Purpose: Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW-HTO) is a well-described operative method for the treatment of medial gonarthrosis in selected patients. One of the concerns with MOW-HTO is the potential delayed or nonunion across the medial gap. Traditionally, this gap was filled with autograft to facilitate union. Although alternative graft options, such as allograft, are available and have theoretical advantages over autograft, little is known about their efficacy relative to autograft in MOW-HTO. The purpose of our study was to perform a retrospective matched cohort study comparing union, re-operation and complication rates between autograft and morselized allograft as filler for the medial gap created in MOW-HTO.

Method: Forty patients who underwent MOW-HTO for sympathetic varus deformity with the use of autograft bone were matched for age, sex, body mass index, deformity and deformity correction with 40 patients who underwent the same procedure with the use of morselized bone allograft. The operative technique utilized, type of hardware fixation and rehabilitation program were similar for both groups. The primary outcome assessed was union rate as evaluated on radiographs by two independent blinded examiners. Re-operation and complication rates were assessed as secondary outcomes.

Results: A total of 73/80 patients in the study (91%) developed union, 4/80 (5%) developed nonunion, and 3/80 (4%) required early revision. The union rate was 95% and 88% in the autograft and allograft groups respectively. Three percent in the autograft and 8% in the allograft groups developed nonunion (p=0.64). Thirteen percent of the autograft patients required re-operation compared to 18% from the allograft patients (p=0.53). Complications were encountered in 28% of the autograft group and in 23% of the allograft group (p > 0.05). There was a 10% incidence of harvest site complications in the autograft group. The average operative time was 21 minutes shorter using allograft compared with using autograft (p< 0.01).

Conclusion: No statistical significant difference was demonstrated between the groups for union, re-operation rates and overall complication rates. However, the autograft group had a significant 10% incidence of harvest site complications and a statistically significant increased operative time. We conlcude that allograft is safe and efficacious to use in valgus producing MOW-HTO. Allograft avoids harvest site complications and is associated with decreased operative time when compared to autograft.

Purpose: The purpose of this randomised controlled trial was to compare outcomes of operative and non-operative management of Achilles tendon ruptures.

Method: Patients with acute complete Achilles tendon ruptures were randomised to receive open suture repair followed by graduated rehabilitation or graduated rehabilitation alone. The primary outcome measure was re-rupture rate. Assessments at three and six months, and one and two years included a modified Leppelhati score (no strength data), range of motion, calf circumference, and isokinetic strength at one and two years. We report the two year findings.

Results: Two centres randomized 145 patients (118 males and 27 females), mean age 40.9±8.8 years (22.5 – 67.2) to operative (n=73) and non-operative (n=72) treatment. Fourteen were lost to follow-up. Re-rupture occurred in three patients in both groups. The mean modified Lep-pelhati score (out of 85) was 78.2±7.7 in the operative group and 79.7±7.0 in the non-operative group, which was not significant (−1.5 95%CI −6.4 to 3.5, p=0.55). Mean side-to-side difference in plantar flexion and calf-circumference in the operative group was −2.0±3.2° and −1.4±1.2cm, and in the non-operative group −0.9±3.0°and −1.6±1.8cm respectively. Mean isokinetic plantar flexion strength was 62.4±24.2 for the operative and 56.7±19.3 for the non-operative group, which was not significant (5.7, 95%CI −3.1 to 14.5, p=0.20). There were a greater number of serious adverse events in the operative group, including pulmonary embolus in one patient, deep vein thrombosis in one and deep infections requiring irrigation and debridement in three.

Conclusion: This study suggests that non-operative management of Achilles tendon ruptures utilizing an accelerated rehabilitation programme may produce comparable results with fewer adverse events.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between ultrasound measured gap size and functional outcomes in non-operatively treated achilles tendon ruptures.

Patients who presented with complete achilles tendon ruptures were prospectively randomised to operative or non-operative treatment groups and followed over a one year period. The non-operative patients were selected and reassessed at three months, six months and one year. Patients were included if seen within seven days of their injury and had ultrasound confirmation of a complete tear. Non-operative treatment consisted of a functional bracing protocol with an aircast boot. Ultrasound measures included tear location and gap size in neutral, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion of the ankle. Outcome measures were re-rupture rates, complications, range of motion, calf circumference, strength, and functional outcome scores.

Twenty-five patients were included with complete data. The mean plantar flexion gap was 5.6(+/−7.5mm). The mean dorsiflexion gap was 13.7(+/−12.5mm). Proximal tears were found in 41% of patients, midsubstance in 27%, and distal tears in 32%. At one year follow-up 71% of patients had excellent results with the remaining 29% showing good results. Isokinetic strength, range of motion, and calf circumference measurements were all greater than 90% relative to the contralateral extremity. There were two reruptures and no other complications present. There were no significant relationships between plantar or dorsiflexion gap size and functional outcomes scores or tear location.

Gap size was not significantly related to functional outcomes. Non-operative treatment produced very good results at one year follow-up with low complication rates. These results suggest that ultrasound estimation of gap size and location may be of limited clinical value in the management of achilles tendon ruptures.

Purpose: To compare lateral closing to medial opening wedge HTO for a similar angle of correction with regard to change in proximal tibial bony anatomy and posterior cruciate ligament tibial attachment integrity following standard tibial arthroplasty resection.

Methods: Ten cadaveric lower limbs were randomized by side to receive a 12° lateral closing or 12.5mm medial opening wedge HTO. Anteroposterior, lateral and long leg AP radiographs were performed before and after each osteotomy. Pre and post osteotomy measurements of the coronal proximal tibial angle (PTA), sagittal tibial slope and anatomical femorotibial angle were completed and change in angles calculated. Prior to osteotomy, the tibial PCL attachment area was calculated. Post osteotomy, a standardized tibial arthroplasty resection was performed and the remaining percentage PCL attachment area recorded.

Results: Initial radiographs demonstrated little variation between matched pairs. Compared to the medial opening wedge group, the lateral closing wedge specimens demonstrated a statistically significant greater mean change in the PTA of 3.5° (95% C.I., 2.0 to 5.1°, p = 0.003) and an overall tendency for posterior tibial slope reduction with a mean change of −3.4 ± 4.9°. The average osteotomy angle in the medial opening wedge specimens was 11.9 ± 0.7°. Following tibial arthroplasty resection, there was a significant difference in the remaining PCL tibial attachment percentage area of 84.6 ±14.9 % for medial opening wedge and 50.8 ± 19.3 % for lateral closing wedge for a statistically significant mean difference of 33.8 % (95% C.I. 5.1 to 62.4, p = 0.031).

Conclusions: Despite similar correction angles of 12° for lateral closing and 11.9° for medial opening, the former specimens demonstrated a greater alteration in proximal tibial bony anatomy compared to the latter. In the lateral closing wedge group, the tendency to reduce posterior tibial slope and produce a greater than anticipated change in PTA had a significant effect on the integrity of the PCL’s tibial attachment following tibial arthroplasty resection.

Purpose: Achieving accurate imaging in talus neck fracture management is important. Patient outcome relies on the ability to achieve and maintain anatomic reduction. The ability to visualize the reduction postoperatively using plain radiographs or computed tomography (CT) is limited. The purpose of this study is to assess the ability of radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to detect changes in talus fracture fragment alignment using an in-vitro model. This will be compared to the use of plain radiographs and CT.

Methods: Eight cadaveric human lower extremities were used as talus fracture models. Each talus was removed from the specimen and an osteotomy was created. RSA beads were inserted into the fragments. Anatomical reduction was achieved with two 3.5 mm cortical screws. A set of plain radiographs and RSA films was obtained. The fragments were displaced in a combined varus and supination direction. The degree of displacement was measured with a Vernier caliper and the rotation measured with a protractor. The imaging sequence was repeated in addition to obtaining CT scans with three dimension reconstruction. The RSA measurements were interpreted in a blinded fashion by an experienced researcher. Two independent blinded observers measured the displacement and rotation with plain films and CT. The results from each radiographic measurements were compared using ANOVA method to the experimental values.

Results: The average difference between the RSA measurements and the experimental measurements was 5.9mm while the difference between CT scan measurements and experimental values was 2.4mm (p=0.003). The average difference in rotation was not statistically significant between the three groups.

Conclusions: CT scan provides the most accurate assessment of talar neck malunion. Unfortunately, RSA is not a viable imaging technique for assessing talar neck displacement.

Funding : Other Education Grant

Funding Parties : Lawson Health Research Institute

Purpose: Posterior Ankle Arthroscopy (PAA) is a relatively new operative technique for a specific and under-recognized ankle problem, posterior ankle impingement. Prospective data on the old technique, posterior ankle arthrotomy, have shown an unacceptable high complication rate. Literature review on PAA found reports on surgical techniques and anatomical studies only. The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective study, with short-term follow-up to determine the quality of life, function and clinical results after posterior ankle arthroscopy.

Methods: Twenty-three patients underwent a PAA between 1998 and 2004 at our centre. Fifteen patients (16 PAA) were available for follow-up. They filled out the LEFS-score, the AOFAS clinical rating systems, the SF-12, 3 satisfaction scales and also underwent an examination of their ankle.

Results: The mean follow-up time was 32 months (6–74 months). The mean age at time of surgery was 25 years (19–43 years). After surgery they spent on average two weeks on crutches needing pain medication for 1 week. The mean return to work was 1 month (0–3 months) and return to sport was 5 months (1–24 months). 94% of the patients returned to their preoperative level of sport. Complications included five patients with temporary numbness around their scar and one patient with temporary ankle stiffness. There were no permanent neurovascular injuries. The mean LEFS score at follow-up was 75 (65–80; best = 80). The mean AOFAS score was 91 (77–100: 100 = best). The mean SF-12 score was 51.80 PCS (30.77–60.53); 55,80 MCS (44.26–63.33). All reported they had improved after their surgery and would have the surgery again.

Conclusions: Functional and clinical evaluations after a PAA revealed that all of the patients were very satisfied with the result and showed excellent quality of life. Posterior ankle impingement is an under-recognised clinical entity which now has an effective treatment available. Increased clinical focus on this condition may reveal a higher incidence associated with other diagnosis. We are currently evaluating patients pre and postoperative in a prospective study