Introduction. Osteochondral defects (OCDs) of the talus were identified as a “TOP 10” research priority in foot and ankle surgery by the James Lund Alliance in partnership with BOFAS, BOA and NIHR. To develop a research strategy, the views of BOFAS members regarding OCDs of the talus were surveyed. The results are reported here. Methods. A questionnaire concerning the presentation, investigation and management of OCDs was formulated with input from the BOFAS National Clinical Study Group and ratified by the Scientific Committee. It concerned primary OCDs of the talus that had failed non-surgical management. It was distributed to BOFAS members via email using _Microsoft Forms_. Results. There were 90 responses. Data on presenting symptoms, investigations, initial management and decision making was collected. Surgical treatment was grouped according to defect size: small or large and shallow or deep. This gave 4 categories. For the purposes of the study a large defect had a width >15mm and a deep defect had a depth >5mm. For small, shallow lesions 85 respondents chose microfracture as the first line surgical treatment. For large shallow lesions 59 respondents chose microfracture, 18 chose bone marrow stimulation plus scaffold e.g. AMIC or ACIC and 6 chose bone marrow stimulation plus a biological agent e.g. cBMA or PRP. For small deep lesions microfracture was again most popular (69 respondents). For large deep lesions microfracture was chosen by 43 respondents, AMIC/ACIC by 23 and OATs by 7. Further data was collected on post op rehabilitation. Discussion. The study demonstrates that microfracture is the most popular first line treatment for primary OCDs of the talus of any size. That said, a wide range of treatments are in practice. This information will facilitate the development of high-quality studies to identify the most appropriate evidence-based treatment for OCDs of the talus

Introduction. The treatment of critical-sized bone defects in foot and ankle surgery remains challenging. Traditional methods, such as bone transport, bulk allograft, vascularized bone graft, and Masquelet procedures carry risks including multiple surgeries, donor site morbidity, infection, and non-union. Recently, custom 3D-printed implants have emerged, offering improved anatomical compatibility, eliminating the need for tissue harvesting, and often requiring only a single operation. This study aims to present the largest UK series of custom 3D-printed implants in foot and ankle surgery. Methods. A retrospective multicentre collaborative study was conducted in 10 NHS Trusts. Demographic, surgical and radiographic variables were recorded including: age; sex; side; type of operation; complications; and postop imaging at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Baseline characteristics were described for demographic variables. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results. Data was collected on a total of 34 patients. The mean age of patients was 54 years (range 29 to 83). 68% of patients were men. Avascular necrosis was the most common indication for surgery (35%) followed by trauma (21%), total ankle replacement failure (21%), infection (12%), Charcot arthropathy (6%) and AVN and infection (3%). The most common operation performed was a fusion augmented with a truss (44%) and 91% of patients had a combination of regional and general anaesthetic. All patients had an ASA grade of less than 4. Of the patients that had follow-up imaging, the implants were reported intact by 94% at 6 weeks, 78% at 3 months, 68% at 6 months and 67% at 12 months. Discussion. This is the largest case series of custom-made foot and ankle implants in the UK to date. The clinical and radiographic outcomes at one year Follow-up are satisfactory. Further work is required to assess long term implant survivorship

The February 2025 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at:Percutaneous Zadek osteotomy for insertional Achilles tendinopathy; Association of extraosseous arterial diameter with talar dome osteochondral lesions; Autologous chondrocyte implantation for osteochondral lesions of the talus; Symptomatic thromboembolism and mortality in foot and ankle surgery in the UK; Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid in Morton’s neuroma?

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):790–792.

Aims

Calcaneal osteomyelitis remains a difficult condition to treat with high rates of recurrence and below-knee amputation, particularly in the presence of severe soft-tissue destruction. This study assesses the outcomes of single-stage orthoplastic surgical treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis with large soft-tissue defects.

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. A total of 13,569 patients were included from 68 sites. Overall, 11,363 patients were available for analysis: 44.79% were elective (n = 5,090), 42.16% were trauma excluding TA ruptures (n = 4,791), 3.50% were acute diabetic procedures (n = 398), 2.44% were TA ruptures undergoing surgery (n = 277), and 7.10% were TA ruptures treated nonoperatively (n = 807). In total, 11 chemical anticoagulants were recorded, with the most common agent being low-molecular-weight heparin (n = 6,303; 56.79%). A total of 32.71% received no chemical prophylaxis. There were 99 cases of VTE (incidence 0.87% (95% CI 0.71 to 1.06)). VTE-related mortality was 0.03% (95% CI 0.005 to 0.080). Univariable analysis showed that increased age and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade had higher odds of VTE, as did having previous cancer, stroke, or history of VTE. On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictors for VTE were the type of foot and ankle procedure and ASA grade. Conclusion. The 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE and mortality related to VTE is low in foot and ankle surgery and TA management. There was notable variability in the chemical prophylaxis used. The significant risk factors associated with 90-day symptomatic VTE were TA rupture and high ASA grade. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1249–1256

The October 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at: Hemiarthroplasty for hallux rigidus; Fixed or mobile-bearing ankle arthroplasty? A meta-analysis; Bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts following total ankle arthroplasty; Diabetic foot ulcer after first-ray amputation; Early motion after ankle surgery: the path to faster recovery?; Are podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons approaching zone 2 fifth metatarsal fractures in the same way?

Advanced 3D imaging and CT-based navigation have emerged as valuable tools to use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), for both preoperative planning and the intraoperative execution of different philosophies of alignment. Preoperative planning using CT-based 3D imaging enables more accurate prediction of the size of components, enhancing surgical workflow and optimizing the precision of the positioning of components. Surgeons can assess alignment, osteophytes, and arthritic changes better. These scans provide improved insights into the patellofemoral joint and facilitate tibial sizing and the evaluation of implant-bone contact area in cementless TKA. Preoperative CT imaging is also required for the development of patient-specific instrumentation cutting guides, aiming to reduce intraoperative blood loss and improve the surgical technique in complex cases. Intraoperative CT-based navigation and haptic guidance facilitates precise execution of the preoperative plan, aiming for optimal positioning of the components and accurate alignment, as determined by the surgeon’s philosophy. It also helps reduce iatrogenic injury to the periarticular soft-tissue structures with subsequent reduction in the local and systemic inflammatory response, enhancing early outcomes. Despite the increased costs and radiation exposure associated with CT-based navigation, these many benefits have facilitated the adoption of imaged based robotic surgery into routine practice. Further research on ultra-low-dose CT scans and exploration of the possible translation of the use of 3D imaging into improved clinical outcomes are required to justify its broader implementation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):892–897.

The August 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at: ESWT versus surgery for fifth metatarsal stress fractures; Minimally invasive surgery versus open fusion for hallux rigidus; Diabetes and infection risk in total ankle arthroplasty; Is proximal medial gastrocnemius recession useful for managing chronic plantar fasciitis?; Fuse the great toe in the young!; Conservative surgery for diabetic foot osteomyelitis; Mental health and outcome following foot and ankle surgery

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and osteosynthesis-associated infections (OSIs) present significant challenges in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, substantially impacting patient morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. This concern is heightened in patients with pre-existing comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, which are not always modifiable at presentation. A novel intraoperative strategy to prevent these infections is the use of Defensive Antibacterial Coating (DAC), a bio-absorbable antibiotic-containing hydrogel applied to implant surfaces at implantation, acting as a physical barrier to prevent infection. The purpose of this study is to assess the use of a commercially available hydrogel (DAC), highlighting its characteristics that make it suitable for managing PJIs and OSIs in orthopaedics and traumatology. Twenty-five patients who underwent complex orthopaedic procedures with intraoperative application of DAC between March 2022 and April 2023 at a single hospital site were included. Post-operative assessment encompassed clinical, laboratory, and radiographic examinations. In this study, 25 patients were included, with a mean age of 70 ± 14.77 years and an average ASA grade of 2.46 ± 0.78. The cohort presented an average Charleston Comorbidity score of 5.45 ± 2.24. The procedures included 8 periprosthetic fractures, 8 foot and ankle surgeries, 5 upper limb surgeries, and 4 elective hip and knee surgeries. Follow-up assessments at 6 weeks and 6 months revealed no evidence of PJI or OSI in any patients, nor were any treatments for PJI or OSI required during the interim period. DAC demonstrated efficacy in preventing infections in high-risk patients undergoing complex orthopaedic procedures. Our findings warrant further investigation into the use of DAC in complex hosts with randomized control trials

Introduction. VTE is a possible complication of foot and ankle surgery, however there is an absence of agreement on contributing risk factors in the development of VTE. The primary outcome of this study was to analyse the 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE following foot and ankle surgery and to determine which factors may increase the risk of VTE. Methods. This was a national, multi-centre prospective audit spanning a collection duration of 9 months (2022/2023). Primary outcomes included incidence of symptomatic VTE and VTE related mortality up to 90 days following foot and ankle surgery and Achilles tendon rupture, and analysis of risk factors. Results. In total 11,363 patients were available for analysis. 5,090 patients (44.79%) were elective procedures, 4,791 patients (42.16%) were trauma procedures (excluding Achilles ruptures), 398 patients (3.50%) were acute diabetic procedures, 277 patients (2.44%) were Achilles ruptures undergoing surgery and 807 patients (7.10%) were Achilles ruptures treated non-operatively. There were 99 cases of VTE within 90 days of admission across the whole group (Total incidence = 0.87%), with 3 cases of VTE related mortality (0.03%). On univariate analysis, increased age and ASA grade showedhigher odds of 90-day VTE, as did previous cancer, stroke, history of VTE, and type of foot and ankle procedure / injury (p<0.05). However, on multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors for 90-day VTE were found to be the type of foot and ankle procedure (Achilles tendon rupture = Odd's Ratio 11.62, operative to 14.41, non-operative) and ASA grade (grade III/IV = Odd's Ratio 3.64). Conclusion. The incidence of 90-day post procedure VTE in foot and ankle surgery in this national audit was low. Significant, independent risk factors associated with the development of 90-day symptomatic VTE were Achilles tendon rupture management and high ASA grade

Background. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) is a condition specific patient reported outcome measure (PROM) for foot and ankle surgery. It consists of 16 items across three subscales measuring distinct, but related traits: walking/standing ability, pain, and social interaction. Although it is the most used foot and ankle PROM in the UK, initial MOxFQ validation involved analysis of only 100 individuals undergoing hallux valgus surgery. This project aimed to establish whether an individual's response to the MOxFQ varies with anatomical region of disease (measurement invariance), and to explore structural validity of the factor structure (subscale items) of the MOxFQ. Methods. This was a single-centre, prospective cohort study involving 6640 patients (mean age 52, range 10–90 years) presenting with a wide range of foot and ankle pathologies between 2013 and 2021. Firstly, to assess whether the MOxFQ responses vary by anatomical region of foot and ankle disease, we performed multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Secondly, to assess the structural validity of the subscale items, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Results. Measurement invariance by pathology was confirmed suggesting the same model can be used across all foot and ankle anatomical regions. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated a 2–3 factor model, and suggested that item 13 (inability to carry out my work/everyday activities) and item 14 (inability to undertake social/recreational activities) loaded more positively onto the walking/standing subscale than their original social interaction subscale. Conclusions. This large-cohort study supports the current widespread use of the MOxFQ across a broad range of foot and ankle pathologies. Items 13 and 14 might be better moved from the “social interaction” to the “walking/standing” subscale and this may have future implications for deriving/analysing subscale scores

Objectives. The primary aim was to determine the differences in COVID-19 infection rate and 30 day mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery between different treatment pathways over the two phases of the UK-FALCON audit, spanning the first and second national lockdowns. Design. Multicentre retrospective national audit. Setting. This was a combined retrospective (Phase 1) and prospective (Phase 2) national audit of foot and ankle procedures in the UK in 2020. Participants. All adult patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre during the study period included from 46 participating centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Patients were categorised as either a green pathway (designated COVID-19 free) or blue pathway. Results. 10,846 patients were included, 6,644 from phase 1 and 4,202 from phase 2. Over the 2 phases the infection rate on a blue pathway was 1.07% (69/6,470) and 0.21% on a green pathway (9/4,280). In phase 1, there was no significant difference in the COVID-19 perioperative infection rate between the blue and green pathways in any element of the first phase (pre-lockdown (p = .109), lockdown (p = .923) or post-lockdown (p = .577)). However, in phase 2 there was a significant reduction in perioperative infection rate when using the green pathway in both the pre-lockdown (p < .001) and lockdown periods (p < .001). There was no significant difference in COVID-19 related mortality between pathways. Conclusions. There was a five-fold reduction in the perioperative COVID-19 infection rate when using designated COVID-19 green pathways; however the success of the pathways only became significant in phase 2 of the study. The study shows a developing success in using green pathways in reducing the risk to patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery

Background. Surgical intervention for hallux valgus and hallux rigidus is an option for patients presenting with severe pain and deformity. Literature suggest that patients with high Pain Catastrophisation Scores (PCS) have poorer outcomes in spinal and to a lesser extent in arthroplasty surgery. There is however very little evidence pertaining to foot and ankle surgery. Aim. We aimed to study whether catastrophisation as measured by PCS influenced the outcomes following surgery for Hallux valgus and rigidus. Methodology. Ethical approval for this prospective portfolio study was obtained from NRES Committee South Central and Oxford. Approval was granted from the local R&D department prior to data collection. All patients listed for surgery for hallux pathology to the four senior authors were invited to participate. Recruitment into the study started in September 2017 and is ongoing. Pain catastrophising score (PCS), Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (Mox-FQ), Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires were completed Pre-op (baseline), and at 3, 6 and 12- months post-surgery. Results. 93 patients with minimum follow-up of 6 months were analysed using SPSS software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of the patients was 58.5 years and 83% were women. 70% of the patients had surgery for hallux valgus and rest for rigidus. Both PROMS and PCS improved significantly following surgical intervention. Patients with higher pre-operative PCS had a worse 6-month PROM score and more pain. Conclusion. This study confirms that pre-operative catastrophisation as demonstrated by a high PCS score has an adverse effect on outcomes following hallux surgery. Risk stratifying patients based on their Pre-op PCS scores may be a useful strategy to identify those at risk of poorer outcomes. We recommend that behavioural change interventions should be considered to try to improve outcomes in patients with pre-op PCS

Objectives. 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. Design. Multicentre retrospective national audit. Setting. UK-based study on foot and ankle patients who underwent surgery between the 13. th. January to 31. st. July 2020 – examining time periods pre- UK national lockdown, during lockdown (23. rd. March to 11. th. May 2020) and post-lockdown. Participants. All adult patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre during the study period included from 43 participating centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Main Outcome Measures. Variables recorded included demographics, surgical data, comorbidity data, COVID-19 and mortality rates, complications, and infection rates. Results. 6644 patients were included. In total 0.52% of operated patients contracted COVID-19 (n=35). The overall all cause 30-day mortality rate was 0.41%, however in patients who contracted COVID-19, the mortality rate was 25.71% (n=9); this was significantly higher for patients undergoing diabetic foot surgery (75%, n=3 deaths). Matching for age, ASA and comorbidities, the OR of mortality with COVID-19 infection was 11.71 (95% CI 1.55 to 88.74, p=0.017). There were no differences in surgical complications or infection rates prior to or after lockdown, and amongst patients with and without COVID-19 infection. After lockdown COVID-19 infection rate was 0.15% and no patient died of COVID-19 infection. Conclusions. COVID-19 infection was rare in foot and ankle patients even at the peak of lockdown. However, there was a significant mortality rate in those who contracted COVID-19. Overall surgical complications and post-operative infection rates remained unchanged during the period of this audit. Patients and treating medical personnel should be aware of the risks to enable informed decisions

Introduction. This study aimed to assess the relationship between preparation times and operative procedures for elective orthopaedic surgery. A clearer understanding of these relationships may facilitate list organisation and thereby contribute to improved operating theatre efficiency. Methods. Two years of elective orthopaedic theatre data was retrospectively analysed. The hospital medical information unit provided de- identified data for 2015 and 2016 elective orthopaedic cases, from which were selected seven categories of procedures with sufficient numbers to allow further analysis - primary hip and knee replacement, spinal surgery, shoulder surgery (excluding shoulder replacement), knee surgery, foot and ankle surgery (excluding ankle replacement), Dupuytrens surgery and general orthopaedic surgery. The data analysed included patient age, ASA grade, operation, operation time, and preparation time (calculated as the time from the start of the anaesthetic proceedings to the patient's admission to Recovery, with the operating time [skin incision to skin closure] subtracted). Statistical analysis of the data was undertaken. Results. A total of 1596 procedures performed over the two year period were analysed. Preparation times for the different procedures were assessed, along with the relationship to the procedure complexity. Neither age nor ASA correlated strongly with preparation times. Spine procedures had greater preparation times than hip and knee arthroplasty. Greater uniformity in preparation times for hip and knee arthroplasty was seen across the anaesthetic group than operative times across the surgeon group. Discussion. Preparation times are just one aspect that may be evaluated with regard to theatre utilisation. This study did not address the theatre turn-over time between cases, which includes transfer of the patient from the admitting/pre-operative area into the theatre. Conclusion. Preparation times for elective procedures follow a pattern which may be used to inform list planning, with the potential for greater theatre efficiencies with regard to list utilisation and staff allocation

Introduction. Continuous compression implants (CCIs) are small memory alloy bone staples that can provide continuous compression across a fracture site, which change shape due to temperature changes. Reviews of CCIs in orthopaedics have documented their use in mainly foot and ankle surgery, with very limited descriptions in trauma. They could be beneficial in the management of complex or open injuries due to their low profile and quick insertion time. The aim of this case series were to clarify the use of CCIs in modern day limb reconstruction practice. Materials & Methods. This was a single centred study looking retrospectively at prospective data for patients who were treated for an acute fracture or non-union with a CCI between September 2019 and May 2023. Primary outcome was to determine the function and indication of the CCI as judged retrospectively and secondary outcomes investigated unplanned returns to theatre for infection or CCI failure. Results. Sixty patients were eligible with a mean age of 44.2 (range 8–89). Fifty-one patients were treated for acute fractures, nine for non-unions; and almost half (27 patients) had open injuries. There were seven different sites for treatment with a CCI, the most common being tibia (25 patients) and humerus (14 patients). Of the 122 CCIs used, 80 were used as adjuncts for fixation in 48 patients. Their indication as an adjunct fell into three distrinct categories – reduction of fracture (39 CCIs), fixation of key fragments (38 CCIs) and compression (3 CCIs). Of these 48 patients, 4 patients had a frame fixation, 19 had a nail fixation, 24 patients had a plate fixation. Forty-two CCIs were used in isolation as definitive fixation, all were for midfoot dislocations expect an open iliac wing fixation from a machete attack and an isolated paediatric medial malleolus fixation. Two patients returned to theatre for infection and two due to CCI failure. Conclusions. This series has demonstrated the versality of CCIs across multiple sites of the body and for a large variety of injuries. It has identified, when not used in isolation, three main indications to support traditional orthopaedic fixations. Given the unpredictability in limb reconstruction surgery, the diversity and potential of CCIs could form part of the staple diet in the modern-day practice

The April 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at: Safety of arthroscopy combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy for osteochondritis of the talus; Bipolar allograft transplantation of the ankle; Identifying risk factors for osteonecrosis after talar fracture; Balancing act: immediate versus delayed weightbearing in ankle fracture recovery; Levelling the field: proximal supination osteotomy’s efficacy in severe and super-severe hallux valgus; Restoring balance: how adjusting the tibiotalar joint line influences movement after ankle surgery

Aims

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.