Aims. To describe outcome reporting variation and trends in non-pharmacological randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of distal tibia and/or ankle fractures. Methods. Five electronic databases and three clinical trial registries were searched (January 2000 to February 2022). Trials including patients with distal tibia and/or ankle fractures without concomitant injuries were included. One reviewer conducted all searches, screened titles and abstracts, assessed eligibility, and completed data extraction; a random 10% subset were independently assessed and extracted by a second reviewer at each stage. All extracted outcomes were mapped to a modified version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. The quality of outcome reporting (reproducibility) was assessed. Results. Overall, 105 trials (n = 16 to 669 participants) from 27 countries were included. Trials compared surgical interventions (n = 62), post-surgical management options (n = 17), rehabilitative interventions (n = 14), surgical versus non-surgical interventions (n = 6), and pre-surgical management strategies (n = 5). In total, 888 outcome assessments were reported across seven domains: 263 assessed body structure or function (85.7% of trials), 136 activities (68.6% of trials), 34 participation (23.8% of trials), 159 health-related quality of life (61.9% of trials), 247 processes of care (80% of trials), 21 patient experiences (15.2% of trials), and 28 economic impact (8.6% of trials). From these, 337 discrete outcomes were described. Outcome reporting was inconsistent across trials. The quality of reporting varied widely (reproducibility ranged 4.8% patient experience to 100% complications). Conclusion. Substantial heterogeneity in outcome selection, assessment methods, and reporting quality were described. Despite the large number of outcomes, few are reported across multiple trials. Most outcomes are clinically focused, with little attention to the long-term consequences important to patients. Poor reporting quality reduces confidence in data quality, inhibiting data synthesis by which to inform care decisions. Outcome reporting guidance and standardization, which captures the outcomes that matter to multiple stakeholders, are urgently required. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):832–840

Background. Open subtalar arthrodesis has been associated with a moderate rate of non-union, as high 16.3%, and high rates of infection and nerve injury. Performing this operation arthroscopically serves to limit the disruption to the soft tissue envelope, improve union rates and reduce infection. Our study describes our outcomes and experience of this operation. Method. Retrospective review of all patients who underwent an arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis between 2023 and 2008. We excluded patients undergoing concurrent adjacent joint arthrodesis. The primary aim was to report on rates of union. Secondary outcomes included reporting on conversion to open procedure, duration of surgery, infection, and iatrogenic injury to surrounding structures. Results. 135 patients were included in the final analysis. 129 patients (95.5%) achieved union. The median time to fusion was 98 days. All cases were performed through sinus tarsi portals. 38 cases were performed with an additional posterolateral portal. Most cases (107/77%) were performed with 2 screws. 3 cases (2.2%) were converted to open procedures. The median tourniquet time was 86 minutes but available in only 88 (65%) cases. There were 4 (2.9%) superficial infections and no deep infections. 1 patient sustained an injury to FHL and there were no reported nerve injuries. Conclusions. At present this is the largest series of arthroscopic subtalar arthrodeses. We demonstrate that this operation can achieve high rates of union with low rates of infection with an equally low likelihood of needing to convert to an open procedure with modest operative times. In our experience the addition of a posterolateral portal does not appear to increase the incidence of nerve injury and aids in the visualisation of all 3 facets

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

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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.

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The aim of this study was to compare the longer-term outcomes of operatively and nonoperatively managed patients treated with a removable brace (fixed-angle removable orthosis) or a plaster cast immobilization for an acute ankle fracture.

Introduction. A randomized clinical trial of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint hemiarthroplasty with a synthetic cartilage implant demonstrated equivalent pain, function and safety outcomes to first MTP joint arthrodesis at 2 years. The implant cohort continues to be followed under an extension of the original study and we report on prospectively determined 5+ year outcomes for subjects assessed to date. Methods. Patients treated with hemiarthroplasty implant as part of the previously mentioned trial are eligible for enrollment in the extended study (n=135). At the time of this report, 57 patients had reached the 5+ years postoperative time point, of which 5 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 52 patients with mean age of 58.5 (range, 38.0–0.0) underwent physical examination, radiographic evaluation, assessment of implant survivorship and collection of patient completed VAS pain, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) sports subscale and activities of daily living (ADL) subscale scores. Mean follow-up is 5.8 (range, 4.8–8.4) years. Results. Patient reported pain and function outcome measures showed clinically and statistically meaningful improvements over baseline at 5.8 years. Mean VAS pain scores decreased 57.9 points (86% pain reduction). The mean FAAM Sports and ADL subscale scores increased from baseline 47.9 points (126%) and 32.7 points (55%) respectively. Patients maintained first MTP joint motion with mean active peak MTP dorsiflexion of 25.9° (range, 0–0°) which was a 3° improvement from baseline. Implant survivorship at 5.8 years was 92%; four were converted to fusion because of persistent pain at mean time 42 months post-operation (range, 26–26 months). These results are equivalent to the outcomes reported at 2 years follow-up. 1. Conclusion. The synthetic cartilage hemiarthroplasty implant continues to demonstrate safety and efficacy for the treatment of advanced first MTP joint osteoarthritis with mid-term evidence of a therapeutic effect and an acceptable safety profile at 5.8 years

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A pilon fracture is a severe ankle joint injury caused by high-energy trauma, typically affecting men of working age. Although relatively uncommon (5% to 7% of all tibial fractures), this injury causes among the worst functional and health outcomes of any skeletal injury, with a high risk of serious complications and long-term disability, and with devastating consequences on patients’ quality of life and financial prospects. Robust evidence to guide treatment is currently lacking. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two surgical interventions that are most commonly used to treat pilon fractures.

Introduction. Talus fractures have traditionally been reported as having poor outcomes with rates of avascular necrosis in excess of 80% in some studies. It was noted by the senior author that this was not his experience in a tertiary institution with many patients having good to excellent outcomes and lower rates of avascular necrosis than anticipated despite high-energy trauma. The aim of this paper is to review all talus fractures that have been fixed internally at our institution to determine whether current surgical techniques have improved traditionally poor outcomes. This could result in improved outlook for patients on initial presentation and improved ability to manage the long-term consequences of the multiply-injured patient. Method. A review of all lower limb trauma cases from 2012–2015 was made. This yielded 28 talus fractures that had been internally fixed at Southmead hospital. Patients were contacted using telephone and letters. The AAOS Foot and Ankle Outcome Questionnaire, patient satisfaction surveys and analysis of radiographs were made. Results. Our preliminary results suggest avascular necrosis rates of less than 10% despite the high energy, sometimes open nature of these injuries. We also report that patients are returning to work and are reasonably satisfied following their injury. Fixation methods varied between cases but generally good outcomes were reported amongst most patients. We summarise the demographics of patients presenting with talus fractures and classify their initial injury according to the Hawkins talus fracture classification. Conclusion. Our results were surprising. They suggest that modern surgical techniques may be improving outcomes for patients with talus fractures. It was previously thought that these injuries can be career-ending for some patients but we would suggest that there is hope for good outcomes in this patient group

Aims. 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. Methods. PROMs including the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D), satisfaction, net promoter score and data regarding re-rupture, and venous thromboembolic rates were collected for patients randomized to receive either operative or nonoperative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture in a previous study. Of the 80 patients originally randomized, 64 (33 treated surgically, 31 nonoperatively) patients were followed up at a mean of 15.7 years (13.4 to 17.7). Results. There was no statistically significant difference between operatively and nonoperatively treated patients, in SMFA Dysfunction Index (median 1.56 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 5.51) vs 1.47 (IQR 0 to 5.15); p = 0.289), SMFA Bother Index (2.08 (IQR 0 to 12.50) vs 0.00 (IQR 0 to 6.25); p = 0.074), ATRS (94 (IQR 86 to 100) vs 95 (IQR 81 to 100); p = 0.313), EQ-5D-5L (1 (IQR 0.75 to 1) vs 1 (IQR 0.84 to 1); p = 0.137) or EQ-5D health today visual analogue score (85 (IQR 72.5 to 95) vs 85 (IQR 8 to 95); p = 0.367). There was no statistically significant difference between operative and nonoperative groups in terms of satisfaction (84% vs 100%; p = 0.119) or willingness to recommend treatment to friends or family (79% vs 87%; p = 0.255). Four nonoperative patients and two in the operative group sustained a re-rupture (p = 0.306). Conclusion. Both patient groups reported good results at long-term follow-up. The findings give no evidence of superior long-term patient reported outcomes (as measured by the SMFA) for surgical treatment over nonoperative treatment. There was no demonstrable difference in other patient reported outcome measures, satisfaction, or re-rupture rates at long-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):933–940

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. The survivorship at a mean follow-up of 5.3 years (2.1 to 14.1) was 97.2%. The mean Manchester Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ) scores improved from 78.1 to 11.0, and VAS scores for pain from 7/10 to 1.3/10. The rate of satisfaction was 90.6%. Three implants (2.8%) required revision; one for infection, one-month postoperatively, and two for stem breakage at 10.4 and 13.3 years postoperatively. There was a 1.9% reoperation rate other than revision, 23.1% of patients developed a minor complication, and 21.1% of patients had non-progressive and asymptomatic cysts on radiological review. Conclusion. We report a 97.2% survivorship at a mean follow-up of 5.3 years with this implant. We did not find progressive osteolysis, as has been previously reported. These results suggest that this double-stemmed silastic implant provides a predictable and reliable alternative with comparable outcomes to arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage HR. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):220–226

Background. Patients presenting with an acute tendoachilles (TA) rupture are managed in a dedicated clinic led by a Foot & Ankle Consultant and specialist physiotherapist. The diagnosis is made clinically and no ultrasound scan is performed. All management, rehabilitation and follow-up is undertaken within this clinic by the specialist physiotherapist, with Consultant support as required. Patients are offered a choice of conservative or surgical management (percutaneous TA repair). Both groups undergo a standardised functional rehabilitation regimen. Methods. All patients treated through our dedicated clinic between May 2010 and April 2016 were identified. Patient outcomes were reported using the validated Achilles Tendon Repair Score (ATRS). ATRS scores were collected at 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury. Re-rupture and complication rates were also documented. Results. 167 patients were identified. 79 patients underwent a percutaneous repair and 88 patients opted for conservative management. Mean age of patients undergoing percutaneous repair was 46 years (21–77 years) and 52 years (19–88 years) in the conservatively managed group. Male to female ratios were equal between both groups. Mean ATRS scores at 3, 6 and 12 months were 41.6, 69.5 and 85.3 respectively for the percutaneous repairs and 45.4, 69.0 and 77.1 respectively for the conservatively managed group. The re-rupture rate was 4.2% (3 patients) in the conservative group and 0% in our surgical group. In the surgical group, 1 patient developed a PE and 1 had a wound complication. Discussion. Our dedicated clinic for managing TA ruptures has proved popular with patients, with a patient satisfaction score of 98.7%. By standardising our rehabilitation regimen we believe our outcomes have improved. Our percutaneous repair group has an improved ATRS score compared to our conservative group at 12 months post injury. We believe that any fit active individual should be offered a percutaneous repair irrespective of age

In recent years the Weil osteotomy has become the dominant technique employed by most surgeons for distal metatarsal osteotomy. This is generally a reliable technique but problems with stiffness can frequently occur in the operated metatarso-phalangeal joints. We present our experience with a minimally invasive distal metatarsal extra-articular osteotomy technique. This technique utilises a high-speed burr via a tiny skin portal to perform a distal metatarsal extra-articular osteotomy under image intensifier guidance without the need for fixation. A consecutive series of 55 osteomies in 21 patients were included in the study. All osteotomies were performed for metatarsalgia/restoration of metatarsal cascade. The mean age was 49 (38-78), and 20/21 were female. The senior author performed all surgery. All patients were allowed to weight bear immediately in a postoperative shoe and then an ordinary shoe from 4-6 week post-operatively. Mean follow-up was 8 months (4-13) and patients were assessed clinically and scored using the AOFAS scoring system and a subjective outcome score. The mean AOFAS score improved significantly postoperatively. All patients were very satisfied/satisfied with the outcome. Two patients had minor superficial portal infections, which resolved with oral antibiotics. One patient reported irritating numbness and stiffness in toes (1st case performed). Most patients reported swelling persisting to 3-4 months. There was one symptomatic delayed at 4 months treated successfully with short air boot immobilisation. There were no mal unions. This series suggests that MIS distal metatarsal osteotomy results compare well with outcomes reported with modern open techniques such as the Weil. We now favour an MIS distal metatarsal osteotomy technique for most indications due to the minimal stiffness observed postoperatively as well as much reduced surgical time without the need for tourniquet

Introduction:. Total Ankle Replacement is proving to be a viable option for younger patients with Post Traumatic Osteoarthritis of the Ankle. The aim of our study was to study the clinical and patient reported outcomes between patients of < 60 and > 60 years who underwent TAR. Method:. Patients who underwent a TAR between March 2006 and May 2009 were invited to take part in the hospital patient registry. They were divided into two groups based on Age (Group A-Age > 60 and Group B-Age < 60). Patient demographics, co-morbidities, Clinical (AOFAS) outcomes, patient reported outcomes (FAOS, SF-36, patient satisfaction) and complications were collected from patients pre-operatively and at 1, 2 and 3 years follow up. Comparisons were made between groups for all outcome measures. Results:. There were 56 patients in Group A and 32 patients in Group B. There was no difference in Gender, side of operation and diagnosis reported between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Group A reported higher number of co-morbidities than Group B (1.54 vs. 1.00); p=0.032. There was no difference in AOFAS scores and FAOS scores for pain and function at all follow up times (p>0.05). Although Group B reported worse scores for FAOS stiffness pre-operatively (p=0.002) and at 1 year (p=0.029); there was no difference between scores at 2 and 3 years follow up. There was no difference in SF-36 scores and patient satisfaction and complications between groups. We expect to have the 4 year results processed by October this year. Conclusion:. We have found satisfactory outcomes following TAR, both clinical and patient reported, irrespective of age of patient. Although long-term survivorship results for TAR are unavailable, we feel that younger age may not be a contra-indication to TAR as it provides good quality of life and potentially allows continuation of work

Aims

There has been an evolution recently in the management of unstable fractures of the ankle with a trend towards direct fixation of a posterior malleolar fragment. Within these fractures, Haraguchi type 2 fractures extend medially and often cannot be fixed using a standard posterolateral approach. Our aim was to describe the posteromedial approach to address these fractures and to assess its efficacy and safety.

Manipulation of the metatarsophalangeal joint and injection with steroid and local anaesthetic are widely practised in the treatment of hallux rigidus, but there is little information on the outcome. We report the results of this procedure carried out on 37 joints, with a minimum follow-up of one year (mean, 41.2 months). Patients with mild (grade-1) changes gained symptomatic relief for a median of six months and only one-third required surgery. Two-thirds of patients with moderate (grade-2) disease proceeded to open surgery. In advanced (grade-III) hallux rigidus, little symptomatic relief was obtained and all patients required operative treatment. We recommend that joints are graded before treatment and that manipulation under anaesthetic and injection be used only in early (grades I and II) hallux rigidus

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.