Background. The importance of total ankle replacement (TAR) implant orientation in the axial plane is poorly understood with major variation in surgical technique of implants on the market. Our aims were to better understand the axial rotational profile of patients undergoing TAR. Methods. In 157 standardised CT Scans of end-stage ankle arthritis patients planning to undergo primary TAR surgery, we measured the relationship between the knee posterior condylar axis, the tibial tuberosity, the transmalleolar axis(TMA) and the tibiotalar angle. The foot position was measured in relation to the TMA with the foot plantigrade. The variation between medial gutter line and the line bisecting both gutters was assessed. Results. The mean external tibial torsion was 34.5±10.3°(11.8–62°). When plantigrade the mean foot position relative to the TMA was 21±10.6°(0.7–38.4°) internally rotated. As external tibial torsion increased, the foot position became more internally rotated relative to the TMA(pearson correlation 0.6;p< 0.0001). As the tibiotalar angle became more valgus, the foot became more externally rotated relative to the TMA(pearson correlation −0.4;p< 0.01). The mean difference between the medial gutter line and a line bisecting both gutters was 4.9±2.8°(1.7°-9.4°). More than 51% of patients had a difference greater than 5°. The mean angle between the medial gutter line and a line perpendicular to the TMA was 7.5°±2.6°(2.8°-13.7°). Conclusion. There is a large variation in rotational profile of patients undergoing TAR, particularly between the medial gutter line and the transmalleolar axis. Surgeon designers and implant manufacturers need to develop consistent methods to guide surgeons towards judging appropriate axial rotation of their implanton an individual basis. We recommend careful clinical assessment and CT scanspre-operatively to enable the correct rotation to be determined

Lisfranc injuries were previously described as fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints. With advancements in modern imaging, subtle Lisfranc injuries are now more frequently recognized, revealing that their true incidence is much higher than previously thought. Injury patterns can vary widely in severity and anatomy. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieve good outcomes. The original classification systems were anatomy-based, and limited as tools for guiding treatment. The current review, using the best available evidence, instead introduces a stability-based classification system, with weightbearing radiographs and CT serving as key diagnostic tools. Stable injuries generally have good outcomes with nonoperative management, most reliably treated with immobilization and non-weightbearing for six weeks. Displaced or comminuted injuries require surgical intervention, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) being the most common approach, with a consensus towards bridge plating. While ORIF generally achieves satisfactory results, its effectiveness can vary, particularly in high-energy injuries. Primary arthrodesis remains niche for the treatment of acute injuries, but may offer benefits such as lower rates of post-traumatic arthritis and hardware removal. Novel fixation techniques, including suture button fixation, aim to provide flexible stabilization, which theoretically could improve midfoot biomechanics and reduce complications. Early findings suggest promising functional outcomes, but further studies are required to validate this method compared with established techniques. Future research should focus on refining stability-based classification systems, validation of weightbearing CT, improving rehabilitation protocols, and optimizing surgical techniques for various injury patterns to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1431–1442.

Peroneal tendon subluxation although rare, is a commonly misdiagnosed cause of lateral ankle pain and instability. The orientation and depth of the lateral retromalleolar groove is a major contributor to peroneal stability, but is little understood. We attempt to quantify the groove using three directional mapping techniques. Eight age and sex matched embalmed cadaveric feet were dissected to expose the peroneal tendons and the retromalleolar groove. A hand held digitiser was used to map the version and inclination of the groove in a 3D virtual environment. The length and depth of the groove and its orientation were calculated using the cartilage boundary and the centroid of the curved surface. Four male and four female specimens (mean age 80 Yrs) were studied. The groove was noted to be concave in 62%, flat in 25 % and concave in 12.5 %. Flatter groove were more commonly noted in (2/4) females. There was a significant difference in length and width of the groove between male and female feet. The mean length of the groove in male specimens was 6.2cm (5.4–6.7cm), and in female specimens 5.5cm (4.4–5.9cm). The mean width in males was 5.3mm (5.0–6.1mm) and in females 4.5mm (3.7–5.3mm). There was no significant difference noted in the depth of the groove between male and female feet. The mean depth in males was 2.3mm (0.8–3.1) and in female 2.2mm (0–2.4mm). Knowledge of peroneal groove geometry in treatment of peroneal tendon instability is important. There appears to be a consistent difference in the anatomy of the groove between the sexes. Although men have longer and wider grooves than woman, the depth is the same in both sexes

Most of the controversy surrounding management of the adult acquired flatfoot deformity revolves around the correction of Stage 2 deformity. Stage 1 deformity, uncommonly corrected surgically, involves tenosynovitis with preservation of tendon length and absence of structural deformity. Attempts at tenosynovectomy in light of structural deformity leads to operative failure, found in 10% of Teasdall and Johnson's 1992 patient population. Thus, with tenosynovectomy rarely becoming an operative situation, Stage 2 deformity becomes the mainstay of operative treatment of the adult flatfoot. Stage 2 deformity patients present with swelling medially, the inability to do a single heel raise, with a passively correctable subtalar joint. The tendon is functionally torn. In recent years, authors have subdivided Stage 2 deformity even further into A and B subcategories, where A involves less than 50% uncovering of the talonavicular joint, and B patients more than 50%. Recently, Anderson has added a C subtype, which may be applied to either A and B patients, in patients who have forefoot varus. Thus, Stage 2 patients suffer from pain that begins medially and progresses to the subfibular region over time. Most important, recognition of the continued sub classification in Stage 2 disease echoes the fact that this disorder is on a continuum, challenging the surgeon to recognize subtleties that, if unrecognized, lead to a poor patient outcome. The mainstay of treatment in Stage 2 disease is the medial slide calcaneal osteotomy, which realigns the hindfoot axis reducing valgus, improves the medial arch, protects the FDL tendon transfer, and allows the Achilles tendon to become a strong inverter. Over shift of the calcaneus can compromise the outcome, as will a lack of recognition of the congenital subtleties such that a valgus hindfoot can have a varus orientation to the calcaneus, both leading to lateral overload. A pure medial slide of a calcaneus that has a varus orientation does not correct deformity, rather, it creates it. Thus, an axial calcaneal view must be studied carefully, for a varus orientation may be corrected via a closing wedge osteotomy commensurate with the medial shift of the tuberosity. As noted above, the flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer is the staple procedure to replace the damaged posterior tibial tendon. This transfer balances the eversion power of the peroneal tendons, works in phase with the former posterior tibial tendon in the stance phase of gait, and replaces a painful diseased posterior tibial tendon. However, over tensioning the transfer results in a tenodesis rather than a functional tendon transfer, the relative weakness of the FDL tendon (30% as strong as the PTT) creates difficulty with heel raise, and inappropriate transfer to distal tarsal bones may compromise the result by limiting torque from the transferred tendon. Preservation of the posterior tibial tendon in combination with the transferred FDL tendon remains a consideration without answer, though Rosenfeld (2005) suggests a substantial improvement in strength through PTT preservation. Failure of the above protocol for treating Stage 2 disease most often revolves around the insufficient corrective power of the tandem procedures in longstanding ruptures. According to Guyton (2001), only 50% of patients report a perception in deformity improvement following FDL/calcaneal osteotomy procedures, and only 4% report a significant improvement in pre-existing deformity. Sangeorzan (2001) found such patients could not achieve a painless plantigrade foot due to acquired ligament laxity (primarily the Spring Ligament). Sangeorzan applied Evans' pediatric procedure to adults without confirming the pathomechanics of correction. Some speculate the windlass effect on the plantar fascia creates correction (refuted by Horton, 1998, finding the plantar fascia is loosened by a lateral column lengthening), others believe tightening the peroneus longus through lateral column lengthening increases first ray plantarflexion, restoring the medial arch. Controversy also remains in answering Cooper's (1997) claim that lengthening through the calcaneus creates static increase in pressure about the calcaneocuboid joint (1.4mPa total) that may lead to an arthritic joint long term. Painful lateral overload following lateral column lengthening remains difficult problem to both prevent and correct. This last point leads to some focusing their efforts on restoration of the medial column. This group focuses on the “C” type deformity noted by Anderson, those with forefoot varus. It is known that the medial column is supported by the navicular, the cuneiforms, and the first, second, and third metatarsals. While a Cotton (opening wedge medial cuneiform) osteotomy, a first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis, or a metatarsal osteotomy has value, the surgeon must note that this only corrects the first ray. Complete correction of the medial column is best achieved through naviculocuneiform joint arthrodesis. Standing radiographs commonly reveal collapse at that level; however, surgeons are reticent to perform such fusions in light of the higher nonunion rate

Aims

The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes.

Deltoid ligament insufficiency has been shown to decrease tibiotalar contact area and increase peak pressures within the lateral ankle mortise. Sectioning of the deltoid ligament has been shown to decrease tibiotalar contact area by 43%. This detrimental effect may create an arthritic ankle joint if left unresolved. Reconstructive efforts thus far have been less than satisfactory. Pankovich and Shivaram described the deltoid ligament as having superficial and deep components based on insertion sites. The superficial layer originates from the anterior colliculus of the medial malleolus and inserts on the navicular, calcaneus and talus. The deep layer originates from the intercollicular groove and posterior colliculus and inserts on the talus. Boss and Hintermann noted that the most consistent and strongest bands of the deltoid were the tibiocalcaneal and posterior deep tibiotalar ligaments. Chronic deltoid ligament insufficiency may be seen in several disorders including trauma and sports injuries, posterior tibial tendon disorders, prior triple arthrodesis with valgus malunion, or total ankle arthroplasty with improper component positioning or pre-existing ligament laxity. The reconstruction of the deltoid ligament in these settings may be critical to the prevention of tibiotalar arthrosis or failure of ankle prostheses from edge loading and polyethylene wear. The reconstructive technique we describe, under low torque, was able to restore eversion and external rotation stability to the talus, which was statistically similar to the native deltoid ligament. In addition, though we maximally tension this graft to give the most secure repair possible, we did not note any increased stiffness in the ankle joint through our measurement techniques. This unusual, positive secondary effect is different from that noted in studies of lateral ligament reconstruction, where ligament tensioning by all methods attempts to reproduce the native tension and not exceed it. All medial ankle ligament repairs of substance involve some type of tendon-weave (whether autograft or allograft) to achieve reconstruction. Our technique develops its strength not only from the anatomic orientation of the reconstructed ligament, but the strength of the components chosen to fix the tendon graft to the bone. The use of Endobuttons allows the entire graft to sit within the tunnels, without the potential violation of the graft ends achieved through techniques utilizing interference screw fixation. Tensioning the graft proximally through the tibia against a rigid distal construct allows greater tension to be placed on the graft at the deltoid ligament site itself than techniques which employ distal tensioning while holding the ankle into inversion. Finally, the use of a looped graft proximally secured with a post that may be moved even further proximally at the surgeon's discretion creates superior tension to achieve medial column rigidity in grossly unstable situations. Thus, given the critical importance of the deltoid ligament and the relative paucity of repair/reconstruction options available, we believe this novel approach will assist the clinician in anatomically reconstructing this challenging condition. Deltoid ligament reconstruction technique using semitendinosis allograft, with superimposed line drawing demonstrating orientation of looped graft

Background. There have been multiple techniques described to determine hindfoot alignment radiographically. The 2-dimensional nature of radiographs fails to take into account the contribution of the remainder of the foot to overall alignment. A new radiographic technique has been published in which the hindfoot alignment is calculated using the Ground Reaction Force Calcanea Offset. This technique accounts for the individual forefoot contribution to alignment, but is still limited by it´s 2-dimensional nature. The purpose of this study was to compare the hindfoot moment arm (HMA) described by Saltzman and the hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) described by Williamson, with a technique determining the ground reaction force calcaneal offset (GRF-CT) using 3-dimensional weight bearing CT Scans. Methods. The HMA, HAA, and GRF-CT 3-D weight bearing CT scans were measured by three different investigators. Each of these measurements were calculated twice on separate occasions by each investigator to determine the intra- and inter-observer reliability. Results. 104 patients underwent weight bearing hindfoot alignment radiographs and 3-dimensional weight bearing CT scans including 33 patients with varus and 71 patients with valgus hindfoot deformities. There was excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability with all three measurement techniques (P< 0.01), however the GRF-CT showed the best intra- and inter-observer reliability with the lowest standard deviation (P< 001). Conclusions. The GRF-CT technique is more reliable than traditional radiographic techniques for measuring the hindfoot alignment. While the intra- and inter-observer reliability is good for all three techniques, the GRF-CT technique resulted in the best intra- and inter-observer reliability with the lowest standard deviation. This technique provides the most accurate hindfoot alignment as it takes into account the effect of forefoot on overall alignment, preventing inaccuracies of projection and foot orientation in contrast to traditional radiographic techniques, which may be valuable in surgical decision making

We describe the medium-term results of a prospective study of 200 total ankle replacements at a single-centre using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement. A total of 24 ankles (12%) have been revised, 20 by fusion and four by further replacement and 27 patients (33 ankles) have died. All the surviving patients were seen at a minimum of five years after operation. The five-year survival was 93.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.8 to 96.8) and the ten-year survival 80.3% (95% CI 71.0 to 89.6). Anterior subluxation of the talus, often seen on the lateral radiograph in osteoarthritic ankles, was corrected and, in most instances, the anatomical alignment was restored by total ankle replacement. The orientation of the tibial component, as seen on the lateral radiograph, also affects the position of the talus and if not correct can hold the talus in an abnormal anterior position. Subtalar arthritis may continue to progress after total ankle replacement. Our results are similar to those published previously

Lag screw fixation with plate osteosynthesis is the usual recommendation for oblique non-comminuted lateral malleolus fractures. Lag screw fixation may sometimes pose varying difficulties depending on the orientation of the fracture and in osteoporotic bones where the process may cause disintegration of the bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether additional lag screw fixation with plate osteosynthesis offered any advantage over plate only fixation in non-comminuted oblique fractures of the lateral malleolus. A simple method of fixation was employed where the fracture was reduced and held temporarily with a K wire. After fixation with plate the K wire was removed. A total of 20 patients who had non-comminuted unstable oblique fractures of their lateral malleolus that had been surgically fixed plate only fixation were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were aged between 17 and 70 yrs. Evaluation of the success of fixation, complications, resultant mobility and patient satisfaction was based on information gathered from X-ray findings and clinic notes. These results were compared to an agematched group of 20 consecutive patients treated with lag screw fixation and plate osteosynthesis. There was no significant difference in the rate of or functional outcomes in either groups. Lag screw fixation offers no additional advantage when combined with plate synthesis of non-comminuted oblique lateral malleolus fractures

Data is scant on the critical question of whether patients with endstage ankle arthritis are better served by a fusion or a replacement. The STAR trial, a prospective case control study, comparing safety and efficacy of STAR ankle replacement at 24 months for 158 replacements and 66 fusions:. This FDA trial showed the STAR ankle replacement had better function, equivalent pain relief and a higher rate of complications and secondary procedures as ankles treated with fusion. A separate prospective cohort comparison of 200 ankle replacements vs. 94 ankle fusions performed by the collaborative consortium of Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons (COFAS) suggests similar patient oriented outcomes at 24 months. Patients' self-assessment questionnaires do not show significant differences between the two groups. The main medium/long-term concerns with ankle replacement remain component subsidence (especially talar subsidence) and polyethylene wear. Forces across the ankle are considerable, and the orientation of those forces to the underlying trabecular structure are a concern. Whether 2 or 3 part ankles will provide better bearing wear results remains unknown. With older designs, at 10 years the Swedish registry found approximately 60% survivorship. This registry has also shown better survivorship in patients with rheumatoid disease and with increased surgeon experience. More recent results related to the Hintegra and AES components show better midterm (5 year) revision rates in selected surgeons hands, than seen with older designs. A large meta-analysis of ankle fusion and replacement published data by Haddad et al reported a mean nonunion rate of 10%. The main long-term concerns with ankle fusion are limitations of motion, and the development of premature arthritis in adjacent foot joints. In a study of an average of 9 year outcome of the Agility ankle replacement suggested that the incidence secondary arthritis is halved by replacement as compared to fusion

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome and implant survivorship of mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) performed by a single surgeon.

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

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 intramedullary straight compression nails in order to reconstruct the hindfoot and assess the results over a mid-term follow-up.

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.

The Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) programme was introduced in 2008. This paper summarises the outcome of this programme. Patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon treated in our unit follow a comprehensive management protocol that includes a dedicated Achilles clinic, ultrasound examination, the use of functional orthoses, early weight-bearing, an accelerated exercise regime and guidelines for return to work and sport. The choice of conservative or surgical treatment was based on ultrasound findings.

The rate of re-rupture, the outcome using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and the Achilles Tendon Repair Score, (AS), and the complications were recorded. An elementary cost analysis was also performed.

Between 2008 and 2014 a total of 273 patients presented with an acute rupture 211 of whom were managed conservatively and 62 had surgical repair. There were three re-ruptures (1.1%). There were 215 men and 58 women with a mean age of 46.5 years (20 to 86). Functional outcome was satisfactory. Mean ATRS and AS at four months was 53.0 (sd 14), 64.9 (sd 15) (n = 135), six months 67.8 (sd 16), 73.8 (sd 15) (n = 103) and nine months (72.4; sd 14) 72.3 (sd 13) (n = 43). The programme realised estimated cost savings exceeding £91 000 per annum.

The SMART programme resulted in a low rate of re-rupture, a satisfactory outcome, a reduced rate of surgical intervention and a reduction in healthcare costs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:510–15.

Objective

The main object of this study was to use a geometric morphometric approach to quantify the left-right symmetry of talus bones.

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) occur in up to 70% of sprains and fractures involving the ankle. Atraumatic aetiologies have also been described. Techniques such as microfracture, and replacement strategies such as autologous osteochondral transplantation, or autologous chondrocyte implantation are the major forms of surgical treatment. Current literature suggests that microfracture is indicated for lesions up to 15 mm in diameter, with replacement strategies indicated for larger or cystic lesions. Short- and medium-term results have been reported, where concerns over potential deterioration of fibrocartilage leads to a need for long-term evaluation.

Biological augmentation may also be used in the treatment of OCLs, as they potentially enhance the biological environment for a natural healing response. Further research is required to establish the critical size of defect, beyond which replacement strategies should be used, as well as the most appropriate use of biological augmentation. This paper reviews the current evidence for surgical management and use of biological adjuncts for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:164–71.

Severe hallux valgus deformity is conventionally treated with proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Distal metatarsal osteotomy with an associated soft-tissue procedure can also be used in moderate to severe deformity. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in severe hallux valgus deformity with a soft-tissue release in both. A total of 110 consecutive female patients (110 feet) were included in a prospective randomised controlled study. A total of 56 patients underwent a proximal procedure and 54 a distal operation. The mean follow-up was 39 months (24 to 54) in the proximal group and 38 months (24 to 52) in the distal group. At follow-up the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, tibial sesamoid position, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score, patient satisfaction level, and complications were similar in each group. Both methods showed significant post-operative improvement and high levels of patient satisfaction. Our results suggest that the distal chevron osteotomy with an associated distal soft-tissue procedure provides a satisfactory method for correcting severe hallux valgus deformity.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:510–16.

We present a series of 16 patients treated between 1993 and 2006 who had a failed total ankle replacement converted to an arthrodesis using bone grafting with internal fixation. We used tricortical autograft from the iliac crest to preserve the height of the ankle, the malleoli and the subtalar joint. A successful arthrodesis was achieved at a mean of three months (1.5 to 4.5) in all patients except one, with rheumatoid arthritis and severe bone loss, who developed a nonunion and required further fixation with an intramedullary nail at one year after surgery, before obtaining satisfactory fusion. The post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved to a mean of 70 (41 to 87) with good patient satisfaction. From this series and an extensive review of the literature we have found that rates of fusion after failed total ankle replacement in patients with degenerative arthritis are high. We recommend our method of arthrodesis in this group of patients. A higher rate of nonunion is associated with rheumatoid arthritis which should be treated differently.

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.