Background. Lateral ankle instability is a common problem, but the precise role of the lateral ankle structures has not been accurately investigated. This study aimed to accurately investigate lateral ankle complex stability for the first time using a novel robotic testing platform. Method. A six degrees of freedom robot manipulator and a universal force/torque sensor were used to test 10 foot and ankle specimens. The system automatically defined the path of unloaded plantar/dorsi flexion. At four flexion angles: 20° dorsiflexion, neutral flexion, 20° and 40° of plantarflexion; anterior-posterior (90N), internal-external (5Nm) and inversion-eversion (8Nm) laxity were tested. The motion of the intact ankle was recorded first and then replayed following transection of the lateral retinaculum, Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) and Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL). The decrease in force/torque reflected the contribution of the structure to restraining laxity. Data were analysed using repeated measures of variance and paired t-tests. Results. The ATFL was the primary restraint to anterior drawer (P< 0.01) and the CFL the primary restraint to inversion throughout range (P< 0.04), but with increased plantarflexion the ATFL's contribution increased. The ATFL had a significant role in resisting tibial external rotation, particularly at higher levels of plantarflexion, contributing 63% at 40° (P< 0.01). The CFL provided the greatest resistance to external tibial rotation, 22% at 40° plantarflexion (P< 0.01). The extensor retinaculum and skin did not offer significant restraint in any direction tested. Conclusion. This study shows accurately for the first time the significant role the ATFL and CFL have in rotational ankle stability. This significant loss in rotational stability may have implications in the aetiology of osteophyte formation and early degenerative changes in patients with chronic ankle instability. This is the first time the role of the lateral ankle complex has been quantified using a robotic testing platform

Aims. In the context of tendon degenerative disorders, the need for innovative conservative treatments that can improve the intrinsic healing potential of tendon tissue is progressively increasing. In this study, the role of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in improving the tendon healing process was evaluated in a rat model of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy. Methods. A total of 68 Sprague Dawley rats received a single injection of type I collagenase in Achilles tendons to induce the tendinopathy and then were daily exposed to PEMFs (1.5 mT and 75 Hz) for up to 14 days - starting 1, 7, or 15 days after the injection - to identify the best treatment option with respect to the phase of the disease. Then, 7 and 14 days of PEMF exposure were compared to identify the most effective protocol. Results. The daily exposure to PEMFs generally provided an improvement in the fibre organization, a decrease in cell density, vascularity, and fat deposition, and a restoration of the physiological cell morphology compared to untreated tendons. These improvements were more evident when the tendons were exposed to PEMFs during the mid-acute phase of the pathology (7 days after induction) rather than during the early (1 day after induction) or the late acute phase (15 days after induction). Moreover, the exposure to PEMFs for 14 days during the mid-acute phase was more effective than for 7 days. Conclusion. PEMFs exerted a positive role in the tendon healing process, thus representing a promising conservative treatment for tendinopathy, although further investigations regarding the clinical evaluation are needed. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(9):613–622

From 1975 to 1990 we performed subtalar or triple arthrodesis on 54 patients; 48 of them were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 10 years (6 to 15). There were 17 subtalar fusions in 14 patients and 37 triple arthrodeses in 28 patients. We assessed tibiotalar ankle function using the criteria of Mazur which gives a points score of a maximum of 100. Radiological evidence of degenerative change was graded on a scale of 0 to 4. The mean Mazur score was 85 for the subtalar fusions and 78 for the triple arthrodeses. The radiological score showed no degenerative changes in 36 feet (24 triple and 12 subtalar arthrodeses) and an increase of one grade in 14 feet (10 triple and 4 subtalar), of two grades in three feet (all triple arthrodeses) and of three grades in one foot after a subtalar arthrodesis. We found no statistically significant difference in the radiological score in unilateral fusions between feet with subtalar and triple arthrodeses and the contralateral foot. In all four feet which showed an increase in degenerative changes of two or more grades, there was an abnormality of the tibiotalar joint before the fusion operation. Of the 14 feet which showed an increase of one grade, there was a similar increase on the contralateral side in nine. Our findings show that subtalar or triple arthrodesis has little adverse influence on the function of the tibiotalar joint, even after many years

Aims. The pathogenesis of intraneural ganglion cysts is controversial. Recent reports in the literature described medial plantar intraneural ganglion cysts (mIGC) with articular branches to subtalar joints. The aim of the current study was to provide further support for the principles underlying the articular theory, and to explain the successes and failures of treatment of mICGs. Patients and Methods. Between 2006 and 2017, five patients with five mICGs were retrospectively reviewed. There were five men with a mean age of 50.2 years (33 to 68) and a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (0.8 to 6). Case history, physical examination, imaging, and intraoperative findings were reviewed. The outcomes of interest were ultrasound and/or MRI features of mICG, as well as the clinical outcomes. Results. The five intraneural cysts followed the principles of the unifying articular theory. Connection to the posterior subtalar joint (pSTJ) was identified or suspected in four patients. Re-evaluation of preoperative MRI demonstrated a degenerative pSTJ and denervation changes in the abductor hallucis in all patients. Cyst excision with resection of the articular branch (four), cyst incision and drainage (one), and percutaneous aspiration/steroid injection (two) were performed. Removing the connection to the pSTJ prevented recurrence of mIGC, whereas medial plantar nerves remained cystic and symptomatic when resection of the communicating articular branch was not performed. Conclusion. Our findings support a standardized treatment algorithm for mIGC in the presence of degenerative disease at the pSTJ. By understanding the pathoanatomic mechanism for every cyst, we can improve treatment that must address the articular branch to avoid the recurrence of intraneural ganglion cysts, as well as the degenerative pSTJ to avoid extraneural cyst formation or recurrence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:183–9

Introduction. Ankle fractures are common injuries presenting to trauma departments and ankle open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is one of the first procedures targeted in early orthopaedic training. Failure to address the fracture pattern with the appropriate surgical technique and hardware may lead to early failure resulting in revision procedures or premature degenerative change. Patients undergoing revision ORIF are known to be at much greater risk of complications, and many of these secondary procedures may be preventable. Method. A retrospective analysis of all patients attending our unit for ankle ORIF over a two year period was undertaken. Patients were identified from our Bluespier database and a review of X rays was undertaken. All patients undergoing re-operation within eight weeks of the primary procedure were studied. The cause of primary failure was established and potential contributing patient and surgical factors were recorded. Results. 236 patients undergoing ankle ORIF were identified. 13 patients (5.5%) returned to theatre for a secondary procedure within eight weeks. Within this group, 7 (54%) patients returned for treatment of a neglected or under treated syndesmotic injury, 3 (23%) for complete failure of fixation, 2 (15%) with wound problems and 1 (8%) for medial malleoulus mal-reduction. Of the patient group, 5 (38%) were known type 2 diabetics. Consultants performed 2 (15%) of procedures, supervised registrars 5 (39%) and unsupervised registrars 6 (46%) operations. Conclusion. Errors are being made at all levels of training in applying basic principles such as restoring fibula length and screening the syndesmosis intra-operatively. Appropriate placement and selection of hardware is not always being deployed in osteopenic bone resulting in premature failure of fixation and fracture patterns are not being fully appreciated. Patients are undergoing preventable secondary procedures in the operative treatment of ankle fractures

Degenerative disorders of tendons present an enormous clinical challenge. They are extremely common, prone to recur and existing medical and surgical treatments are generally unsatisfactory. Eccentric, but not concentric, exercises have been shown to be effective in managing tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon and of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon in particular. There has been much speculation on why eccentric exercises are effective. This talk will highlight the theories and evidence behind why eccentric exercises are effective. An understanding of why eccentric exercises are effective should inform best clinical practice on rehabilitation of tendinopathy. This talk will also discuss limitations of eccentric exercises and highlight areas where future research is needed

Aims

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°.

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

Aims

The hypothesis of this study was that bone peg fixation in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus would show satisfactory clinical and radiological results, without complications.

Lisfranc injuries are not the common injuries of foot and ankle but there has been an increase in the incidence of these injuries due to road traffic accidents and fall from heights. We wish to present our retrospective case series of the operative management of the Lisfranc injuries by our senior author. We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients with Lisfranc injuries who were managed operatively by the senior author over the last six years. The case note and the radiographs including the CT scans were reviewed. All of them were treated with open reduction and internal fixation within three weeks of injury. The male: female ratio was 43:25. 37 right: 31 left sided injuries. The average age was 40.6 years (range 16 – 81 years). The most common mechanism of injury was fall from steps at home followed by motor bike accident. They average follow-up was 19.5 months and they were assessed both clinically and radiographically at each follow-up. The k wires were removed at an average of six weeks. 96% were pain free and fully weight bearing after six months. Two patients had lateral scar tenderness. Majority of them returned to normal activities at an average of 12 months. Two patients had initial wound complications which were treated successfully with oral antibiotics. None of them had degenerative changes. Our results of early open reduction and internal fixation were comparable to the published literature

Failed Hallux Valgus Surgery Aim. We aim to explore the reasons behind long term failure of hallux valgus surgery. Patients & Methods. A series of patients with problems following failed hallux valgus surgery presenting to a tertiary referral unit is presented. There were 47 patients with 55 problematic feet, 45 were female. The mean age was 59 years (Range 25–79). The failed bunions were compared to a prospectively collected series of 80 patients with successful 1st metatarsal osteotomies, 40 ludloff and 40 scarf osteotomies. Before the index surgery, all the patients in the failed group, the predominant symptom was pain. Only 53% admitted deformity was an issue. A wide spectrum of procedures were performed, 13 Wilson's, 11 Keller's, 8 Chevron, 3 Bunionectomy, 2 Scarf, 1 Basal and 1 Mitchell's. In 16 patients the original procedure was unknown. The mean time to developing problems was 9.4 years (Range 0–45) with mean time to presentation 13.6 years. (Range 0–47) Radiographs revealed 2/3 of patients had relative shortening of the first metatarsal. Over 80% of x-rays demonstrated evidence of degenerative change. The mean AOFAS score deteriorated with increased shortening. The failed bunions had statistically significantly different AOFAS pain scores (15.1 vs 31.9 p < 0.05), function scores (25.02 vs 31.9 p < 0.05). Additionally, the hallux valgus angle was significantly higher (24 vs 11.7 p < 0.05) although there was no change in DMMA between the two groups (13 vs 7.6 p > 0.05). There was a significantly higher incidence of first ray shortening (12% vs 0% p < 0.05). Discussion. This represents an unusual series, with nothing similar in the literature. Problems following hallux valgus surgery do not present for over 10 years. Functional Scores deteriorate with increasing shortening. MTPJ degeneration is common and from our data we are unable to explain why

Aims

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).

We have reviewed the long-term results of 22 patients (23 fusions) with fractures of the os calcis, who had subtalar arthrodesis with correction of the deformity between 1975 and 1991. The mean follow-up was nine years (5 to 20). All patients were evaluated according to a modified foot score. A radiological assessment was used in which linear and angular variables were measured including the fibulocalcaneal abutment, the height of the heel and fat pad, the angle of the arch and the lateral talocalcaneal and the lateral talar declination angles. The technique used restores the normal relationship between the hindfoot and midfoot and corrects the height of the heel. This leads to better biomechanical balance of the neighbouring joints and gives a favourable clinical outcome. The modified foot score showed a good or excellent result in 51% of the feet. Residual complaints were mostly due to problems with the soft tissues. Subjectively, an excellent or good score was achieved in 78% of the cases. After statistical analysis, except for the height of the heel and the degenerative changes in the calcaneocuboid joint, no significant difference was found in the measured variables between the operated and the contralateral side

We studied retrospectively the results in 24 patients (25 feet) who had been treated by subtalar arthrodesis with internal compression for post-traumatic arthritis from 1988 to 1992. Fifteen patients were men (16 feet) and nine (9 feet) were women. Their mean age was 43 years (22 to 68), and the average duration of follow-up was four years (2 to 6). A single compression screw was used in all feet and iliac-crest bone grafting in ten. Union was achieved in 24 of the 25 feet (96%). Based on a clinical scale the results were excellent in 10 feet, good in 7, fair in 6, and poor in 2 and on the Angus and Cowell score they were good in 19 feet, fair in 4, and poor in 2. The two poor results were due to nonunion in one patient and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the other. One reoperation was performed for nonunion. Eighteen patients (18 feet) were satisfied with the results, four were satisfied with reservations, and three were dissatisfied. Progressive ankle and midfoot arthritis did not occur in the absence of pre-existing degenerative changes in these joints. We conclude that isolated subtalar arthrodesis with internal compression was effective treatment for post-traumatic subtalar arthritis. Iliac-crest bone grafting was not routinely required

Aims

Arthroscopically controlled fracture reduction in combination with percutaneous screw fixation may be an alternative approach to open surgery to treat talar neck fractures. The purpose of this study was thus to present preliminary results on arthroscopically reduced talar neck fractures.

Aims

The traditional transosseus flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer for patients with Achilles tendinopathy requires two incisions to harvest a long tendon graft. The use of a bio-tenodesis screw enables a short graft to be used and is less invasive, but lacks supporting evidence about its biomechanical behaviour. We aimed, in this study, to compare the strength of the traditional transosseus tendon-to-tendon fixation with tendon-to-bone fixation using a tenodesis screw, in cyclical loading and ultimate load testing.

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.

Large osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the shoulder of the talus cannot always be treated by traditional osteochondral autograft techniques because of their size, articular geometry and loss of an articular buttress. We hypothesised that they could be treated by transplantation of a vascularised corticoperiosteal graft from the ipsilateral medial femoral condyle.

Between 2004 and 2011, we carried out a prospective study of a consecutive series of 14 patients (five women, nine men; mean age 34.8 years, 20 to 54) who were treated for an OCL with a vascularised bone graft. Clinical outcome was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score. Radiological follow-up used plain radiographs and CT scans to assess graft incorporation and joint deterioration.

At a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2 to 7), the mean VAS for pain had decreased from 5.8 (5 to 8) to 1.8 (0 to 4) (p = 0.001) and the mean AOFAS hindfoot score had increased from 65 (41 to 70) to 81 (54 to 92) (p = 0.003). Radiologically, the talar contour had been successfully reconstructed with stable incorporation of the vascularised corticoperiosteal graft in all patients. Joint degeneration was only seen in one ankle.

Treatment of a large OCL of the shoulder of the talus with a vascularised corticoperiosteal graft taken from the medial condyle of the femur was found to be a safe, reliable method of restoring the contour of the talus in the early to mid-term.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1242–9.

In a retrospective study we compared 32 HINTEGRA total ankle replacements (TARs) and 35 Mobility TARs performed between July 2005 and May 2010, with a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean follow-up for the HINTEGRA group was 53 months (24 to 76) and for the Mobility group was 34 months (24 to 45). All procedures were performed by a single surgeon.

There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the mean AOFAS score, visual analogue score for pain or range of movement of the ankle at the latest follow-up. Most radiological measurements did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the most common grade of heterotopic ossification (HO) was grade 3 in the HINTEGRA group (10 of 13 TARs, 76.9%) and grade 2 in the Mobility group (four of seven TARs, 57.1%) (p = 0.025). Although HO was more frequent in the HINTEGRA group (40.6%) than in the Mobility group (20.0%), this was not statistically significant (p = 0.065).The difference in peri-operative complications between the two groups was not significant, but intra-operative medial malleolar fractures occurred in four (11.4%) in the Mobility group; four (12.5%) in the HINTEGRA group and one TAR (2.9%) in the Mobility group failed (p = 0.185).

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1075–82.

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.