Aims. Patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) take a long
time to heal, have a high incidence of deep
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. 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.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
The aim of this study was to compare the longer-term outcomes of operatively and nonoperatively managed patients treated with a removable brace (fixed-angle removable orthosis) or a plaster cast immobilization for an acute ankle fracture. This is a secondary analysis of a multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing adults with an acute ankle fracture, initially managed either by operative or nonoperative care. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a cast immobilization or a fixed-angle removable orthosis (removable brace). Data were collected on baseline characteristics, ankle function, quality of life, and complications. The Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) was the primary outcome which was used to measure the participant’s ankle function. The primary endpoint was at 16 weeks, with longer-term follow-up at 24 weeks and two years.Aims
Methods
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potential complication of foot and ankle surgery. There is a lack of agreement on contributing risk factors and chemical prophylaxis requirements. The primary outcome of this study was to analyze the 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE and VTE-related mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery and Achilles tendon (TA) rupture. Secondary aims were to assess the variation in the provision of chemical prophylaxis and risk factors for VTE. This was a multicentre, prospective national collaborative audit with data collection over nine months for all patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre or TA rupture treatment, within participating UK hospitals. The association between VTE and thromboprophylaxis was assessed with a univariable logistic regression model. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify key predictors for the risk of VTE.Aims
Methods
In this randomised controlled trial, we evaluated
the role of elastic compression using ankle injury stockings (AIS)
in the management of fractures of the ankle. A total of 90 patients
with a mean age of 47 years (16 to 79) were treated within 72 hours
of presentation with a fracture of the ankle, 31 of whom were treated
operatively and 59 conservatively, were randomised to be treated
either with compression by AIS plus an Aircast boot or Tubigrip
plus an Aircast boot. Male to female ratio was 36:54. The primary
outcome measure was the functional Olerud–Molander ankle score (OMAS).
The secondary outcome measures were; the American Orthopaedic Foot
and Ankle Society score (AOFAS); the Short Form (SF)-12v2 Quality
of Life score; and the frequency of deep
Although absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been attracting attention, the rationale for their use remains insufficient. This study prospectively compared the outcomes of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR. A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to either braided absorbable polyglactin suture or braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate suture groups. ATR was then repaired using the Krackow suture method. At three and six months after surgery, the isokinetic muscle strength of ankle plantar flexion was measured using a computer-based Cybex dynamometer. At six and 12 months after surgery, patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS pain), and EuroQoL five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D).Aims
Methods
To compare the cost-utility of removable brace compared with cast in the management of adult patients with ankle fracture. A within-trial economic evaluation conducted from the UK NHS and personnel social services (PSS) perspective. Health resources and quality-of-life data were collected as part of the Ankle Injury Rehabilitation (AIR) multicentre, randomized controlled trial over a 12-month period using trial case report forms and patient-completed questionnaires. Cost-utility analysis was estimated in terms of the incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Estimate uncertainty was explored by bootstrapping, visualized on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio plane. Net monetary benefit and probability of cost-effectiveness were evaluated at a range of willingness-to-pay thresholds and visualized graphically.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
The aim of this study was to investigate whether on-demand removal (ODR) is noninferior to routine removal (RR) of syndesmotic screws regarding functional outcome. Adult patients (aged above 17 years) with traumatic syndesmotic injury, surgically treated within 14 days of trauma using one or two syndesmotic screws, were eligible (n = 490) for inclusion in this randomized controlled noninferiority trial. A total of 197 patients were randomized for either ODR (retaining the syndesmotic screw unless there were complaints warranting removal) or RR (screw removed at eight to 12 weeks after syndesmotic fixation), of whom 152 completed the study. The primary outcome was functional outcome at 12 months after screw placement, measured by the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS).Aims
Methods
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
The aim was to compare long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after operative and nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture in the context of a randomized controlled trial. PROMs including the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D), satisfaction, net promoter score and data regarding re-rupture, and venous thromboembolic rates were collected for patients randomized to receive either operative or nonoperative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture in a previous study. Of the 80 patients originally randomized, 64 (33 treated surgically, 31 nonoperatively) patients were followed up at a mean of 15.7 years (13.4 to 17.7).Aims
Methods
Infected and deformed neuropathic feet and ankles are serious challenges for surgical management. In this study we present our experience in performing ankle arthrodesis in a closed manner, without surgical preparation of the joint surfaces by cartilaginous debridement, but instead using an Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) for deformity correction and facilitating fusion, in arthritic neuropathic ankles with associated osteomyelitis. We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent closed ankle arthrodesis (CAA) in Ilizarov Scientific Centre from 2013 to 2018 (Group A) and compared them with a similar group of patients (Group B) who underwent open ankle arthrodesis (OAA). We then divided the neuropathic patients into three arthritic subgroups: Charcot joint, Charcot-Maire-Tooth disease, and post-traumatic arthritis. All arthrodeses were performed by using an Ilizarov ring fixator. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a minimum of 12 months to assess union and function.Aims
Methods
The incidence of acute Achilles tendon rupture appears to be increasing. The aim of this study was to summarize various therapies for acute Achilles tendon rupture and discuss their relative merits. A PubMed search about the management of acute Achilles tendon rupture was performed. The search was open for original manuscripts and review papers limited to publication from January 2006 to July 2017. A total of 489 papers were identified initially and finally 323 articles were suitable for this review.Objectives
Methods
To our knowledge, there is currently no information available about the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or recommendations regarding chemoprophylaxis for patients whose lower limb is immobilized in a plaster cast. We report a retrospective case series assessing the rate of symptomatic VTE in patients treated with a lower limb cast. Given the complex, heterogeneous nature of this group of patients, with many risk factors for VTE, we hypothesized that the rate of VTE would be higher than in the general population. Patients treated with a lower limb cast between 2006 and 2018 were identified using plaster room records. Their electronic records and radiological reports were reviewed for details about their cast, past medical history, and any VTE recorded in our hospital within a year of casting.Aims
Patients and Methods
Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) surgery is complex and attracts a wide variety of complications. The literature lacks consistency in reporting adverse events and complications. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of each of these complications from a literature review, and to compare them with rates from our Unit, to aid clinicians with the process of informed consent. A total of 278 consecutive total ankle arthroplasties (251 patients), performed by four surgeons over a six-year period in Wrightington Hospital (Wigan, United Kingdom) were prospectively reviewed. There were 143 men and 108 women with a mean age of 64 years (41 to 86). The data were recorded on each follow-up visit. Any complications either during initial hospital stay or subsequently reported on follow-ups were recorded, investigated, monitored, and treated as warranted. Literature search included the studies reporting the outcomes and complications of TAA implants.Aims
Patients and Methods
Anatomical atlases document classical safe corridors for the
placement of transosseous fine wires through the calcaneum during
circular frame external fixation. During this process, the posterior
tibial neurovascular bundle (PTNVB) is placed at risk, though this
has not been previously quantified. We describe a cadaveric study
to investigate a safe technique for posterolateral to anteromedial
fine wire insertion through the body of the calcaneum. A total of 20 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were divided into
two groups. Wires were inserted using two possible insertion points
and at varying angles. In Group A, wires were inserted one-third
along a line between the point of the heel and the tip of the lateral
malleolus while in Group B, wires were inserted halfway along this
line. Standard dissection techniques identified the structures at
risk and the distance of wires from neurovascular structures was measured.
The results from 19 limbs were subject to analysis.Aims
Materials and Methods
A new method of vascularised tibial grafting
has been developed for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN)
of the talus and secondary osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle. We
used 40 cadavers to identify the vascular anatomy of the distal
tibia in order to establish how to elevate a vascularised tibial
graft safely. Between 2008 and 2012, eight patients (three male,
five female, mean age 50 years; 26 to 68) with isolated AVN of the
talus and 12 patients (four male, eight female, mean age 58 years;
23 to 76) with secondary OA underwent vascularised bone grafting
from the distal tibia either to revascularise the talus or for arthrodesis.
The radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated at a mean
follow-up of 31 months (24 to 62). The peri-malleolar arterial arch
was confirmed in the cadaveric study. A vascularised bone graft
could be elevated safely using the peri-malleolar pedicle. The clinical
outcomes for the group with AVN of the talus assessed with the mean
Mazur ankle grading scores, improved significantly from 39 points
(21 to 48) pre-operatively to 81 points (73 to 90) at the final
follow-up (p = 0.01). In all eight revascularisations, bone healing
was obtained without progression to talar collapse, and union was
established in 11 of 12 vascularised arthrodeses at a mean follow-up
of 34 months (24 to 58). MRI showed revascularisation of the talus
in all patients. We conclude that a vascularised tibial graft can be used both
for revascularisation of the talus and for the arthrodesis of the
ankle in patients with OA secondary to AVN of the talus. Cite this article:
Neuropathic changes in the foot are common with
a prevalence of approximately 1%. The diagnosis of neuropathic arthropathy
is often delayed in diabetic patients with harmful consequences
including amputation. The appropriate diagnosis and treatment can
avoid an extensive programme of treatment with significant morbidity
for the patient, high costs and delayed surgery. The pathogenesis
of a Charcot foot involves repetitive micro-trauma in a foot with impaired
sensation and neurovascular changes caused by pathological innervation
of the blood vessels. In most cases, changes are due to a combination
of both pathophysiological factors. The Charcot foot is triggered
by a combination of mechanical, vascular and biological factors
which can lead to late diagnosis and incorrect treatment and eventually
to destruction of the foot. This review aims to raise awareness of the diagnosis of the Charcot
foot (diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy and the differential
diagnosis, erysipelas, peripheral arterial occlusive disease) and
describe the ways in which the diagnosis may be made. The clinical
diagnostic pathways based on different classifications are presented. Cite this article:
In recent years, the plantaris tendon has been
implicated in the development of chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
In some cases, a thickened plantaris tendon is closely associated
with the Achilles tendon, and surgical excision of the plantaris
tendon has been reported to be curative in patients who have not
derived benefit following conservative treatment and surgical interventions. The aim of this review is to outline the basic aspects of, and
the recent research findings, related to the plantaris tendon, covering
anatomical and clinical studies including those dealing with histology,
imaging and treatment. Cite this article
Lengthening of the conjoined tendon of the gastrocnemius
aponeurosis and soleus fascia is frequently used in the treatment
of equinus deformities in children and adults. The Vulpius procedure
as described in most orthopaedic texts is a division of the conjoined
tendon in the shape of an inverted V. However, transverse division
was also described by Vulpius and Stoffel, and has been reported
in some clinical studies. We studied the anatomy and biomechanics of transverse division
of the conjoined tendon in 12 human cadavers (24 legs). Transverse
division of the conjoined tendon resulted in predictable, controlled
lengthening of the gastrocsoleus muscle-tendon unit. The lengthening
achieved was dependent both on the level of the cut in the conjoined
tendon and division of the midline raphé. Division at a proximal
level resulted in a mean lengthening of 15.2 mm ( Cite this article:
Sporting injuries around the ankle vary from
simple sprains that will resolve spontaneously within a few days
to severe injuries which may never fully recover and may threaten
the career of a professional athlete. Some of these injuries can
be easily overlooked altogether or misdiagnosed with potentially
devastating effects on future performance. In this review article,
we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries involving
the ankle including updates on their management and outcomes. Cite this article:
While many forefoot procedures may be performed
as a day case, there are no specific guidelines as to which procedures
are suitable. This study assessed the early post-operative pain
after forefoot surgery performed a day case, compared with conventional
inpatient management. A total of 317 consecutive operations performed by a single surgeon
were included in the study. Those eligible according to the criteria
of the French Society of Anaesthesia (SFAR) were managed as day
cases (127; 40%), while the remainder were managed as inpatients. The groups were comparable in terms of gender, body mass index
and smoking status, although the mean age of the inpatients was
higher (p <
0.001) and they had higher mean American Society
of Anaesthesiologists scores (p = 0.002). The most severe daily
pain was on the first post-operative day, but the levels of pain
were similar in the two groups; (4.2/10, Apart from the most complicated cases, forefoot surgery can safely
be performed as a day case without an increased risk of pain, or
complications compared with management as an inpatient. Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of post-operative symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), as well as the risk factors for and location of DVT, in 665 patients (701 ankles) who underwent primary total ankle replacement. All patients received low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. A total of 26 patients (3.9%, 26 ankles) had a symptomatic DVT, diagnosed by experienced radiologists using colour Doppler ultrasound. Most thrombi (22 patients, 84.6%) were localised distally in the operated limb. Using a logistic multiple regression model we identified obesity, a previous venous thromboembolic event and the absence of full post-operative weight-bearing as independent risk factors for developing a symptomatic DVT. The incidence of symptomatic DVT after total ankle replacement and use of low-molecular-weight heparin is comparable with that in patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement.
Large osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the shoulder
of the talus cannot always be treated by traditional osteochondral
autograft techniques because of their size, articular geometry and
loss of an articular buttress. We hypothesised that they could be
treated by transplantation of a vascularised corticoperiosteal graft
from the ipsilateral medial femoral condyle. Between 2004 and 2011, we carried out a prospective study of
a consecutive series of 14 patients (five women, nine men; mean
age 34.8 years, 20 to 54) who were treated for an OCL with a vascularised
bone graft. Clinical outcome was assessed using a visual analogue
scale (VAS) for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
(AOFAS) hindfoot score. Radiological follow-up used plain radiographs
and CT scans to assess graft incorporation and joint deterioration. At a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2 to 7), the mean VAS for pain
had decreased from 5.8 (5 to 8) to 1.8 (0 to 4) (p = 0.001) and
the mean AOFAS hindfoot score had increased from 65 (41 to 70) to
81 (54 to 92) (p = 0.003). Radiologically, the talar contour had
been successfully reconstructed with stable incorporation of the
vascularised corticoperiosteal graft in all patients. Joint degeneration
was only seen in one ankle. Treatment of a large OCL of the shoulder of the talus with a
vascularised corticoperiosteal graft taken from the medial condyle
of the femur was found to be a safe, reliable method of restoring
the contour of the talus in the early to mid-term. Cite this article:
The Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment
(SMART) programme was introduced in 2008. This paper summarises
the outcome of this programme. Patients with a rupture of the Achilles
tendon treated in our unit follow a comprehensive management protocol
that includes a dedicated Achilles clinic, ultrasound examination,
the use of functional orthoses, early weight-bearing, an accelerated
exercise regime and guidelines for return to work and sport. The
choice of conservative or surgical treatment was based on ultrasound
findings. The rate of re-rupture, the outcome using the Achilles Tendon
Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and the Achilles Tendon Repair Score,
(AS), and the complications were recorded. An elementary cost analysis
was also performed. Between 2008 and 2014 a total of 273 patients presented with
an acute rupture 211 of whom were managed conservatively and 62
had surgical repair. There were three
re-ruptures (1.1%). There were 215 men and 58 women with a mean
age of 46.5 years (20 to 86). Functional outcome was satisfactory.
Mean ATRS and AS at four months was 53.0
( The SMART programme resulted in a low rate of re-rupture, a satisfactory
outcome, a reduced rate of surgical intervention and a reduction
in healthcare costs. Cite this article:
We hypothesised that a minimally invasive peroneus
brevis tendon transfer would be effective for the management of
a chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon. In 17 patients (three
women, 14 men) who underwent minimally invasive transfer and tenodesis
of the peroneus brevis to the calcaneum, at a mean follow-up of
4.6 years (2 to 7) the modified Achilles tendon total rupture score
(ATRS) was recorded and the maximum circumference of the calf of
the operated and contralateral limbs was measured. The strength
of isometric plantar flexion of the gastrocsoleus complex and of
eversion of the ankle were measured bilaterally. Functional outcomes
were classified according to the four-point Boyden scale. At the latest review, the mean maximum circumference of the calf
of the operated limb was not significantly different from the pre-operative
mean value, (41.4 cm, 32 to 50 This procedure may be safely performed, is minimally invasive,
and allows most patients to return to pre-injury sport and daily
activities. Cite this article:
Flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement
calcaneal osteotomy is a well-recognised form of treatment for stage
II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Although excellent short-
and medium-term results have been reported, the long-term outcome
is unknown. We reviewed the clinical outcome of 31 patients with
a symptomatic flexible flat-foot deformity who underwent this procedure
between 1994 and 1996. There were 21 women and ten men with a mean
age of 54.3 years (42 to 70). The mean follow-up was 15.2 years
(11.4 to 16.5). All scores improved significantly (p <
0.001).
The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved
from 48.4 pre-operatively to 90.3 (54 to 100) at the final follow-up.
The mean pain component improved from 12.3 to 35.2 (20 to 40). The
mean function score improved from 35.2 to 45.6 (30 to 50). The mean
visual analogue score for pain improved from 7.3 to 1.3 (0 to 6).
The mean Short Form-36 physical component score was 40.6 ( Cite this article:
We present a review of litigation claims relating
to foot and ankle surgery in the NHS in England during the 17-year period
between 1995 and 2012. A freedom of information request was made to obtain data from
the NHS litigation authority (NHSLA) relating to orthopaedic claims,
and the foot and ankle claims were reviewed. During this period of time, a total of 10 273 orthopaedic claims
were made, of which 1294 (12.6%) were related to the foot and ankle.
1036 were closed, which comprised of 1104 specific complaints. Analysis
was performed using the complaints as the denominator. The cost
of settling these claims was more than £36 million. There were 372 complaints (33.7%) involving the ankle, of which
273 (73.4%) were related to trauma. Conditions affecting the first
ray accounted for 236 (21.4%), of which 232 (98.3%) concerned elective
practice. Overall, claims due to diagnostic errors accounted for
210 (19.0%) complaints, 208 (18.8%) from alleged incompetent surgery
and 149 (13.5%) from alleged mismanagement. Our findings show that the incorrect, delayed or missed diagnosis
of conditions affecting the foot and ankle is a key area for improvement,
especially in trauma practice. Cite this article:
We compared the clinical and radiographic results
of total ankle replacement (TAR) performed in non-diabetic and diabetic
patients. We identified 173 patients who underwent unilateral TAR
between 2004 and 2011 with a minimum of two years’ follow-up. There
were 88 male (50.9%) and 85 female (49.1%) patients with a mean
age of 66 years ( The mean AOS and AOFAS scores were significantly better in the
non-diabetic group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.038, respectively). In all,
nine TARs (21%) in the diabetic group had clinical failure at a
mean follow-up of five years (24 to 109), which was significantly
higher than the rate of failure of 15 (11.6%) in the non-diabetic
group (p = 0.004). The uncontrolled diabetic subgroup had a significantly
poorer outcome than the non-diabetic group (p = 0.02), and a higher
rate of delayed wound healing. The incidence of early-onset osteolysis was higher in the diabetic
group than in the non-diabetic group (p = 0.02). These results suggest
that diabetes mellitus, especially with poor glycaemic control,
negatively affects the short- to mid-term outcome after TAR. Cite this article:
The Bologna–Oxford (BOX) total ankle replacement
(TAR) was developed with the aim of achieving satisfactory pain-free
movement of the ankle. To date, only one single multicentre study
has reported its clinical results. The aim of this study was to
conduct an independent review of its mid-term results. We retrospectively reviewed a total of 60 prospectively followed
patients in whom 62 BOX TARs had been implanted between 2004 and
2008. We used the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)
score to assess the clinical results. Standardised radiographs taken
at the time of final follow-up were analysed by two observers. The
overall survival was 91.9% at a mean follow-up of 42.5 months (24
to 71). The mean AOFAS score had improved from 35.1 points (
