Aims. 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. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent hindfoot Charcot reconstruction with an intramedullary nail between January 2007 and December 2019 in our unit. Patient demographic details, comorbidities, weightbearing status, and postoperative complications were noted. Metalwork breakage, nonunion, deformity recurrence, concurrent midfoot reconstruction, and the measurements related to intramedullary nail were also recorded. Results. There were 70 patients with mean follow-up of 54 months (SD 26). Overall, 51 patients (72%) and 52 patients (74%) were fully weightbearing at one year postoperatively and at final follow-up, respectively. The overall hindfoot union rate was 83% (58/70 patients). Age, BMI, glycated haemoglobin, and prior revascularization did not affect union. The ratio of nail diameter and isthmus was greater in the united compared to the nonunited group (0.90 (SD 0.06) and 0.86 (SD 0.09), respectively; p = 0.034). In those with a supplementary hindfoot compression screw, there was a 95% union rate (19/20 patients), compared to 78% in those without screws (39/50 patients; p = 0.038). All patients with a miss-a-nail hindfoot compression screw went on to union. Hindfoot metalwork failure was seen in 13 patients (19%). An intact medial malleolus was found more frequently in those with intact metalwork ((77% (44/57 patients) vs 54% (7/13 patients); p = 0.022) and in those with union ((76% (44/58 patients) vs 50% (6/12 patients); p = 0.018). Broken metalwork occurred more frequently in patients with nonunions (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001) and midfoot deformity recurrence (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001). Conclusion. Rates of hindfoot union and intact metalwork were noted in over 80% of patients. Union after hindfoot reconstruction occurs more frequently with an isthmic fit of the intramedullary nail and supplementary hindfoot screws. An intact medial malleolus is protective against nonunion and hindfoot metalwork failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):703–708

Introduction. Surgical reconstruction of deformed Charcot feet carries high risk of non-union, metalwork failure and deformity recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to these complications following hindfoot Charcot reconstructions. Methods. We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent hindfoot Charcot reconstruction with an intramedullary nail between 2007 and 2019 in our unit. Patient demographics, co-morbidities, weightbearing status and post-operative complications were noted. Metalwork breakage, non-union, deformity recurrence, concurrent midfoot reconstruction and the measurements related to intramedullary nail were also recorded. Results. There were 70 patients with mean follow up of 50±26 months. Seventy-two percent were fully weightbearing at 1 year post-operatively. The overall union rate was 83%. Age, BMI, HbA1c and peripheral vascular disease did not affect union. The ratio of nail diameter and isthmus was greater in the united compared to the non-united group (0.90±0.06 and 0.86±0.09, respectively; p = 0.03). Supplemental compression devices were used for 33% of those in the united compared to 8% in the non-united group (p = 0.04). All patients in the non-union group did not have a miss-a-nail screw. Metalwork failure was seen in 13 patients(19%). There was a significantly greater distal screw metalwork failure in those with supplementary bridging of tibia to midfoot (23% vs. 3%; p = 0.001). An intact medial malleolus was found more frequently in those with intact metalwork (77% vs. 54%, respectively; p = 0.02) and those with union (76% vs. 50%; p = 0.02). Broken metalwork occurred more frequently in patients with non-unions (69% vs. 8%; p < 0.001) and deformity recurrence (69% vs. 9%; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes occur in over 80% of patients. Union after hindfoot reconstruction occurs more frequently with an isthmic fit of the intramedullary nail, supplementary compression and miss-a-nail screws. An intact medial malleolus is protective against non-union and metalwork failure. Broken metalwork is linked to deformity recurrence and non-union

Single stage total talectomy with tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis in adult patients has been rarely reported in the literature. In patients with severe rigid, unbraceable equinovarus deformities, talectomy can offer excellent correction.

We performed single stage total talectomy with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis on 11 feet in 10 patients (6F; 5M) of average age 67 years (range 54–77 years). 6 patients had neuropathic deformity, 2 had failed fusion procedures and 2 had severe Rheumatoid hindfoot disease. The fusion was undertaken using a hindfoot nail and screws in 5 patients, plate and screws in 4 patients, a hindfoot nail in 1 and cancellous screws in 1 patient. All patients followed the standard post operative protocol and were reviewed at 2, 6 and 12 weeks and thereafter every 4 weekly till union. All patients were mobilised strictly non weight bearing for the first 6 weeks and thereafter, touch weight bearing was allowed with the leg in a protective cast. Full weight bearing was allowed once the fusion had consolidated.

Fusion was achieved in 7 feet (64%) at an average time of 17 weeks. In 4 patients, non-union persisted but they were pain free at latest review and would not consider further surgery. Average duration of follow-up was 20 months (range 6–24 months). All patients had stiff hindfeet with a jog of movement at the tibio navicular articulation. All patients had a stable, plantigrade, braceable foot and were community ambulators. All patients were satisfied with the outcome.

Total talectomy with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis is a useful procedure to correct severe rigid equinovarus deformities in adults. The tibionavicular articulation forms a pseudarthrosis and retains a jog of movement. Retention of the head of the talus with talotibial arthrodesis is unnecessary. We recommend this procedure as a salvage option in this difficult problem.

Introduction

The management of open or unstable ankle and distal tibial fractures pose many challenges. In certain situations, hindfoot nailing (HFN) is indicated, however this depends on surgeon preference and regional variations exist. This study sought to establish the current management and outcomes of complex ankle fractures in the UK.

Introduction. Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of foot and ankle presents significant challenges to the orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon. Current treatment focuses on conservative management during the acute CN phase with offloading followed by deformity correction during the chronic phase. However, the deformity can progress in some feet despite optimal offloading resulting ulceration, infection, and limb loss. Our aim was to assess outcomes of primary surgical management with early reconstruction. Methods. Between December 2011 and December 2019, 25 patients underwent operative intervention at our specialist diabetic foot unit for CN with progressive deformity and or instability despite advanced offloading. All had peripheral neuropathy, and the majority due to diabetes. Twenty-six feet were operated on in total - 14 during Eichenholtz stage 1 and 12 during stage 2. Fourteen of these were performed as single stage procedures, whereas 12 as two-stage reconstructions. These included isolated hindfoot reconstructions in seven, midfoot in four and combined in 14 feet. Mean age at the time of operation was 54. Preoperative ulceration was evident in 14 patients. Results. Mean follow up was 45 months (Range 12–98). There was 100% limb salvage. One-year ambulation outcomes demonstrate FWB in bespoke footwear for 17 patients and in an ankle foot orthosis (AFO), Charcot restraint orthopaedic walker (CROW) or bivalve cast for seven. All preoperative ulceration had healed. Union was achieved in 18/21 hindfoot reconstructions and 7/18 midfoot reconstructions. There were nine episodes of return to theatre, of which five were within the first 12 months. There was one episode of new ulceration. Conclusion. Surgical management of acute CN (Eichenholtz one and two) of the foot provides functional limb salvage. In particular, hindfoot reconstruction shows good rates of bony union. It should be considered in ‘foot at risk’ presentations of acute CN foot

Introduction: The Orthopaedic Leg Trolley (OLT) is an alternative to crutches in the management of patients treated non-weight bearing. Advantages of the OLT include ease of use and the avoidance of problems such as painful hands and axillae, thus promoting greater mobility and facilitating early discharge. It also leaves the hands free for other purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of the OLT following major elective foot and ankle surgery, using a questionnaire. Methods: A prospective clinical audit was conducted on thirty patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery. Post-operatively, each patient was provided with an OLT. A questionnaire, measuring patient experience and satisfaction, was administered after the period of non-weight bearing. Results: There were 13 males and 17 females, mean age 56 years, range 22 to 81 years. All patients had undergone major hindfoot reconstruction, and many had significant co-morbidities which rendered routine crutch use difficult. The mean duration of use was 4 weeks. After one week’s use, 80 of patients reported having no difficulty; 13.3% had slight difficulty; 6.7% had great difficulty; and no patients found the OLT impossible. All patients had used crutches pre-operatively: 76.7% rated the OLT as being easier to use than crutches; 13.3% felt that it was the same; and 10% reported that crutches were easier to use. Overall 53.3% rated the OLT as “invaluable”; 36.6% as being “very helpful”; 6.7% as being “quite helpful”; and 3.3% as being “not at all helpful”. Conclusion: This study shows that the OLT is a useful alternative to crutches. It is particularly helpful in the rehabilitation of patients who are treated non-weight bearing following major foot and ankle surgery and have significant co-morbidities making crutch use difficult

Aims

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

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.

Objectives

The surgical challenge with severe hindfoot injuries is one of technical feasibility, and whether the limb can be salvaged. There is an additional question of whether these injuries should be managed with limb salvage, or whether patients would achieve a greater quality of life with a transtibial amputation. This study aims to measure functional outcomes in military patients sustaining hindfoot fractures, and identify injury features associated with poor function.