Introduction:. Symptomatic tarsal coalitions failing conservative treatment are traditionally managed by open resection. Arthroscopic excision of calcaneonavicular bars have previously been described as has a technique for excising talocalcaneal bars using an arthroscope to guide an open resection. We describe a purely arthroscopic technique for excising talocalcaneal coalitions. We present a retrospective two-surgeon case series of the first eight patients (nine feet). Methods:. Subtalar arthroscopy is performed from two standard sinus tarsi portals with the patient in a saggy lateral position. Coalitions are resected with a barrel burr after soft tissue clearance with arthroscopic shavers. Early postoperative mobilisation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prevent recurrence of coalition. Outcome measures include restoration of subtalar movements, return to work and sports, visual analogue pain scales and Sports Athlete Foot and Ankle Scores (SAFAS). Follow-up ranges from 1 to 5.5 years. Results:. Pain and SAFAS scores improved in 7 patients. Subtalar movements were improved in all feet and were sustained to final follow-up. All patients achieved early good function and returned to sports and demanding jobs. One patient's pain recurred requiring subsequent fusions. One posterior tibial nerve was damaged. Both of these patients had coalitions extending across more than one quarter of the posterior facet. Conclusion:. Minimal destruction of bone and soft tissues with an arthroscopic technique allows early mobilization and minimizes pain. We acknowledge the risk of neurological damage from both open and arthroscopic excision of tarsal coalitions. Patient selection and preoperative planning are crucial to avoid relapse and complication. If significant degenerative changes are present at surgery or resections are too extensive onto the posterior facet early recurrence of pain may occur. This series from two independent surgeons supports the feasibility and effectiveness of this technique

Introduction. Historically, surgeons have focused on isolated simple coalition resection in symptomatic tarsal coalition with concomitant rigid flat foot. However, a review of literature suggests that coalitions with severe preoperative planovalgus malposition treated with resection alone are associated with continued disability and deformity. We believe that concomittant severe flatfoot should be considered as much as a pathological component and pain generator as the coalition itself. Our primary hypothesis is that simple resection of middle facet tarsal coalitions and simultaneous flat foot reconstruction can improve clinical outcomes. Methods. Thirteen consecutively treated patients (eighteen feet) were retrospectively reviewed from the senior author's practice. Clinical examination, American Orthopaedic foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores, and radiographic assessments were evaluated after resection of middle facet tarsal coalitions with simultaneous flat foot reconstruction. Results. All patients with resection and simultaneous flat foot reconstruction (calcaneal lengthening, medial cuneiform osteotomy) were satisfied and would have the same procedure again. Most patients were able to return to a higher level of sporting activity compared with preoperative ability. None of the patients had a fair or poor outcome as adjudged by their AOFAS scores. Conclusion. Our study shows that concomittant flatfoot reconstruction in patients with symptomatic middle facet tarsal coalition increased hindfoot motion, corrected malalignment and significantly improved pain. We believe that coalition resection and concomitant flatfoot reconstruction is better option than surgical resection alone or hindfoot fusion in this cohort of patients. Triple arthrodesis should be reserved as a salvage procedure

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The Vantage Total Ankle System is a fourth-generation low-profile fixed-bearing implant that has been available since 2016. We aimed to describe our early experience with this implant.

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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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Surgical reconstruction of deformed Charcot feet carries a high risk of nonunion, metalwork failure, and deformity recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to these complications following hindfoot Charcot reconstructions.

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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.

Treatment of the rheumatoid forefoot involves resection arthroplasty of the MTP joints of the lesser toes. This can either involve resection of the metatarsal heads or, as described by Stainsby: resection of the proximal phalanx. The Stainsby procedure is a well accepted technique, however despite this there is very little information on the outcome of this procedure. Materials and Methods. 40 rheumatoid patients were treated with the Stainsby procedure, over a five year period. Preoperatively patients completed a Foot Function Index (FFI) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). The minimum follow-up was 12 months, range of follow-up 12–60 months. At follow-up review patients also completed the FFI and AOFAS. Therefore comparison of preoperative and postoperative scores was assessed. Results. There was a great improvement in both FFI and AOFAS after the Stainsby procedure, especially in patients who also underwent arthrodesis of the first MTPJ. Statistical analysis of the results is presently being completed and the full results will be discussed at the meeting. Discussion. Treatment of the rheumatoid forefoot involving resection of the metatarsal heads is a well known procedure, with much published literature to support its use. To date there is very little literature to assess the outcomes of performing a Stainsby procedure as an alternative resection arthroplasty. This study highlights the comparable benefits and results of resecting the proximal phalanx and therefore preserving the metatarsal heads, as described by Stainsby

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In our unit, we adopt a two-stage surgical reconstruction approach using internal fixation for the management of infected Charcot foot deformity. We evaluate our experience with this functional limb salvage method.

Aims . This is the first prospective study to report the pre- and post-operative patient reported outcomes and satisfaction scores following excision of interdigital Morton’s neuroma. Patients and Methods. Between May 2006 and April 2013, we prospectively studied 99 consecutive patients (111 feet) who were to undergo excision of a Morton’s neuroma. There were 78 women and 21 men with a mean age at the time of surgery of 56 years (22 to 78). Patients completed the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Short Form-12 (SF-12) and a supplementary patient satisfaction survey three months pre-operatively and six months post-operatively. Results. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean pre- and post-operative MOXFQ and the physical component of the SF-12 scores (p = 0.00081 and p = 0.00092 respectively). Most patients reported their overall satisfaction as excellent (n = 49, 49.5%) or good (n = 29, 29.3%), but ten patients were dissatisfied, reporting poor (n = 8, 8.1%) or very poor (n = 2, 2.0%) results. Only 63 patients (63%) were pain-free at follow-up: in eight patients (8.1%), the MOXFQ score worsened. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome between surgery on single or multiple sites. However, the MOXFQ scores were significantly worse after revision surgery (p = 0.004). Conclusions. The patient-reported outcomes after resection of a symptomatic Morton’s neuroma are acceptable but may not be as good as earlier studies suggest. Surgery at several sites can be undertaken safely but caution should be exercised when considering revision surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1376–81

Aim. To evaluate the clinical outcome of a new absorbable, gentamycin loaded calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite biocomposite (CERAMENT. ™. /G) as cavity filler after debridement and removal of infected metalwork in chronic osteomyelitis. Methods. We report the retrospective study of prospectively collected data from 36 patients with chronic osteomyelitis from implant infection. Treatment included a single stage protocol with removal of the metalwork, debridement augmented with application of CERAMENT. ™. /G, stabilization, culture-specific antibiotics and primary skin closure or flap. The biocomposite was used for dead space filling after resection of Cierny-Mader (C-M) stage III and IV chronic osteomyelitis. Data were collected on patient age, comorbidities, operation details, microbiology, postoperative complications and type of fixation or plastic surgery. Primary measure of outcome was recurrence rate. Results. According to the C-M classification 22 patients (63%) were defined as Type III and 13 (37%) as Type IV. A total of 26 (72%) patients were Class B hosts. In 9 cases (25%), there was an infected non-union and 1 patient had septic arthritis. Mean age was 52 years (range 22 to 81). Patients were followed for a mean of 20 months (range 6 to 36). Infection was eradicated in 32 patients. There were three (8.3%) recurrences (two cases of osteomyelitis and one of soft tissue/flap infection). Two of them were successfully managed with repeat surgery (one Class B and one Class A host) and one (Class B host) with suppressive antibiotic therapy as per patient's choice. In one infected nonunion the infection was eradicated but the nonunion persisted. Thirteen patients (36.6%) had a local or free fascio-cutaneus flap. Staphylococci (50%) and Enterococci (15%) were the most common microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more common in polymicrobial infection usually with Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions. A multidisciplicary approach including augmented debridement with CERAMENT. ™. /G is effective for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with infected metalwork

In distal fibular resection without reconstruction, the stabilising effect of the lateral malleolus is lost. Thus, the ankle may collapse into valgus and may be unstable in varus. Here, we describe a child who underwent successful staged surgical correction of a severe neglected valgus deformity after excision of the distal fibula for a Ewing’s sarcoma

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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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Preoperative talar valgus deformity ≥ 15° is considered a contraindication for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). We compared operative procedures and clinical outcomes of TAA in patients with talar valgus deformity ≥ 15° and < 15°.

A Morton's neuroma is a compressive neuropathy most commonly affecting the common digital nerve of the third inter-space. Symptoms are variable but usually the diagnosis can be made quite easily and the diagnosis is essentially a “clinical” one. When symptoms relate to the second inter-space the clinician needs to be alert to mechanical causes of metatarsalgia leading to secondary irritation of the nerve. Imaging with MRI scanning and/or ultrasound can be helpful but equally can be misleading, as there may be false positives and false negatives. In the case of ultrasound the accuracy of imaging depends on the experience and expertise of the radiologist. Morton's neuroma surgery is usually associated with high levels of success but some reports suggest as many as 30% of patients under-going such surgery are dissatisfied with the outcome. The reasons for failed surgery can be broadly divided into three groups: a) wrong diagnosis b) wrong surgery and c) right diagnosis and right operation but unfavourable outcome. Wrong diagnosis is most commonly encountered in second space pathology when there is an underlying mechanical reason for the symptoms such as second MTP joint synovitis. This is usually secondary to joint overload associated with first ray insufficiency eg hallux valgus. This is the so-called Moron's neuroma. Wrong surgery occurs when the wrong space is operated upon, when mechanical causes are overlooked or when a plantar incision is made over the weight-bearing part of the forefoot, leading to painful scar formation. Wrong surgery can also involve failure to recognise anomalous anatomy within the space or insufficient nerve resection. Unfavourable outcomes include infection, stump neuroma formation or the onset of CRPS. Occasionally despite an appropriate assessment and operation a patient will derive no relief of symptoms and the cause of the pain remains totally unexplained. Careful history and examination and careful pre-operative planning can reduce the incidence of failed Morton's neuroma surgery. The role of imaging is probably greater in such cases compared with those presenting with a primary Morton's neuroma but the diagnosis remains essentially clinical. Stump neuroma resection should be considered in patients presenting with repeat symptoms especially if there is initial surgical success followed by recurrent symptoms. If two explorations result in no success then a third exploration is unlikely to resolve the problem. Some patients are left with intractable symptoms and should be referred to a pain specialist, as further surgery often has nothing more to offer

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Infected and deformed neuropathic feet and ankles are serious challenges for surgical management. In this study we present our experience in performing ankle arthrodesis in a closed manner, without surgical preparation of the joint surfaces by cartilaginous debridement, but instead using an Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) for deformity correction and facilitating fusion, in arthritic neuropathic ankles with associated osteomyelitis.

Current knowledge regarding outcomes following surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma remains incomplete. This is the first prospective study to report the pre- and post-operative patient reported outcomes and satisfaction scores following excision of interdigital Morton's neuroma. Over a seven year period, 99 consecutive patients (112 feet) undergoing surgical excision of Morton's neuroma were prospectively studied. 78 patients were female with a mean age at operation of 56 years. Patient recorded outcomes and satisfaction were measured using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Short Form-12 (SF12) and a supplementary patient satisfaction survey three months pre and six months post-operatively. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean pre- and post-operative MOXFQ and physical component of the SF-12 (p< 0.05). No difference in outcome was identified in patients in whom multiple neuromas were operated compared to single site surgery. However, revision surgery proved to statistically worsen MOXFQ outcomes post-operatively p< 0.004. Overall satisfaction was reported as excellent (49%) or good (29%) by the majority of patients but 10% were dissatisfied with poor (8%) or very poor (2%) results expressed. Only 64% were pain free at the time of follow-up and 8% of patients MOXFQ scores worsened. These findings illustrate that overall, patient reported outcomes following resection of symptomatic Morton's neuroma are acceptable but may not be as favourable as earlier studies suggest. Caution should be taken when considering revision surgery which has shown to be a poor prognostic indicator. Contrary to current knowledge, multiple site surgery can be safely undertaken

Introduction. Bone tumours of the foot are rare, representing 3–6% of all bone tumours. Of these 15–25% are thought to be malignant. Obtaining clear surgical margins remains an important factor in improving outcome from tumours. However, the anatomical complexity of the foot can lead to an inadequate resection, particularly if the operating surgeon is attempting to preserve function. The aim of this paper is to identify the clinical course of patients suffering from malignant bone tumours of the foot. Method. A prospective tumour registry over a 30 yr period was used to identify patients with a malignant bone tumour of the foot. Patient demographics along with the site of primary malignancy, region of the foot involved and clinical management were recorded. Results. 70 patients with a malignant foot tumour were identified. 25(35%) were chondrosarcomas, 20 Ewings Sarcoma, 10 Osteosarcoma and 15 were metastatic lesions. Of those diagnosed with a primary bone tumour, 8(14.5%) were referred following a “whoops” procedure. The median length of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 52 weeks. The most common regions affected were the 1. st. Ray (31%) and Calcaneus (22%). The mainstay of treatment involved either Ray or Below Knee Amputation in 70% of cases. 11 patients developed either local recurrence or metastatic disease. Conclusion. We present the largest single centre review of malignant bone tumours affecting the foot. Our series confirms that patients often have to suffer with protracted symptoms prior to the establishment of the correct diagnosis. The variety of differential diagnoses may explain the long delay in diagnosis. Worryingly, 14.5% of the primary bone malignancies in our series underwent a “whoops” procedure. This highlights further that physicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion when treating a patient with foot symptoms, even when the symptoms may be protracted

Introduction:. Total ankle replacement is a recognised treatment for disabling end stage ankle arthritis and an alternative to arthrodesis, although results are not yet comparable to other joint replacements. This has stimulated a constant evolution in design of implants and instrumentation. The Nottingham Foot and Ankle Unit used the STAR until 2005, when it switched to Mobility, due to the perceived advantages of less bone resection, improved instrumentation and potentially less polyethylene insert wear. The aim of this study is to report the unit's results and review the different outcomes between the two ankle replacements used. Methods:. A retrospective analysis of all total ankle replacements carried out by the foot and ankle unit at Nottingham City Hospital between March 1999 and June 2013. Post operative complications, associated reoperations and revisions were recorded. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), European five dimension quality of life scores (EQ-D5) and patient satisfaction was independently assessed at each follow up visit. Other ankle replacements or those performed elsewhere or with less than 12 month follow up were excluded. Results:. 162 Mobility and 148 STARs' were assessed. The mean follow up was 7 years (1–13 yrs,) STAR and 3.5 years (1–8 yrs) Mobility. Post-operative complication rate of 15% STAR and 13% Mobility, associated operation rate of 15% STAR and 10% Mobility with revision rate of 19% STAR at 13 years and 4.3 % Mobility at 8 years. Both STAR and Mobility groups showed improvements in AOFAS, FFI, EQ-D5 and patient satisfaction, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion:. This is one of the largest comparative series of total ankle replacements and shows that patient satisfaction, pain and function is improved. The Mobility total ankle replacement had fewer revisions and complications compared to STAR

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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.

Introduction. Forefoot deformities are common in the rheumatoid population and lead to abnormal loading, plantar callosities and metatarsalgia. First MTP joint arthrodesis with lesser toe Stainsby procedures has become a popular method of reconstructing the rheumatoid forefoot but there is little data that reviews the clinical or biomechanical results of combining the two procedures. Materials & Methods. A prospective observational study was set up to review 10 rheumatoid patients (20 feet) undergoing bilateral first MTP joint arthrodesis via a medial approach with Stainsby procedures to all lesser toes via curved incisions with resection of two thirds of the proximal phalanx, repositioning of plantar fat pad, extensor to flexor interposition and temporary stabilisation with k wires. Clinical scoring and dynamic pedobarograph pressure measurements were taken pre operatively and at one year post surgery. Results. Nine female and one male patient with a mean age of 60.2 years were reviewed. Pre operatively there were 11 abnormal high pressure areas in 10 feet, reducing to 8 abnormal areas in 6 feet following surgery. Post operatively the mean pressure time integral increased under the first metatarsal and decreased under lesser metatarsals. Following surgery no patient suffered significantly from callosities or metatarsalgia and AOFAS scores improved. Conclusion. The post operative pressure time integrals suggest the medial weightbearing column is recreated with a reduction of abnormal pressures under the lesser metatarsal heads. These results show that first MTP joint arthrodesis with lesser toe Stainsby procedures reduces the number of abnormal high pressure areas under the forefoot and should be considered for deformity correction in the rheumatoid forefoot