Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is an effective treatment for large Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OLT), however little is reported on an athletic population, who are likely to place higher demands on the reconstruction. The aim is to report the outcomes of large OLT (>150mm. 2. ) within an athletic population. The study population was limited to professional or amateur athletes (Tegner score >6) with an OLT of size 150mm. 2. or greater. The surgical intervention was AOT with a donor site from the lateral femoral condyle. Clinical outcomes at a minimum of 24 months included Return to Sport, VAS and FAOS Scores. In addition, graft incorporation was evaluated by MRI using MOCART scores at 12 months post-surgery. 38 athletes including 11 professional athletes were assessed. Mean follow-up was 46 months. Mean lesion size was 249mm. 2. 33 patients returned to sport at their previous level and one did not return to sport (mean return to play 8.2 months). Visual analogue scores improved from 4.53 pre-operatively to 0.63 post-operatively (p=0.002). FAOS Scores improved significantly in all domains (p< 0.001). Two patients developed knee donor site pain, and both had three osteochondral plugs harvested. Univariant analysis demonstrated no association between pre-operative patient or lesion characteristics and ability to return to sport. However, there was a strong correlation between MOCART scores and ability to return to sport (AUC=0.89). Our study suggests that AOT is a viable option in the management of large osteochondral talar defects in an athletic population, with favourable return to sport levels, patient satisfaction, and FAOS/VAS scores. The ability to return to sport is predicated upon good graft incorporation and further research is required to optimise this technique. Our data also suggests that patients should be aware of the increased risk of developing knee donor site pain when three osteochondral plugs are harvested

Introduction. Charcot neuroarthropathy is a debilitating condition that frequently leads to skeletal instability, and has an increased risk of ulceration leading to infection and amputation. However, surgical reconstruction may offer limb salvage and restauration of an ulcer-free, plantigrade stable foot for functional weight-bearing. We report on our case series according to a prospective protocol and analyse factors leading to a favourable outcome. Methods. We report a prospective follow-up of 62 patients undergoing Charcot reconstruction, May 2014- Jan 2022, by two surgeons. Peripheral vascular disease was routinely assessed using Duplex scan and major arterial disease was treated before reconstruction. Utilising 3D modelling, pre-operative planning and standardised osteotomies, we performed anatomical correction with radiological evidence. Definitive fixation was undertaken with internal fixation to stabilise the hindfoot. Multivariant analysis was performed to assess risk factors for failure (P>0.05 statistical significance). Results. 59 feet were included, 3 patients did not progress to definitive surgery and 3 patients had bilateral surgery. 62.7% patients were male with an average age of 56, 88.13% had Type 2 diabetes, 56% were hypertensive, 14% were on dialysis. Twenty (54.1%) single stage reconstructions had pre-operative ulceration, 3 pts had ischaemic heart disease and 36 pts had evidence of peripheral arterial disease. 81% of patients achieved normalisation of the 3 out of 4 anatomical angles (P<0.05). Two patients (3.1%) required metalwork removal for infection and limb salvage, 11 (18.6%) had delayed wound healing. Survivorship was 97% at 3yrs, and 94% at 6yrs, however if pre-existing vascular disease was present, it was 94% at 3yrs 85.3% at 6yrs. All patients were mobile at a 3 years mean follow up. Conclusion. Careful patient selection, multidisciplinary team and anatomic reconstruction led to predictable outcomes and functional limb salvage. Pre-operative vascular compromise led to a slight reduction in survivorship, but no major amputation

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The optimal management of posterior malleolar ankle fractures, a prevalent type of ankle trauma, is essential for improved prognosis. However, there remains a debate over the most effective surgical approach, particularly between screw and plate fixation methods. This study aims to investigate the differences in outcomes associated with these fixation techniques.

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Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are a common cause of disability and chronic ankle pain. Many operative treatment strategies have been introduced; however, they have their own disadvantages. Recently lesion repair using autologous cartilage chip has emerged therefore we investigated the efficacy of particulated autologous cartilage transplantation (PACT) in OLT.

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A local injection may be used as an early option in the treatment of Morton’s neuroma, and can be performed using various medications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of injections of hyaluronic acid compared with corticosteroid in the treatment of this condition.

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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.

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This scoping review aims to identify patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).

Introduction:. PREMS and PROMS are part of the national initiative of the DoH. They measure quality from patient perspective and also help patient choice. We present our pioneering experience of PROMS 2.0 which is a semi automated web based system to collect and analyse outcome data in real time. Materials and methods:. Data was prospectively collected from January 2013 to June 2014. Outcome measures included EQ-5D VAS, EQ-5D Health Index, and MOxFQ, collected pre-operatively and post-operatively. Patient Personal Experience (PPE-15) was collected postoperatively. A semi-automated e mail based system – Amplitude – was used. Results:. 345 patients consented to participate.147 patients (42.6%) and 168 pathways (47%) signed up for PROMs 2.0 programme. 40 (27%) did not complete either pre-op or post op questionnaire after signing up. 30 patients (20.4%) completed pre-op and at least one post op score. 99 patients (58.9%) completed PPE questionnaire. 83% of respondents had improved or unchanged EQ-5D VAS score, and EQ-5D Health Index. MOxFQ scores showed improvement in over 80% of responses. 88% responded favourably (YES) to PPE 15 questionnaire. Conclusion:. Our data shows an improvement in PROMS and a favourable PREMS in excess of 80% of our elective foot & ankle patients following surgery. Patient response was higher for PPE questionnaire compared to other PROMs outcomes. Methods to increase patient enrolment and to encourage higher participation are required. We feel patient education and simplification of PROMS 2.0 are the key

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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.

Introduction:. Techniques devised for 1. st. MTPJ arthrodesis have been described since 1979 when Humbert et al published a ‘tongue and trough’ technique. Common contemporary techniques include fixation with single or crossed screws, or dorsal plates and these are suitable for a variety of indications. All three contemporary techniques have demonstrated a wide range of fusion rates. This study reports a comparison of non-union rates of the 1. st. metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) with the current Memometal Anchorage™ dorsal plate system and the previous Hallu-fix™ and Charlotte™ systems. Methods:. Between 01/2009 and 07/2012 174 consecutive 1. st. MTPJ fusions were performed for 153 patients (Mean age 62, range 42 to 83) by three surgeons at one University teaching hospital. 40 patients (23%) were male and 132 (77%) female. Patients without available radiographs were excluded from the study. 20 patients received Hallu-fix™ plates, 76 Charlotte™ plates and 76 Memometal Anchorage™. Radiographs of the feet were taken from four weeks postoperatively and reviewed for incomplete bone bridging and increased radiolucency around screws. Results:. 12 (7.0%) non-unions were identified in total during followup. A single (5.0%) Hallu-fix™ system, 9 (11.8%) Charlotte™ systems and 2 (2.6%) Memometal Anchorage™ plating systems did not develop a satisfactory fusion. Typical followup in patients in whom there were no postoperative complications and who developed satisfactory bony union was 12 weeks. Those with non-unions were followed until revision procedures were successful. Conclusion:. The total non-union rate of this centre during the period compares favourably with published literature suggesting the technique is suitable for numerous indications in 1. st. MTPJ fusion. With a non-union rate of 5.0%, the Hallu-fix™ shows favourable results when compared authors using the same system. The Charlotte™ system demonstrated an 11.8% non-union rate, comparing poorly with published literature. The Memometal Anchorage™ system, with a non-union rate of 2.6%, demonstrated promising results

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of a newly designed prosthesis to replace the body of the talus in patients with aseptic necrosis. Between 1999 and 2006, 22 tali in 22 patients were replaced with a ceramic prosthesis. A total of eight patients were treated with the first-generation prosthesis, incorporating a peg to fix into the retained neck and head of the talus, and the remaining 14 were treated with the second-generation prosthesis, which does not have the peg. The clinical results were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle/hindfoot scale. The mean follow-up was 98 months (18 to 174). The clinical results of the first-generation prostheses were excellent in three patients, good in one, fair in three and poor in one. There were, however, radiological signs of loosening, prompting a change in design. The clinical results of the second-generation prostheses were excellent in three patients, good in five, fair in four and poor in two, with more favourable radiological appearances. Revision was required using a total talar implant in four patients, two in each group. Although the second-generation prosthesis produced better results, we cannot recommend the use of a talar body prosthesis. We now recommend the use of a total talar implant in these patients

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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.

Current knowledge regarding outcomes following surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma remains incomplete. This is the first prospective study to report the pre- and post-operative patient reported outcomes and satisfaction scores following excision of interdigital Morton's neuroma. Over a seven year period, 99 consecutive patients (112 feet) undergoing surgical excision of Morton's neuroma were prospectively studied. 78 patients were female with a mean age at operation of 56 years. Patient recorded outcomes and satisfaction were measured using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Short Form-12 (SF12) and a supplementary patient satisfaction survey three months pre and six months post-operatively. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean pre- and post-operative MOXFQ and physical component of the SF-12 (p< 0.05). No difference in outcome was identified in patients in whom multiple neuromas were operated compared to single site surgery. However, revision surgery proved to statistically worsen MOXFQ outcomes post-operatively p< 0.004. Overall satisfaction was reported as excellent (49%) or good (29%) by the majority of patients but 10% were dissatisfied with poor (8%) or very poor (2%) results expressed. Only 64% were pain free at the time of follow-up and 8% of patients MOXFQ scores worsened. These findings illustrate that overall, patient reported outcomes following resection of symptomatic Morton's neuroma are acceptable but may not be as favourable as earlier studies suggest. Caution should be taken when considering revision surgery which has shown to be a poor prognostic indicator. Contrary to current knowledge, multiple site surgery can be safely undertaken

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To assess the characteristic clinical features, management, and outcome of patients who present to orthopaedic surgeons with functional dystonia affecting the foot and ankle.

We investigated the clinical and radiological outcome after unilateral fracture of the lateral process of the talus in 23 snowboarders with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (12 to 76 months). In this consecutive cohort study both operative and non-operative cases were considered. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was 94 (82 to 100). The non-operative group of seven with a minimally-displaced fracture scored higher (98 points) than the operative group of 16 with displaced or unstable fractures (93 points). In 88% of operative cases, significant concomitant hindfoot injuries were found at operation. All but eight (35%) patients (six operative and two non-operative) regained their pre-injury level of sporting activity. Subtalar osteoarthritis was present in nine (45%) of the 20 patients available for radiological review, including one late-diagnosed non-operative case and eight operative cases with associated injuries or fracture comminution. The outcome after fracture of the lateral process of the talus in snowboarders is favourable provided an early diagnosis is made and adequate treatment, which is related to the degree of displacement and associated injuries, is undertaken

Introduction:. In this cohort study, we present comprehensive injury specific and surgical outcome data from one of the largest reported series of distal tibial pilon fractures, treated in our tertiary referral centre. Methods:. A series of 76 pilon fractures were retrospectively reviewed from case notes, plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Patient demographics, injury and fracture patterns, methods and timing of fixation and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed over a mean follow up period of 8.6 months (range 2–30). Results:. Definitive fixation was most commonly performed through an open technique with plate fixation. CT imaging was used to plan the most direct approach to access the fracture fragments. The majority of cases were classified as AO/OTA 43.C3. When definitive open fixation for closed fracture was performed within 48 hours, the rate of deep infection or wound complication was 0%. When performed on day 3–5, the deep infection rate was 0% but the superficial wound complication rate was 23.5%. From day six onwards, the deep infection rate was 4% and the superficial wound complication rate was 8%. The rate of wound complications after double plate fixation of the tibia using two separate incisions was 23.1%, compared to 11.7% after single incision and plating. The rate of non-union was 9.7%. Symptomatic post-traumatic arthritis requiring orthopaedic management occurred in 9.9%. Further surgery was required in 27.8% of all patients. Conclusion:. Outcomes from our unit compare favourably with those from large trauma centres worldwide. Our study supports the use of early definitive fixation, within 48 hours, to achieve low rates of wound complications. We support an “unsafe window” for definitive fixation of three to five days post injury due to the high rate of wound complications. The likelihood of developing post-traumatic arthritis and of requiring further surgery is high

We have reviewed the long-term results of 22 patients (23 fusions) with fractures of the os calcis, who had subtalar arthrodesis with correction of the deformity between 1975 and 1991. The mean follow-up was nine years (5 to 20). All patients were evaluated according to a modified foot score. A radiological assessment was used in which linear and angular variables were measured including the fibulocalcaneal abutment, the height of the heel and fat pad, the angle of the arch and the lateral talocalcaneal and the lateral talar declination angles. The technique used restores the normal relationship between the hindfoot and midfoot and corrects the height of the heel. This leads to better biomechanical balance of the neighbouring joints and gives a favourable clinical outcome. The modified foot score showed a good or excellent result in 51% of the feet. Residual complaints were mostly due to problems with the soft tissues. Subjectively, an excellent or good score was achieved in 78% of the cases. After statistical analysis, except for the height of the heel and the degenerative changes in the calcaneocuboid joint, no significant difference was found in the measured variables between the operated and the contralateral side

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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.

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Arthroplasty for end-stage hallux rigidus (HR) is controversial. Arthrodesis remains the gold standard for surgical treatment, although is not without its complications, with rates of up to 10% for nonunion, 14% for reoperation and 10% for metatarsalgia. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of a double-stemmed silastic implant (Wright-Medical, Memphis, Tennessee, USA) for patients with end-stage HR.

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Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion is used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the ankle and subtalar joint, including osteoarthritis (OA), Charcot arthropathy, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus, failed total ankle arthroplasty, and severe deformity. The prevalence of postoperative complications remains high due to the complexity of hindfoot disease seen in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between preoperative conditions and postoperative complications in order to predict the outcome following primary TTC fusion.