We report the outcomes of 20 patients (12 men,
8 women, 21 feet) with Charcot neuro-arthropathy who underwent correction
of deformities of the ankle and hindfoot using retrograde intramedullary
nail arthrodesis. The mean age of the patients was 62.6 years (46
to 83); their mean BMI was 32.7 (15 to 47) and their median American
Society of Anaesthetists score was 3 (2 to 4). All presented with
severe deformities and 15 had chronic ulceration. All were treated
with reconstructive surgery and seven underwent simultaneous midfoot
fusion using a bolt, locking plate or a combination of both. At
a mean follow-up of 26 months (8 to 54), limb salvage was achieved
in all patients and 12 patients (80%) with ulceration achieved healing
and all but one patient regained independent mobilisation. There was
failure of fixation with a broken nail requiring revision surgery
in one patient. Migration of distal locking screws occurred only
when standard screws had been used but not with hydroxyapatite-coated
screws. The mean American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and
Ankle (AAOS-FAO) score improved from 50.7 (17 to 88) to 65.2 (22
to 88), (p = 0.015). The mean Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey Physical
Component Score improved from 25.2 (16.4 to 42.8) to 29.8 (17.7
to 44.2), (p = 0.003) and the mean Euroqol EQ‑5D‑5L score improved
from 0.63 (0.51 to 0.78) to 0.67 (0.57 to 0.84), (p = 0.012). Single-stage correction of deformity using an intramedullary
hindfoot arthrodesis nail is a good form of treatment for patients
with severe Charcot hindfoot deformity, ulceration and instability
provided a multidisciplinary care plan is delivered. Cite this article:
Introduction. Ankle fractures in the elderly are an increasing problem with our aging population. Options for treatment include non-operative and operative with a range of techniques available. Failure of treatment can lead to significant complications, morbidity and poor function. We compared the outcomes of two operative techniques,
Aims. Hindfoot arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing has
been described as a surgical strategy to reconstruct deformities
of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with Charcot arthropathy.
This study presents case series of Charcot arthropathy patients
treated with two different retrograde
Implant failure has become more common as the number of primary total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) performed has increased. Although revision arthroplasty has gained attention for functional preservation, the long-term results remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of revision TAA using a mobile-bearing prosthesis in a considerably large cohort; the risk factors for failure were also determined. This single-centre retrospective cohort study included 116 patients (117 ankles) who underwent revision TAA for failed primary TAA between July 2000 and March 2010. Survival analysis and risk factor assessment were performed, and clinical performance and patient satisfaction were evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up.Aims
Methods
This study evaluated the effect of treating clinician speciality on management of zone 2 fifth metatarsal fractures. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with acute zone 2 fifth metatarsal fractures who presented to a single large, urban, academic medical centre between December 2012 and April 2022. Zone 2 was the region of the fifth metatarsal base bordered by the fourth and fifth metatarsal articulation on the oblique radiograph. The proportion of patients allowed to bear weight as tolerated immediately after injury was compared between patients treated by orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists. The effects of unrestricted weightbearing and foot and/or ankle immobilization on clinical healing were assessed. A total of 487 patients with zone 2 fractures were included (mean age 53.5 years (SD 16.9), mean BMI 27.2 kg/m2 (SD 6.0)) with a mean follow-up duration of 2.57 years (SD 2.64).Aims
Methods
Surgical reconstruction of deformed Charcot feet carries a high risk of nonunion, metalwork failure, and deformity recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to these complications following hindfoot Charcot reconstructions. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent hindfoot Charcot reconstruction with an intramedullary nail between January 2007 and December 2019 in our unit. Patient demographic details, comorbidities, weightbearing status, and postoperative complications were noted. Metalwork breakage, nonunion, deformity recurrence, concurrent midfoot reconstruction, and the measurements related to intramedullary nail were also recorded.Aims
Methods
Introduction:. In 2009 the Smart Toe implant was introduced as an option for lesser toe fusion in our department. The Smart Toe is an
We carried out a retrospective study to assess the clinical results of lengthening the fourth metatarsal in brachymetatarsia in 153 feet of 106 patients (100 female, six males) using three different surgical techniques. In one group lengthening was performed by one-stage intercalary bone grafting secured by an
Introduction. Lesser toe proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis is a common forefoot procedure for correction of claw toe deformities. The most common method of fixation is with k-wires. Although this is a very cost-effective method of fixation, well-known disadvantages include pin site infection, non union, wire migration and the inconvenience to the patients of percutaneous wires for up to six weeks. For these reasons,
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. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 patients who underwent TTC fusion at the same institution between 2011 and 2019. Risk ratios (RRs) associated with age, sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking, preoperative ankle deformity, and the use of bone graft during surgery were related to the postoperative complications. We determined from these data which pre- and perioperative factors significantly affected the outcome.Aims
Methods
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. We conducted a retrospective review of 108 consecutive implants in 76 patients, between January 2005 and December 2016, with a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 61.6 years (42 to 84). There were 104 females and four males. Clinical, radiological, patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) data, a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, and satisfaction scores were collected.Aims
Methods
This study reports the outcomes of a technique of soft-tissue coverage and Chopart amputation for severe crush injuries of the forefoot. Between January 2012 to December 2016, 12 patients (nine male; three female, mean age 38.58 years; 26 to 55) with severe foot crush injury underwent treatment in our institute. All patients were followed-up for at least one year. Their medical records, imaging, visual analogue scale score, walking ability, complications, and functional outcomes one year postoperatively based on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores were reviewed.Aims
Patients and Methods
Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of wound complications
after open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures.
A fibular nail avoids large surgical incisions and allows anatomical
reduction of the mortise. We retrospectively reviewed the results of fluoroscopy-guided
reduction and percutaneous fibular nail fixation for unstable Weber
type B or C fractures in 24 adult patients with type 1 or type 2
diabetes. The re-operation rate for wound dehiscence or other indications
such as amputation, mortality and functional outcomes was determined.Aims
Patients and Methods
Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CN) of the midfoot
presents a major reconstructive challenge for the foot and ankle
surgeon. The Synthes 6 mm Midfoot Fusion Bolt is both designed and
recommended for patients who have a deformity of the medial column
of the foot due to CN. We present the results from the first nine
patients (ten feet) on which we attempted to perform fusion of the
medial column using this bolt. Six feet had concurrent hindfoot fusion
using a retrograde nail. Satisfactory correction of deformity of
the medial column was achieved in all patients. The mean correction
of calcaneal pitch was from 6°
(-15° to +18°) pre-operatively to 16° (7° to 23°) post-operatively;
the mean Meary angle from 26° (3° to 46°) to 1° (1° to 2°); and
the mean talometatarsal angle on dorsoplantar radiographs from 27°
(1° to 48°) to 1° (1° to 3°). However, in all but two feet, at least one joint failed to fuse.
The bolt migrated in six feet, all of which showed progressive radiographic
osteolysis, which was considered to indicate loosening. Four of
these feet have undergone a revision procedure, with good radiological
evidence of fusion. The medial column bolt provided satisfactory correction
of the deformity but failed to provide adequate fixation for fusion
in CN deformities in the foot. In its present form, we cannot recommend the routine use of this
bolt. Cite this article:
We analysed the clinical and radiological outcomes
of a new surgical technique for the treatment of heterozygote post-axial
metatarsal-type foot synpolydactyly with HOX-D13 genetic mutations
with a mean follow-up of 30.9 months (24 to 42). A total of 57 feet
in 36 patients (mean age 6.8 years (2 to 16)) were treated with
this new technique, which transfers the distal part of the duplicated
fourth metatarsal to the proximal part of the fifth metatarsal.
Clinical and radiological assessments were undertaken pre- and post-operatively
and any complications were recorded. Final outcomes were evaluated
according to the methods described by Phelps and Grogan. Forefoot width
was reduced and the lengths of the all reconstructed toes were maintained
after surgery. Union was achieved for all the metatarsal osteotomies
without any angular deformities. Outcomes at the final assessment
were excellent in 51 feet (89%) and good in six (11%). This newly
described surgical technique provides for painless, comfortable
shoe-wearing after a single, easy-to-perform operation with good
clinical, radiological and functional outcomes. Cite this article:
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:
Salvage of a failed total ankle replacement is technically challenging and although a revision procedure may be desirable, a large amount of bone loss or infection may preclude this. Arthrodesis can be difficult to achieve and is usually associated with considerable shortening of the limb. We describe a technique for restoring talar height using an allograft from the femoral head compressed by an intramedullary nail. Three patients with aseptic loosening were treated successfully by this method with excellent symptomatic relief at a mean follow-up of 32 months (13 to 50).