Aims. Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Complications associated with fixation include screw perforation, varus collapse, and avascular necrosis of the humeral head. To address these challenges, various augmentation techniques to increase
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. 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.Aims
Methods
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. We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients with infected Charcot foot deformity who underwent two-stage reconstruction with internal fixation between July 2011 and November 2019, with a minimum of 12 months’ follow-up.Aims
Methods
The Wrightington classification system of fracture-dislocations of the elbow divides these injuries into six subtypes depending on the involvement of the coronoid and the radial head. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and reproducibility of this classification system. This was a blinded study using radiographs and CT scans of 48 consecutive patients managed according to the Wrightington classification system between 2010 and 2018. Four trauma and orthopaedic consultants, two post CCT fellows, and one speciality registrar based in the UK classified the injuries. The seven observers reviewed preoperative radiographs and CT scans twice, with a minimum four-week interval. Radiographs and CT scans were reviewed separately. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were calculated using Fleiss and Cohen kappa coefficients. The Landis and Koch criteria were used to interpret the strength of the kappa values. Validity was assessed by calculating the percentage agreement against intraoperative findings.Aims
Methods
Dual plating of distal femoral fractures with medial and lateral implants has been performed to improve construct mechanics and alignment, in cases where isolated lateral plating would be insufficient. This may potentially compromise vascularity, paradoxically impairing healing. This study investigates effects of single versus dual plating on distal femoral vascularity. A total of eight cadaveric lower limb pairs were arbitrarily assigned to either 1) isolated lateral plating, or 2) lateral and medial plating of the distal femur, with four specimens per group. Contralateral limbs served as matched controls. Pre- and post-contrast MRI was performed to quantify signal intensity enhancement in the distal femur. Further evaluation of intraosseous vascularity was done with barium sulphate infusion with CT scan imaging. Specimens were then injected with latex medium and dissection was completed to assess extraosseous vasculature.Aims
Methods
The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the functional
and radiological outcomes of bridge plating, screw fixation, and
a combination of both methods for the treatment of Lisfranc fracture
dislocations. A total of 108 patients were treated for a Lisfranc fracture
dislocation over a period of nine years. Of these, 38 underwent
transarticular screw fixation, 45 dorsal bridge plating, and 25
a combination technique. Injuries were assessed preoperatively according
to the Myerson classification system. The outcome measures included
the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the
validated Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) functional
tool, and the radiological Wilppula classification of anatomical
reduction.Aims
Patients and Methods
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. A total of seven consecutive patients (four women and three men,
mean age 39 years (19 to 61)) underwent attempted surgical treatment
of a closed Hawkins type II talar neck fracture using arthroscopically
assisted reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. Functional and
radiological outcome were assessed using plain radiographs, as well
as weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing CT scans as tolerated.
Patient satisfaction and pain sensation were also recorded.Aims
Patients and Methods
Fractures of the navicular can occur in isolation but, owing
to the intimate anatomical and biomechanical relationships, are
often associated with other injuries to the neighbouring bones and
joints in the foot. As a result, they can lead to long-term morbidity
and poor function. Our aim in this study was to identify patterns
of injury in a new classification system of traumatic fractures
of the navicular, with consideration being given to the commonly associated
injuries to the midfoot. We undertook a retrospective review of 285 consecutive patients
presenting over an eight- year period with a fracture of the navicular.
Five common patterns of injury were identified and classified according
to the radiological features. Type 1 fractures are dorsal avulsion
injuries related to the capsule of the talonavicular joint. Type
2 fractures are isolated avulsion injuries to the tuberosity of
the navicular. Type 3 fractures are a variant of tarsometatarsal
fracture/dislocations creating instability of the medial ray. Type
4 fractures involve the body of the navicular with no associated
injury to the lateral column and type 5 fractures occur in conjunction
with disruption of the midtarsal joint with crushing of the medial
or lateral, or both, columns of the foot.Aims
Patients and Methods
Stable fractures of the ankle can be safely treated
non-operatively. It is also gradually being recognised that the integrity
of the ‘medial column’ is essential for the stability of the fracture.
It is generally thought that bi- and tri-malleolar fractures are
unstable, as are pronation external rotation injuries resulting
in an isolated high fibular fracture (Weber type-C), where the deltoid
ligament is damaged or the medial malleolus fractured. However,
how best to identify unstable, isolated, trans-syndesmotic Weber
type-B supination external rotation (SER) fractures of the lateral
malleolus remains controversial. We provide a rationale as to how to classify SER distal fibular
fractures using weight-bearing radiographs, and how this can help
guide the management of these common injuries. Cite this article:
The surgical management of ankle arthritis with tibiotalar arthrodesis
is known to alter gait, as compared with normal ankles. The purpose
of this study was to assess post-operative gait function with gait
before arthrodesis. We prospectively studied 20 patients who underwent three-dimensional
gait analysis before and after tibiotalar arthrodesis. Cadence,
step length, walking velocity and total support time were assessed.
Kinetic parameters, including the moment and power of the ankle
in the sagittal plane and hip power were also recorded.Aims
Patients and Methods
Although infrequent, a fracture of the cuboid can lead to significant
disruption of the integrity of the midfoot and its function. The
purpose of this study was to classify the pattern of fractures of
the cuboid, relate them to the mechanism of injury and suggest methods
of managing them. We performed a retrospective review of patients with radiologically
reported cuboid fractures. Fractures were grouped according to commonly
occurring patterns of injury. A total of 192 fractures in 188 patients
were included. They were classified into five patterns of injury.Aims
Patients and Methods
We report our experience of performing an elbow
hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of comminuted distal humeral fractures
in the elderly patients. A cohort of 42 patients (three men and 39 women, mean age 72;
56 to 84) were reviewed at a mean of 34.3 months (24 to 61) after
surgery. Functional outcome was measured with the Mayo Elbow Performance
Score (MEPS) and range of movement. The disabilities of the arm,
shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH) was used as a patient rated
evaluation. Complications and ulnar nerve function were recorded.
Plain radiographs were obtained to assess prosthetic loosening,
olecranon wear and heterotopic bone formation. The mean extension deficit was 23.5° (0° to 60°) and mean flexion
was 126.8° (90° to 145°) giving a mean arc of 105.5° (60° to 145°).
The mean MEPS was 90 (50 to 100) and a mean DASH score of 20 (0
to 63). Four patients had additional surgery for limited range of
movement and one for partial instability. One elbow was revised
due to loosening, two patients had sensory ulnar nerve symptoms,
and radiographic signs of mild olecranon wear was noted in five
patients. Elbow hemiarthroplasty for comminuted intra-articular distal
humeral fractures produces reliable medium-term results with functional
outcome and complication rates, comparable with open reduction and
internal fixation and total elbow arthroplasty. Cite this article:
Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CN) of the midfoot
presents a major reconstructive challenge for the foot and ankle
surgeon. The Synthes 6 mm Midfoot Fusion Bolt is both designed and
recommended for patients who have a deformity of the medial column
of the foot due to CN. We present the results from the first nine
patients (ten feet) on which we attempted to perform fusion of the
medial column using this bolt. Six feet had concurrent hindfoot fusion
using a retrograde nail. Satisfactory correction of deformity of
the
Talonavicular and subtalar joint fusion through
a medial incision (modified triple arthrodesis) has become an increasingly
popular technique for treating symptomatic flatfoot deformity caused
by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to look at its clinical and radiological
mid- to long-term outcomes, including the rates of recurrent flatfoot
deformity, nonunion and avascular necrosis of the dome of the talus. A total of 84 patients (96 feet) with a symptomatic rigid flatfoot
deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were treated
using a modified triple arthrodesis. The mean age of the patients
was 66 years (35 to 85) and the mean follow-up was 4.7 years (1 to 8.3).
Both clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed retrospectively. In 86 of the 95 feet (90.5%) for which radiographs were available,
there was no loss of correction at final follow-up. In all, 14 feet
(14.7%) needed secondary surgery, six for nonunion, two for avascular
necrosis, five for progression of the flatfoot deformity and tibiotalar
arthritis and one because of symptomatic overcorrection. The mean
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot score (AOFAS
score) at final follow-up was 67 (between 16 and 100) and the mean
visual analogue score for pain 2.4 points (between 0 and 10). In conclusion, modified triple arthrodesis provides reliable
correction of deformity and a good clinical outcome at mid- to long-term
follow-up, with nonunion as the most frequent complication. Avascular
necrosis of the talus is a rare but serious complication of this
technique. Cite this article:
Flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement
calcaneal osteotomy is a well-recognised form of treatment for stage
II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Although excellent short-
and medium-term results have been reported, the long-term outcome
is unknown. We reviewed the clinical outcome of 31 patients with
a symptomatic flexible flat-foot deformity who underwent this procedure
between 1994 and 1996. There were 21 women and ten men with a mean
age of 54.3 years (42 to 70). The mean follow-up was 15.2 years
(11.4 to 16.5). All scores improved significantly (p <
0.001).
The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved
from 48.4 pre-operatively to 90.3 (54 to 100) at the final follow-up.
The mean pain component improved from 12.3 to 35.2 (20 to 40). The
mean function score improved from 35.2 to 45.6 (30 to 50). The mean
visual analogue score for pain improved from 7.3 to 1.3 (0 to 6).
The mean Short Form-36 physical component score was 40.6 ( Cite this article:
We report the outcomes of 20 patients (12 men,
8 women, 21 feet) with Charcot neuro-arthropathy who underwent correction
of deformities of the ankle and hindfoot using retrograde intramedullary
nail arthrodesis. The mean age of the patients was 62.6 years (46
to 83); their mean BMI was 32.7 (15 to 47) and their median American
Society of Anaesthetists score was 3 (2 to 4). All presented with
severe deformities and 15 had chronic ulceration. All were treated
with reconstructive surgery and seven underwent simultaneous midfoot
fusion using a bolt, locking plate or a combination of both. At
a mean follow-up of 26 months (8 to 54), limb salvage was achieved
in all patients and 12 patients (80%) with ulceration achieved healing
and all but one patient regained independent mobilisation. There was
failure of fixation with a broken nail requiring revision surgery
in one patient. Migration of distal locking screws occurred only
when standard screws had been used but not with hydroxyapatite-coated
screws. The mean American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and
Ankle (AAOS-FAO) score improved from 50.7 (17 to 88) to 65.2 (22
to 88), (p = 0.015). The mean Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey Physical
Component Score improved from 25.2 (16.4 to 42.8) to 29.8 (17.7
to 44.2), (p = 0.003) and the mean Euroqol EQ‑5D‑5L score improved
from 0.63 (0.51 to 0.78) to 0.67 (0.57 to 0.84), (p = 0.012). Single-stage correction of deformity using an intramedullary
hindfoot arthrodesis nail is a good form of treatment for patients
with severe Charcot hindfoot deformity, ulceration and instability
provided a multidisciplinary care plan is delivered. Cite this article:
In this study we evaluated the results of midtarsal
release and open reduction for the treatment of children with convex
congenital foot (CCF) (vertical talus) and compared them with the
published results of peritalar release. Between 1977 and 2009, a
total of 22 children (31 feet) underwent this procedure. In 15 children
(48%) the CCF was isolated and in the remainder it was not (seven
with arthrogryposis, two with spinal dysraphism, one with a polymalformative
syndrome and six with an undefined neurological disorder). Pre-operatively, the mean tibiotalar angle was 150.2° (106° to
175°) and the mean calcaneal pitch angle was -19.3° (-72° to 4°).
The procedure included talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joint capsulotomies,
lengthening of tendons of tibialis anterior and the extensors of
the toes, allowing reduction of the midtarsal joints. Lengthening
of the Achilles tendon was necessary in 23 feet (74%). The mean follow-up was 11 years (2 to 21). The results, as assessed
by the Adelaar score, were good in 24 feet (77.4%), fair in six
(19.3%) and poor in one foot (3.3%), with no difference between
those with isolated CCF and those without. The mean American Orthopaedic
Foot and Ankle Society midfoot score was 89.9 (54 to 100) and 77.8
(36 to 93) for those with isolated CCF and those without, respectively.
At the final follow-up, the mean tibiotalar (120°; 90 to 152) and
calcaneal pitch angles (4°; -13 to 22) had improved significantly
(p <
0.0001). Dislocation of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid
joints was completely reduced in 22 (70.9%) and 29 (93.6%) of feet,
respectively. Three children (five feet) underwent further surgery
at a mean of 8.5 years post-operatively, three with pes planovalgus
and two in whom the deformity had been undercorrected. No child
developed avascular necrosis of the talus. Midtarsal joint release and open reduction is a satisfactory
procedure, which may provide better results than peritalar release.
Complications include the development of pes planovalgus and persistent
dorsal subluxation of the talonavicular joint. Cite this article:
At our institution surgical correction of symptomatic
flat foot deformities in children has been guided by a paradigm in
which radiographs and pedobarography are used in the assessment
of outcome following treatment. Retrospective review of children
with symptomatic flat feet who had undergone surgical correction
was performed to assess the outcome and establish the relationship
between the static alignment and the dynamic loading of the foot. A total of 17 children (21 feet) were assessed before and after
correction of soft-tissue contractures and lateral column lengthening,
using standardised radiological and pedobarographic techniques for
which normative data were available. We found significantly improved static segmental alignment of
the foot, significantly improved mediolateral dimension foot loading,
and worsened fore-aft foot loading, following surgical treatment.
Only four significant associations were found between radiological
measures of static segmental alignment and dynamic loading of the foot. Weakness of the plantar flexors of the ankle was a common post-operative
finding. Surgeons should be judicious in the magnitude of lengthening
of the plantar flexors that is undertaken and use techniques that
minimise subsequent weakening of this muscle group. Cite this article:
We evaluated the biomechanical properties of two different methods of fixation for unstable fractures of the proximal humerus. Biomechanical testing of the two groups, locking plate alone (LP), and locking plate with a fibular strut graft (LPSG), was performed using seven pairs of human cadaveric humeri. Cyclical loads between 10 N and 80 N at 5 Hz were applied for 1 000 000 cycles. Immediately after cycling, an increasing axial load was applied at a rate of displacement of 5 mm/min. The displacement of the construct, maximum failure load, stiffness and mode of failure were compared. The displacement was significantly less in the LPSG group than in the LP group (p = 0.031). All maximum failure loads and measures of stiffness in the LPSG group were significantly higher than those in the LP group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.035, respectively). In the LP group, varus collapse and plate bending were seen. In the LPSG group, the humeral head cut out and the fibular strut grafts fractured. No broken plates or screws were seen in either group. We conclude that strut graft augmentation significantly increases both the maximum failure load and the initial stiffness of this construct compared with a locking plate alone.
We treated 47 patients with a mean age of 57 years (22 to 88) who had a proximal humeral fracture in which there was a severe varus deformity, using a standard operative protocol of anatomical reduction, fixation with a locking plate and supplementation by structural allografts in unstable fractures. The functional and radiological outcomes were reviewed. At two years after operation the median Constant score was 86 points and the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score 17 points. Seven of the patients underwent further surgery, two for failure of fixation, three for dysfunction of the rotator cuff, and two for shoulder stiffness. The two cases of failure of fixation were attributable to violation of the operative protocol. In the 46 patients who retained their humeral head, all the fractures healed within the first year, with no sign of collapse or narrowing of the joint space. Longer follow-up will be required to confirm whether these initially satisfactory results are maintained.
