Background:. Previous attempts at small incision hallux valgus surgery have compromised the principles of bunion correction in order to minimise the incision. The Minimally Invasive Chevron/Akin (MICA) is a technique that enables an open modified Chevron/Akin to be done through a 3 mm incision, facilitated by a 2 mm Shannon burr. Methodology:. This is a consecutive case series performed between 2009 and 2012. This includes the learning curve for minimally invasive surgery. All cases were performed by a single surgeon at two different sites, one centre where minimally invasive surgery is available and the other where it is not. The standard procedure in both centres is a modified Chevron osteotomy. Regardless of whether the osteotomy was performed open or minimally invasive two-screw fixation was performed. Retrospective analysis includes the IMA, HVA, M1 length, forefoot width and forefoot: hindfoot ratio. Clinical outcomes include the MOXFQ, AOFAS, and assessment of complications. Results:. There were 70 cases in each arm. Follow-up was 4 years to 6 months. The radiological outcomes were similar in both groups. There was an increased rate of screw removal in the MICA group. There were also cases of hallux varus, these occurred in the cases with severe pre-operative IMA angles that also had a lateral release and an Akin. There was high satisfaction in both groups. Conclusion:. This is the only comparison of minimally invasive and open techniques that has been performed, providing a direct comparison of the utility of a burr compared to a saw. These early results demonstrate the efficacy of a Minimally Invasive Chevron/Akin in terms of achieving radiological correction. The clinical outcomes are excellent but there is a learning curve and this needs to be managed

The treatment of very distal tibial fractures and pilon fractures is difficult. There is a wide variation in the severity of injury and the options for surgical management. Plates and external fixation each have their advantages. This retrospective study looks at complications and technical tips for anterolateral plating. 35 consecutive distal tibial platings were evaluated. The AO classification for each fracture was determined and any patient factors affecting outcome. Outcome variables included time to radiological union, infection rate, wound breakdown rate, and joint movement after treatment. There were 32 anterolateral platings and 3 medial platings. The union rate was 95%. There were two deep infections which required surgical treatment. There were two wound breakdowns, one of which required plastic surgical intervention. Two patients had prominent metalwork, requiring removal. Other complications included deep peroneal nerve palsy, stiffness, and vascular compromise. The complication rates were lower for surgeons operating more frequently on these fractures. Two patients subsequently required bone transport and one required an amputation. The complication rate found was similar to that reported in the literature. The few complications were however very significant for the patient and also for the surgeon as they required bone transport. Complications other than infection occurred in the few cases performed by surgeons low on their learning curve. We present technical tips for surgery. The presence of callus only after mobilisation indicates that union is slow. Anterolateral plating is a viable option for distal tibial fractures, especially 43B fractures. There is a learning curve associated with their use. Complication rates are low overall, but significant consequences can accompany complications. As an alternative to external fixation, distal locking plates are not a pain free option for the surgeon, as well as for the patient

MIS (minimally invasive surgery) aims to improve cosmesis and facilitate early recovery by using a small skin incision with minimal soft tissue disruption. When using MIS in the forefoot, there is concern about neurovascular and tendon damage and cutaneous burns. The aim of this anatomical study was to identify the structures at risk with the proposed MIS techniques and to determine the frequency of iatrogenic injury. Materials and Methods. 10 paired normal cadaver feet were used. All procedures were performed using a mini C-arm in a cadaveric lab by 2 surgeons: 1 consultant who has attended a cadaveric MIS course but does not perform MIS in his regular practice (8 feet), and 1 registrar who was supervised by the same consultant (2 feet). In each foot, the surgeon performed a lateral release, a MICA (minimally invasive chevron and Akin) procedure for the correction of hallux valgus, and a minimally invasive DMO (distal metatarsal extra-articular osteotomy) procedure. Each foot was then dissected and photographed to identify any neurovascular or tendon injury. Results. The dorsal medial cutaneous and the plantar interdigital nerves were intact in all specimens. There was no obvious damage to the arterial plexus supplying the first metatarsal head. No flexor or extensor tendon injuries were identified. There is a significant learning curve to performing the osteotomy cuts in the desired plane. In the DMO, the dissection also revealed some intact soft tissue at the osteotomy site indicating that the metatarsal heads were not truly floating. Discussion. Although there has been concern regarding neurovascular and tendon injury, our findings indicate minimal risk, which is consistent with reports in the literature. This study also reflects the learning curve. Conclusion. We suggest that training on cadaveric specimens may be advantageous, particularly, with regard to the plane of the osteotomy

Introduction. Diabetes is increasing on a global scale. By 2030, 10% of the global population, ½ billon people, are predicted to have diabetes. Potentially there will be a corresponding increase in number of patients referred for surgery. Traditional surgical management of these patients is challenging. Presented is a case series utilizing Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques of percutaneous metatarsal neck osteotomies, metatarsal head debridement, mid-foot closing-wedge osteotomies and hind-foot arthrodesis, for the surgical management of diabetic foot pathology. The potential socio-economic benefits analysis with regards to reduction in out-patient and theatre time, patient length of stay and time to healing are also postulated. Methods. Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques of metatarsal neck osteotomy, metatarsal head debridement, closing wedge osteotomy, mid-fusion and hind-foot arthrodesis nailing are described. Procedures are preformed as day cases with fluoroscopic guidance. Low speed, high torque burrs and wedges, create the osteotomies, which can be held with percutaneous fixation. Comparative cost analysis of conservative treatment, including clinic visits, out-patient debridement, dressings, intravenous and oral antibiotics, versus Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques is presented. Results. Six patients had metatarsal osteotomies for mechanical ulceration. Five reported good outcome. One patient required revision to forefoot arthroplasty due to mal-union. Five patients had debridement of metatarsal heads, which healed on average at six to eight weeks. Eight patients had mid-foot arthrodesis. Two infected cases required removal of metalwork. Three patients had hind-foot arthrodesis for arthritis following ankle fracture with degeneration and deformity. Patients had good short and early medium term outcomes, with no reports of below-knee amputation. This technique is reproducible once the initial learning curve is mastered. Comparative cost analysis, suggests significant financial savings by reducing inpatient admissions, clinic visits and theatre time. Conclusion. Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques may provide an alternative surgical management for diabetic patient with foot and ankle pathology

Introduction:. Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is susceptible to a high incidence of wound complications. Displaced fractures create abnormal contact characteristics at the subtalar joint, resulting in poor functional outcome and arthritis. We present the functional outcomes of 32 fractures (Sanders 2 and 3) at an average follow up of two years. Methods:. Over a 57 month period, 32 fractures (29 patients) underwent this technique in a London level 1 trauma centre. Open fractures were excluded. The previously described technique with sinus tarsi portals was used. Pre and post-operative radiographs and functional outcomes were assessed. Results:. Our patient cohort consisted of 20 male (23 fractures) and 9 female patients. Classification via the Sanders system revealed 37% 2A, 9% 2B, 41% 3AB, 9% 3AC and 3% 3BC. Mean follow up period was 24,2 months (range 5–57). All patients were operated on within 7 days of injury. Average inpatient stay was 1.9 days. 1 patient sustained a port site infection which was managed conservatively, while screws were removed from 2 patients. We had no cases of deep infections. The Bohler's angle increased from 10 to 29 degrees post operatively. Mean modified AOFAS scores (maximum score 60) was 40.3 (11–60), average VAS was 29.8 mm and CFS was 78.1. Importantly the majority of patients returned to their pre injury employment. Conclusion:. PACO is a demanding technique with an associated learning curve. However, our series shows that it is a safe and reproducible technique for significantly displaced intra-articular fractures. Post operative results are very encouraging with high levels of patient satisfaction and return to pre injury employment and activities. In addition it is a more cost effective treatment option as it is associated with minimal wound complications and a reduced hospital stay

Introduction. Ankle replacement is now common in the UK. In a tertiary referral NHS practice, between 1997–2011 we implanted two types of cementless mobile bearing total ankle replacements (TAR). Methods. We reviewed our operative database and electronic patient records and confirmed the number of prosthesis with our theatre records. All case notes and radiographs were reviewed. Failure was taken as revision, and patients were censored due to death or loss to follow-up. The survivorship was calculated using a life table (the Kaplan-Meier method), with 95% confidence intervals. Results. We found a total of 358 NHS patients had a TAR from Jan 1997 to April 2012 total ankle replacements; the mean follow up was 76 months. The principle indications for surgery included primary OA (n=146) and inflammatory arthritis in (n=79). Overall survival was 90.9% (94–84) at 10 years. A complication requiring revision developed in 42 ankles and 36 were revised or fused. Thirty-two TAR's underwent further hind foot fusions which were not attributed as a failure of the prosthesis. We arthroscoped 6 TAR's for hetrotrophic calcification. When we separated the implants we found the STAR (implanted from 1997–2004) had a 5-year survival of 95.2% (98–91) and the Mobility (implanted from 2004–11) of 92.6% (96–88). We found early failures (within 2 years of implantation) were higher within 2 years of introduction of TAR and on changing our prosthesis. Conclusion. In a study of TAR undertaken at one centre principally by an experienced surgeon and team, we have shown a learning curve. Cementless mobile bearing total ankle replacements (TAR) conducted on a routine basis with careful patient selection has a 90.9% survivorship over a 10-year period. The difference in survival for two implants is not statistically significant

Open cheilectomy is an established surgical treatment for hallux rigidus. Cheilectomy is now being performed using minimally invasive (MIS) techniques. In this prospective study we report the outcome of minimally invasive cheilectomy comparing the results with a matched group who had cheilectomy using standard open procedure. Methods. Prospective study of 47 patients. 22 patients had MIS cheilectomy between March 2009 and September 2010. We compared the outcome with a matched group (25 patients) who had open cheilectomy. Functional outcome was assessed using the Manchester Oxford Foot and ankle questionnaire (MOXFQ). The MOXFQ is a validated questionnaire designed to be self-completed and used as an outcome measure for foot surgery. Patients' satisfaction and complications were recorded. Results. In the MIS group, the median follow up was 11 months (4–23). The median preoperative MOXFQ score was 34/64(23) and the median postoperative score was 19/64 (p = <0.02). In the open group the median follow up was 17 months (9–27). The median preoperative MOXFQ score was 35/64 and the median postoperative score was 7.5/64 (p = <0.0001). The metric score of the three domains of the MOXFQ showed statistical improvement in both groups. The improvement didn't reach statistical significance between the open and MIS groups. There were three failures in the open group (Fusion) compared to none in the MIS. Discussion. There was significant improvement in foot pain, function and social aspect in the MIS group comparable to the open group. In our analysis we didn't account for the learning curve involved in the MIS technique. The MIS procedure has the advantage of small incision and dissection and accordingly less swelling and quicker recovery. Conclusion. MIS cheilectomy is an effective alternative procedure with satisfactory functional outcome and high patient satisfaction. Results are comparable to the standard open cheilectomy with a lower apparent failure rate

Introduction. The Mobility™ prosthesis [Depuy] is the most extensively used TAR in the UK, though there are few published results. We present our complete experience of the Mobility prosthesis in a diverse population. Methods. From March 2005 to December 2009, 84 consecutive Mobility ankle replacements were performed by the senior author, in 79 patients (28 female, 51 male) with mean age 64.5 years (43–80). This complete cohort included the first and last cases with this implant. Mean follow-up was 50.1±18.2 months (range 14–86). Patients with ankle replacements in situ, were reviewed clinically and radiologically. Clinical outcome measures were: AOFAS score, MOXFQ (adapted for the ankle), and VAS for pain. Post-operative radiographs were reviewed to assess component position and examine for zones of lucency. Results. At final review, 1 patient had died (unrelated), 13 had been revised as follows: . Arthrodesis 7. Further TAR 2. Talus only revised 1. Tibia only revised 1. Amputation 2 (one for an unrelated problem). Exchange of bearing had been carried out in 4. Intra-operative malleolar fractures occurred in 4.8% and were internally fixed. 62 patients attended for clinical review and 8 completed postal questionnaires. At follow up:. Mean AOFAS hindfoot score was 72.4±17.5 (0–100). Mean MOXFQ scores were:. Walking/Standing 40.8±28.4. Pain 31.6±20.8. Social 23.1±23.0. Mean VAS 2.7±2.3. Survival of the implant was:. 91.7 (CI 83.4–96.0) at 2 years. 89.2 (CI 80.2–94.2) at 3 years. 84.1 (CI 73.4–90.8) at 4 years. 84.1 (CI 73.4–90.8) at 5 years. 78.9 (CI 62.6–88.7) at 6 years. Conclusion. This study is a complete review and our failure rate is comparable to other publications. Early failures included some poor case selections with large pre-operative deformity and reflects the initial period of the learning curve of TAR. Longer term follow up is needed to evaluate for ongoing failures and monitor progressive radiolucency

Aims

To identify a core outcome set of postoperative radiographic measurements to assess technical skill in ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), and to validate these against Van der Vleuten’s criteria for effective assessment.

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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.

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To assess the effect of age on clinical outcome and revision rates in patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA).

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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.

Aims

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of bridge plating, screw fixation, and a combination of both methods for the treatment of Lisfranc fracture dislocations.

Aims

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.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report a single surgeon series of consecutive patients with moderate hallux valgus managed with a percutaneous extra-articular reverse-L chevron (PERC) osteotomy.

Aims

A failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is often associated with much bone loss. As an alternative to arthrodesis, the surgeon may consider a custom-made talar component to compensate for the bone loss. Our aim in this study was to assess the functional and radiological outcome after the use of such a component at mid- to long-term follow-up.

We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 178 Mobility total ankle replacements (TARs) performed by three surgeons between January 2004 and June 2009, and analysed radiological parameters and clinical outcomes in a subgroup of 129 patients. The mean follow-up was 4 years (2 to 6.3). A total of ten revision procedures (5.6%) were undertaken. The mean Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain score was 17 (0 to 88) and 86% of patients were clinically improved at follow-up. However, 18 patients (18 TARs, 14%) had a poor outcome with an AOS pain score of > 30. A worse outcome was associated with a pre-operative diagnosis of post-traumatic degenerative arthritis. However, no pre- or post-operative radiological parameters were significantly associated with a poor outcome. Of the patients with persistent pain, eight had predominantly medial-sided pain. Thirty TARs (29%) had a radiolucency in at least one zone.

The outcome of the Mobility TAR at a mean of four years is satisfactory in > 85% of patients. However, there is a significant incidence of persistent pain, particularly on the medial side, for which we were unable to establish a cause.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1366–71.

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 (sd 16.6; 4 to 73) pre-operatively to 78.0 (sd 10.7; 57 to 100) at final follow-up (p < 0.01). Tibial radiolucencies < 2 mm in width were seen around 16 TARs. Talar radiolucencies < 2 mm were seen around four TARs. A total of 47 patients (78.3%) were very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. Five patients required revision for functional limitation or continuing pain.

We carried out 123 consecutive total ankle replacements in 111 patients with a mean follow-up of four years (2 to 8). Patients with a hindfoot deformity of up to 10° (group A, 91 ankles) were compared with those with a deformity of 11° to 30° (group B, 32 ankles). There were 18 failures (14.6%), with no significant difference in survival between groups A and B. The clinical outcome as measured by the post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons score was significantly better in group B (p = 0.036). There was no difference between the groups regarding the post-operative range of movement and complications. Correction of the hindfoot deformity was achieved to within 5° of neutral in 27 ankles (84%) of group B patients. However, gross instability was the most common mode of failure in group B. This was not adequately corrected by reconstruction of the lateral ligament.

Total ankle replacement can safely be performed in patients with a hindfoot deformity of up to 30°. The importance of adequate correction of alignment and instability is highlighted.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of modern total ankle replacements (TARs) to determine the survivorship, outcome, complications, radiological findings and range of movement, in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle who undergo this procedure. We used the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration, which uses risk of bias profiling to assess the quality of papers in favour of a domain-based approach. Continuous outcome scores were pooled across studies using the generic inverse variance method and the random-effects model was used to incorporate clinical and methodological heterogeneity. We included 58 papers (7942 TARs) with an interobserver reliability (Kappa) for selection, performance, attrition, detection and reporting bias of between 0.83 and 0.98. The overall survivorship was 89% at ten years with an annual failure rate of 1.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7 to 1.6). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score changed from 40 (95% CI 36 to 43) pre-operatively to 80 (95% CI 76 to 84) at a mean follow-up of 8.2 years (7 to 10) (p < 0.01). Radiolucencies were identified in up to 23% of TARs after a mean of 4.4 years (2.3 to 9.6). The mean total range of movement improved from 23° (95% CI 19 to 26) to 34° (95% CI 26 to 41) (p = 0.01).

Our study demonstrates that TAR has a positive impact on patients’ lives, with benefits lasting ten years, as judged by improvement in pain and function, as well as improved gait and increased range of movement. However, the quality of evidence is weak and fraught with biases and high quality randomised controlled trials are required to compare TAR with other forms of treatment such as fusion.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1500–7.