Determination of ankle stability is straightforward when the injury involves both the medial and lateral malleolus. However it can be challenging when the medial injury involves the deltoid ligament. Radiographic diagnosis of ankle instability highly depends on the measurement of medial clear space. As the shape of talus has been postulated akin to a trapezoid, the medial clear space may be influenced by the portion of talus occupying the mortise. Hence the medial clear space may be influenced by the position of the ankle. We sought to evaluate the impact of ankle plantarflexion and division of the deltoid ligament on the medial clear space.

For the study 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limbs were used. Mortise radiographs were taken at neutral, 15 and 30 degrees of plantarflexion and neutral external rotation. These measurements were repeated after dividing the deltoid ligament. To ensure consistent ankle position, the ankle was placed in a specially constructed rig, which recreated the above positions. The medial clear space and talar tilt were measured. Differences in the means between the groups were determined with the paired ‘t’ test and ANOVA within the groups. Statistical significance was set a p-value of 0.05.

Increasing the plantarflexion from neutral to 30 degrees in both groups resulted in increase in the medial clear space and talar tilt. The mean increase in medial clear space became statistically significant at 30 degrees when compared to neutral. Between the groups there was a significant difference in medial clear space at 30 degrees plantarflexion. Dividing the deltoid ligament also had a significant effect on talar tilt.

Plantarflexion has an influence on the medial clear space in ankle mortise views therefore pre and post ankle fixation radiographs must be interpreted with caution.

Background. The use of a knotless TightRope for the stabilisation of a syndesmotic injury is a well-recognised mode of fixation. It has been described that the device can be inserted using a “closed” technique. This presents a risk of saphenous nerve entrapment and post-operative pain. Aim. We aimed to establish the actual risk of injury to the Saphenous Nerve using a “closed” technique for the insertion of a TightRope. Method. 20 TightRopes were inserted into Fresh Frozen Cadavers. This was done using the senior authors preferred technique of divergent tightropes with the distal implant directed slightly anterior to the fibula-tibia axis and the proximal implant slightly posterior in order to simulate the greatest risk to the nerve. This was done under image Intensifier guidance to simulate an intraoperative environment. The medial side of the distal tibia was then dissected to directly record and measure the relationship of the TightRope to the Saphenous Nerve. Measurements were taken using digital calipers from the centre of the button on the medial side of the TightRope to the centre of the nerve at the point of closest proximity. Results. 12 TightRopes were found to exit posterior to the nerve, 7 anterior and 1 penetrated through the centre of the nerve. The mean distance from the centre of the button to the nerve was 6.99mm (range 0.72–14.52mm, standard deviation 4.33mm). In 9 of the 20 TightRopes, the nerve was found to be less than 5mm away. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrated that the risks of damaging or indeed entrapping the Saphenous nerve were high, and therefore we would advocate an open incision on the medial side with judicious exploration to ensure there is no damage to the medial neurological structures

Muller-Weiss disease is an uncommon condition with unclear etiology and no gold standard treatment. The question arises; which joints to fuse? Although no consensuses prevail, one must postulate fusion should include those affected. Consequently, to establish an algorithm for its surgical management we set out to study clinical and radiographic features with use of SPECT-CT and a literature review. 57 consecutive feet presenting with Muller-Weiss disease analysed; 15 men, 25 women, age 22–84. Condition bilateral in 17, left side 16, right in 7 patients. Specific history and examination by senior author. Radiographic series and SPECT-CT obtained with surgery performed on significantly symptomatic feet. Measurements of Meary-Tomeno angles, anteroposterior thickness of navicular at the midpoint of each naviculo-cuneiform, alongside the medial extrusion distance and percentage of compression in each case performed. Poor correlation between Meary's angle and 1) degree of compression at naviculo-cuneiform joints, 2) degree of extrusion 3) compression vs extrusion using R. 2. coefficient of determination (invalidating Maceira et al. classification). In unilateral cases, extrusion significantly greater on affected side 94.7% (P< 0.001 Fisher exact test). Degree of extrusion significantly greater in bilateral than unilateral cases (p=0.004 unpaired T test). Valgus hindfoot and Meary's negative most common pattern with no correlation between heel alignment and Meary's R. 2. = 0.003. SPECT-CT useful to determine subtalar involvement in ‘stage 2 disease.’. Following review of cases and published literature we propose the following classification for Muller-Weiss disease with treatment algorithm. 3 Stage delineation; Stage 1 (Normal hindfoot alignment); 1A. Talonavicular disease only - Isolated Talonavicular arthrodesis 1B. Talonavicular + Subtalar; double medial or triple arthrodesis. Stage 2. Talonavicular + Naviculocuneiform; 2A. Adequate bone stock - Talo-naviculo-cuneiform arthrodesis, 2B. Inadequate bone stock +- subtalar disease; Talo-naviculo-cuneiform arthrodesis with tricortical bone graft (Mayich). Stage 3; Asymmetric ankle varus. Pantalar arthrodesis Double/triple/TNC/TAR arthrodesis with hindfoot re-alignment

Aims

The rationale for exacting restoration of skeletal anatomy after unstable ankle fracture is to improve outcomes by reducing complications from malunion; however, current definitions of malunion lack confirmatory clinical evidence.

Aims

The aim of this study was to capture 12-month outcomes from a representative multicentre cohort of patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), describe the pattern of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 12 months, and identify predictors of these outcome measures.

Aims. Various radiological parameters are used to evaluate a flatfoot deformity and their measurements may differ. The aims of this study were to answer the following questions: 1) Which of the 11 parameters have the best inter- and intraobserver reliability in a standardized radiological setting? 2) Are pre- and postoperative assessments equally reliable? 3) What are the identifiable sources of variation?. Patients and Methods. Measurements of the 11 parameters were recorded on anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing radiographs of 38 feet before and after surgery for flatfoot, by three observers with different experience in foot surgery (A, ten years; B, three years; C, third-year orthopaedic resident). The inter- and intraobserver reliability was calculated. Results. Preoperative interobserver reliability was high for four, moderate for five, and low for two parameters. Postoperative interobserver reliability was high for four, moderate for five, and low for two parameters. Intraobserver reliability was excellent for all parameters preoperatively as recorded by observer A (PB) and B (MP), and for eight parameters as recorded by observer C (SR). Intraobserver reliability was excellent for ten parameters postoperatively as recorded by observer A and B, and for eight parameters as recorded by observer C. Conclusion. The following parameters can be recommended. For preoperative and postoperative evaluation of flatfoot: anteroposterior, talonavicular coverage angle; lateral, talometatarsal I angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and cuneiform-medial height (high interobserver reliability); and anteroposterior, talometatarsal II angle; lateral, talocalcaneal angle,tibiocalcaneal angle (moderate interobserver reliability). For more experienced observers, we also recommend the anteroposterior talometatarsal I angle (moderate reliability). The inter- and intraobserver reliability for most parameters were similar pre- and postoperatively. The experience of the observer and the definition and ability to measure the parameters themselves were sources of variation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:596–602

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.

Aim. To determine the influence of tendo achilles (TA) rupture gap distance and location on clinical outcome managed with accelerated functional rehabilitation. Methods. Twenty six patients with acute complete TA ruptures underwent ultrasound (US) within a week of injury. Measurements included the distance of the rupture from the enthesis and the gap distance between the tendon edges in three positions –. foot plantigrade,. maximum equinus and. maximum equinus with 90. o. knee flexion. All patients were managed non-operatively in functional weightbearing orthoses. Nineteen patients were followed up at a mean of 6.1 years (range 5.8–6.5). Outcomes included ultrasound confirmation of healing, Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) and Modified Lepilahti score (MLS). Results. The mean distance of the rupture from the enthesis was 52mm (range: 40–76mm). The mean gap distance with the foot plantigrade was 11.4mm (95%CI: 9.9, 12.9) which reduced to 4.8mm (95%CI: 3.3, 6.4) in equinus and 1.5mm (95%CI: 0.8, 2.2) with 90° knee flexion. At follow up, no re-ruptures had occurred. US demonstrated continuity in all healed tendons. Mean ATRS was 86 (95%CI: 78.8, 93.9). There was a significant correlation between the distance of the rupture with the MLS (p=0.015) and the ATRS domains of strength (p=0.037) and fatigue (p=0.017). There was no significant correlation between the measured gap distance in the three positions with respect to the MTLS, ATRS or individual ATRS domain scores. There was no significant difference when comparing outcomes between left and right TAs or comparing gaps less than 1cm with those greater than 1 cm. Discussion. The distance of the gap from the enthesis may be more predictive of mid term clinical outcome in patients with TA rupture managed with accelerated functional rehabilitation compared with the magnitude of the gap and extent of closure with equinus and knee flexion

The aetiology of hallux valgus is well published and largely debated. Hypermobility at the TMTJ was initially described by Morton, but it was not till Lapidus that its association with hallux valgus was hypothesized. However, little has been published on the anatomy of the tarsometatarsal joint. Our aim was to determine whether there was an anatomical basis for the coronal hypermobility in hallux valgus. Method. Anatomical dissection was completed on 42 feet from 23 bodies. Presence of hallux valgus was noted (displacement of sesamoids). Measurements and photographs were taken of the first tarsometatarsal joint and all differences noted. Observations. The TMTJ articular morphology is variable. There were 3 separate subtypes identified of the metatarsal articular surface. Results. The articular subtypes identified were called called A, B and C. Type A, was uni-facet with a single flat articular surface, Type B was bi-facet with two distinct flat articular surfaces, and Type C was tri-facet, with the presence of a lateral eminence on inferolateral surface of metatarsal. Type A was found exclusively in bodies with Hallux Valgus and Type C exclusively in bodies without Hallux Valgus. Type B was found in both groups. Type C was more common in males and type B was more common in females. The third facet was much more common in men. Another anomaly was found; measurements taken from the lowest to highest point of joint surface (mm) revealed a significantly flatter joint surface in bodies with hallux valgus. Conclusion. Coronal plane motion in varus is a consistent feature of hallux valgus. The lateral eminence acts as a sliding dovetail joint and prevents coronal plane motion and rotation. We believe we have identified a joint type that is protective of the development of hallux valgus

Introduction. Shoes with a rocker sole are commonly prescribed following forefoot surgery to redistribute pressure towards the heel. By shifting the body weight backwards, does the rocker shoe adversely effect balance and so disturb normal muscle activity? This study investigated the effects of the Darco post-operative shoe, and the impact of a contralateral shoe raise, on forefoot pressure, posture and balance. Materials and Methods. Fourteen healthy volunteers were investigated (age 36 ±10.8 yrs 11 females) either wearing (1) left Darco shoe and right standard shoe with/without a 5cm temporary shoe raise (Algeos Ltd) (2) two standard shoes. Postural sway was measured while standing with eyes open/closed and on/off a foam block. Dynamic balance was measured while stepping forwards/backwards and walking. Measurements of foot pressure (TECSKAN Inc USA), 3D body motion (Codamotion, UK) and surface electromyography of lower limb muscles were taken. Results were analysed using a repeated measures ANOVA. Results. The rocker shoe was associated with a 84% (±14) decrease in mean peak medial forefoot pressure a posterior shift of 0.9 cm (±1) in the centre of pressure (COP) and a 223% (±127) increase in tibialis anterior activity (P<0.05). Postural sway and whole body motion while stepping did not change. The shoe raise decreased peak loading in the Darco shoe and resulted in a smaller shift in the COP. Discussion and Conclusions. The increase in tibialis anterior activity helps maintain balance by compensating for the posterior shift in the centre of pressure. In people with weakness in the anterior muscles a rocker shoe may adversely affect balance. A contralateral shoe raise reduces the posterior shift in the COP but, due to a decrease in total loading through the whole foot, forefoot offloading is similar. A contralateral shoe raise may therefore aid balance while maintaining forefoot offloading

Objectives

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.

Aims

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.

Aims

Morton’s neuroma is common condition of the forefoot, but its aetiology remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the width of the forefoot and the development of a Morton’s neuroma.

Aims

The aim of this study was to present a series of patients with aseptic failure of a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) who were treated with fusion of the hindfoot using a nail.

Aims

The mainstay of surgical correction of hallux valgus is first metatarsal osteotomy, either proximally or distally. We present a technique of combining a distal chevron osteotomy with a proximal opening wedge osteotomy, for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

This study sought to determine the medium-term patient-reported and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for hallux valgus. A total of 118 patients (162 feet) underwent surgery for hallux valgus between January 2008 and June 2009. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), a validated tool for the assessment of outcome after surgery for hallux valgus, was used and patient satisfaction was sought. The medical records and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. At a mean of 5.2 years (4.7 to 6.0) post-operatively, the median combined MOXFQ score was 7.8 (IQR:0 to 32.8). The median domain scores for pain, walking/standing, and social interaction were 10 (IQR: 0 to 45), 0 (IQR: 0 to 32.1) and 6.3 (IQR: 0 to 25) respectively. A total of 119 procedures (73.9%, in 90 patients) were reported as satisfactory but only 53 feet (32.7%, in 43 patients) were completely asymptomatic. The mean (SD) correction of hallux valgus, intermetatarsal, and distal metatarsal articular angles was 18.5° (8.8°), 5.7° (3.3°), and 16.6° (8.8°), respectively. Multivariable regression analysis identified that an American Association of Anesthesiologists grade of > 1 (Incident Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.67, p-value = 0.011) and recurrent deformity (IRR = 1.77, p-value = 0.003) were associated with significantly worse MOXFQ scores. No correlation was found between the severity of deformity, the type, or degree of surgical correction and the outcome. When using a validated outcome score for the assessment of outcome after surgery for hallux valgus, the long-term results are worse than expected when compared with the short- and mid-term outcomes, with 25.9% of patients dissatisfied at a mean follow-up of 5.2 years.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:208–14.

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: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:371–7.

Introduction

The aetiology of hallux valgus is almost certainly multifactoral. The biomechanics of the first ray is a common factor to most. There is very little literature examining the anatomy of the proximal metatarsal articular surface and its relationship to hallux valgus deformity.

We describe the early results of a prospective study of 100 total ankle replacements (96 patients) at a single centre using the Mobility Total Ankle Replacement. At final review, six patients had died and five ankles (5%) had been revised, two by fusion and three by exchange of components. All remaining patients were reviewed at a minimum of three years. The mean follow-up was 43 months (4 to 63). The three-year survival was 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 99). The four-year survival was 93.6% (95% CI 84.7 to 97.4). The portion of bony interface that was visible on plain radiograph was divided into 15 zones and a radiolucent line or osteolytic cavity was seen in one zone in 14 ankles. It was not seen in more than one zone. In five ankles it was > 10 mm in width.

This study suggests that the early outcome of ankle replacement is comparable to that of other total joint replacements.

Supination-external rotation (SER) fractures of the ankle may present with a medial ligamentous injury that is not apparent on the initial radiographs. A cadaver gravity-stress view has been described, but the manual-stress view is considered to be the examination of choice for the diagnosis of medial injuries. We prospectively compared the efficacy of these two examinations.

We undertook both examinations in 29 patients with SER fractures. Of these, 16 (55%) were stress-positive, i.e. and had widening of the medial clear space of > 4 mm with a mean medial clear space of 6.09 mm (4.4 to 8.1) on gravity-stress and 5.81 mm (4.0 to 8.2) on manual-stress examination, and 13 patients (45%) were stress-negative with a mean medial clear space of 3.91 mm (3.3 to 5.1) and 3.61 mm (2.6 to 4.5) on examination of gravity- and manual-stress respectively. The mean absolute visual analgoue scale score for discomfort in the examination of gravity stress was 3.45 (1 to 6) and in the manual-stress procedure 6.14 (3 to 10).

We have shown that examination of gravity-stress is as reliable and perceived as more comfortable than that of manual stress. We recommend using it as the initial diagnostic screening examination for the detection of occult medial ligamentous injuries in SER fractures of the ankle.