed independently by two reviewers. English-language original research studies reporting perioperative complications in a cohort of at least ten patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy were included. Complications were pooled across included studies in order to derive an overall complication rate. Quality assessment was performed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence classification.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes and the complication rate after nail and plate fixation of unstable fractures of the ankle in elderly patients. In this multicentre study, 120 patients aged ≥ 60 years with an acute unstable AO/OTA type 44-B fracture of the ankle were randomized to fixation with either a nail or a plate and followed for 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcome measures were the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, the Olerud and Molander Ankle score, the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, a visual analogue score for pain, complications, the quality of reduction of the fracture, nonunion, and the development of osteoarthritis.Aims
Methods
Aims. Smoking is associated with post-operative complications but smokers
often under-report the amount they smoke. Our objective was to determine
whether a urine dipstick test could be used as a substitute for
quantitative cotinine assays to determine smoking status in patients. Patients and Methods. Between September 2013 and July 2014 we conducted a prospective
cohort study in which 127 consecutive patients undergoing a planned
foot and
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. We prospectively evaluated 89 patients who underwent transfibular TAA for end-stage osteoarthritis. Patients’ clinical and radiological examinations were collected pre- and postoperatively at six months and then annually for up to five years of follow-up. Three patients were lost at the final follow-up with a total of 86 patients at the final follow-up.Aims
Methods
1. Three pantalar, one ankle and subtalar, and three
We report the results of a simple technique of
We have reviewed the results of 19
Between 1985 and 1994, 1223 patients with malleolar fractures of the ankle were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with absorbable pins and screws, of whom 74 (6.1%) had an obvious inflammatory foreign-body reaction to the implants. Of these 74, ten later developed moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the ankle despite no evidence of incongruity of the articular surface. The implants used in these patients were made from polyglycolide, polylactide or glycolidelactide copolymer. The joint damage seemed to be due to polymeric debris entering the articular cavity through an osteolytic extension of an implant track. The ten patients had a long clinical course which included a vigorous local foreign-body reaction, synovial irritation and subsequent degeneration. At a follow-up of three to nine years,
We report the medium-term outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 Zenith total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) from a single, non-designer centre. Between December 2010 and May 2016, 118 consecutive Zenith prostheses were implanted in 114 patients. Demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) data were collected. The endpoint of the study was failure of the implant requiring revision of one or all of the components. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the rate of failure calculated for each year.Aims
Methods
Arthroplasty has become increasingly popular to treat end-stage ankle arthritis. Iatrogenic posterior neurovascular and tendinous injury have been described from saw cuts. However, it is hypothesized that posterior ankle structures could be damaged by inserting tibial guide pins too deeply and be a potential cause of residual hindfoot pain. The preparation steps for ankle arthroplasty were performed using the Infinity total ankle system in five right-sided cadaveric ankles. All tibial guide pins were intentionally inserted past the posterior tibial cortex for assessment. All posterior ankles were subsequently dissected, with the primary endpoint being the presence of direct contact between the structure and pin.Aims
Methods
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. Patients were recruited from 11 specialist centres between June 2016 and November 2019. Demographic, radiological, and functional outcome data (Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, Manchester Oxford Questionnaire, and EuroQol five-dimension five-level score) were collected preoperatively, at six months, one year, and two years. The Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) grading system was used to stratify deformity. Early and late complications and reoperations were recorded as adverse events. Radiographs were assessed for lucencies, cysts, and/or subsidence.Aims
Methods
Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) is one of the most common soft-tissue tumours of the foot and ankle and can behave in a locally aggressive manner. Tumour control can be difficult, despite the various methods of treatment available. Since treatment guidelines are lacking, the aim of this study was to review the multidisciplinary management by presenting the largest series of TGCT of the foot and ankle to date from two specialized sarcoma centres. The Oxford Tumour Registry and the Leiden University Medical Centre Sarcoma Registry were retrospectively reviewed for patients with histologically proven foot and ankle TGCT diagnosed between January 2002 and August 2019.Aims
Methods
Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis (COM) for young patients remains a challenge. Large bone deficiencies secondary to COM can be treated using induced membrane technique (IMT). However, it is unclear which type of bone graft is optimal. The goal of the study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of bone marrow concentrator modified allograft (BMCA) versus bone marrow aspirate mixed allograft (BMAA) for children with COM of long bones. Between January 2013 and December 2017, 26 young patients with COM were enrolled. Different bone grafts were applied to repair bone defects secondary to IMT procedure for infection eradication. Group BMCA was administered BMCA while Group BMAA was given BMAA. The results of this case-control study were retrospectively analyzed.Aims
Methods
We report the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a consecutive series of 200 total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs, 184 patients) at a single centre using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) implants. Between November 1993 and February 2000, 200 consecutive STAR prostheses were implanted in 184 patients by a single surgeon. Demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively and the last available status was recorded for further survival analysis. All surviving patients underwent regular clinical and radiological review. Pain and function were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scoring system. The principal endpoint of the study was failure of the implant requiring revision of one or all of the components. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated with 95% confidence intervals and the rate of failure calculated for each year.Aims
Patients and Methods