Children with spinal dysraphism can develop various musculoskeletal deformities, necessitating a range of orthopaedic interventions, causing significant morbidity, and making considerable demands on resources. This systematic review aimed to identify what outcome measures have been reported in the literature for children with spinal dysraphism who undergo orthopaedic interventions involving the lower limbs. A PROSPERO-registered systematic literature review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. All relevant studies published until January 2023 were identified. Individual outcomes and outcome measurement tools were extracted verbatim. The measurement tools were assessed for reliability and validity, and all outcomes were grouped according to the Outcome Measures Recommended for use in Randomized Clinical Trials (OMERACT) filters.Aims
Methods
To compare changes in gait kinematics and walking speed 24 months after conventional (C-MLS) and minimally invasive (MI-MLS) multilevel surgery for children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). A retrospective analysis of 19 children following C-MLS, with mean age at surgery of 12 years five months (seven years ten months to 15 years 11 months), and 36 children following MI-MLS, with mean age at surgery of ten years seven months (seven years one month to 14 years ten months), was performed. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) and walking speed were collected preoperatively and six, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Type and frequency of procedures as part of MLS, surgical adverse events, and subsequent surgery were recorded.Aims
Methods
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). A consecutive series of 811 ankles (789 patients) that underwent TAA between May 2003 and December 2013 were enrolled. The influence of age on clinical outcome, including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and pain according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed. In addition, the risk for revision surgery that includes soft tissue procedures, periarticular arthrodeses/osteotomies, ankle joint debridement, and/or inlay exchange (defined as minor revision), as well as the risk for revision surgery necessitating the exchange of any of the metallic components or removal of implant followed by ankle/hindfoot fusion (defined as major revision) was calculated.Aims
Methods
The medial malleolus, once believed to be the primary stabilizer of the ankle, has been the topic of conflicting clinical and biomechanical data for many decades. Despite the relevant surgical anatomy being understood for almost 40 years, the optimal treatment of medial malleolar fractures remains unclear, whether the injury occurs in isolation or as part of an unstable bi- or trimalleolar fracture configuration. Traditional teaching recommends open reduction and fixation of medial malleolar fractures that are part of an unstable injury. However, there is recent evidence to suggest that nonoperative management of well-reduced fractures may result in equivalent outcomes, but without the morbidity associated with surgery. This review gives an update on the relevant anatomy and classification systems for medial malleolar fractures and an overview of the current literature regarding their management, including surgical approaches and the choice of implants. Cite this article: Abstract
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. Tendon grafts were undertaken in 24 paired lower-leg specimens
and randomly assigned in two groups using fixation with a transosseus
suture (suture group) or a tenodesis screw (screw group). The biomechanical
behaviour was evaluated using cyclical and ultimate loading tests.
The Student’s Aims
Materials and Methods
Anatomical atlases document classical safe corridors for the
placement of transosseous fine wires through the calcaneum during
circular frame external fixation. During this process, the posterior
tibial neurovascular bundle (PTNVB) is placed at risk, though this
has not been previously quantified. We describe a cadaveric study
to investigate a safe technique for posterolateral to anteromedial
fine wire insertion through the body of the calcaneum. A total of 20 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were divided into
two groups. Wires were inserted using two possible insertion points
and at varying angles. In Group A, wires were inserted one-third
along a line between the point of the heel and the tip of the lateral
malleolus while in Group B, wires were inserted halfway along this
line. Standard dissection techniques identified the structures at
risk and the distance of wires from neurovascular structures was measured.
The results from 19 limbs were subject to analysis.Aims
Materials and Methods
Various radiological parameters are used to evaluate a flatfoot
deformity and their measurements may differ. The aims of this study
were to answer the following questions: 1) Which of the 11 parameters
have the best inter- and intraobserver reliability in a standardized
radiological setting? 2) Are pre- and postoperative assessments
equally reliable? 3) What are the identifiable sources of variation? Measurements of the 11 parameters were recorded on anteroposterior
and lateral weight-bearing radiographs of 38 feet before and after
surgery for flatfoot, by three observers with different experience
in foot surgery (A, ten years; B, three years; C, third-year orthopaedic
resident). The inter- and intraobserver reliability was calculated.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
There has been an evolution recently in the management of unstable
fractures of the ankle with a trend towards direct fixation of a
posterior malleolar fragment. Within these fractures, Haraguchi
type 2 fractures extend medially and often cannot be fixed using
a standard posterolateral approach. Our aim was to describe the
posteromedial approach to address these fractures and to assess
its efficacy and safety. We performed a review of 15 patients with a Haraguchi type 2
posterior malleolar fracture which was fixed using a posteromedial
approach. Five patients underwent initial temporary spanning external
fixation. The outcome was assessed at a median follow-up of 29 months (interquartile
range (IQR) 17 to 36) using the Olerud and Molander score and radiographs were
assessed for the quality of the reduction.Aims
Patients and Methods
Nerve palsy is a well-described complication
following total hip arthroplasty, but is highly distressing and
disabling. A nerve palsy may cause difficulty with the post-operative
rehabilitation, and overall mobility of the patient. Nerve palsy
may result from compression and tension to the affected nerve(s)
during the course of the operation via surgical manipulation and
retractor placement, tension from limb lengthening or compression
from post-operative hematoma. In the literature, hip dysplasia,
lengthening of the leg, the use of an uncemented femoral component, and
female gender are associated with a greater risk of nerve palsy.
We examined our experience at a high-volume, tertiary care referral
centre, and found an overall incidence of 0.3% out of 39 056 primary
hip arthroplasties. Risk factors found to be associated with the
incidence of nerve palsy at our institution included the presence
of spinal stenosis or lumbar disc disease, age younger than 50,
and smoking. If a nerve palsy is diagnosed, imaging is mandatory
and surgical evacuation or compressive haematomas may be beneficial.
As palsies are slow to recover, supportive care such as bracing,
therapy, and reassurance are the mainstays of treatment. Cite this article:
Injuries to the foot in athletes are often subtle
and can lead to a substantial loss of function if not diagnosed
and treated appropriately. For these injuries in general, even after
a diagnosis is made, treatment options are controversial and become
even more so in high level athletes where limiting the time away
from training and competition is a significant consideration. In this review, we cover some of the common and important sporting
injuries affecting the foot including updates on their management
and outcomes. Cite this article:
Sporting injuries around the ankle vary from
simple sprains that will resolve spontaneously within a few days
to severe injuries which may never fully recover and may threaten
the career of a professional athlete. Some of these injuries can
be easily overlooked altogether or misdiagnosed with potentially
devastating effects on future performance. In this review article,
we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries involving
the ankle including updates on their management and outcomes. 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:
Lengthening of the conjoined tendon of the gastrocnemius
aponeurosis and soleus fascia is frequently used in the treatment
of equinus deformities in children and adults. The Vulpius procedure
as described in most orthopaedic texts is a division of the conjoined
tendon in the shape of an inverted V. However, transverse division
was also described by Vulpius and Stoffel, and has been reported
in some clinical studies. We studied the anatomy and biomechanics of transverse division
of the conjoined tendon in 12 human cadavers (24 legs). Transverse
division of the conjoined tendon resulted in predictable, controlled
lengthening of the gastrocsoleus muscle-tendon unit. The lengthening
achieved was dependent both on the level of the cut in the conjoined
tendon and division of the midline raphé. Division at a proximal
level resulted in a mean lengthening of 15.2 mm ( Cite this article:
We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive
series of 178 Mobility total ankle replacements (TARs) performed
by three surgeons between January 2004 and June 2009, and analysed
radiological parameters and clinical outcomes in a subgroup of 129
patients. The mean follow-up was 4 years (2 to 6.3). A total of
ten revision procedures (5.6%) were undertaken. The mean Ankle Osteoarthritis
Scale (AOS) pain score was 17 (0 to 88) and 86% of patients were
clinically improved at follow-up. However, 18 patients (18 TARs,
14%) had a poor outcome with an AOS pain score of >
30. A worse
outcome was associated with a pre-operative diagnosis of post-traumatic degenerative
arthritis. However, no pre- or post-operative radiological parameters
were significantly associated with a poor outcome. Of the patients
with persistent pain, eight had predominantly medial-sided pain.
Thirty TARs (29%) had a radiolucency in at least one zone. The outcome of the Mobility TAR at a mean of four years is satisfactory
in >
85% of patients. However, there is a significant incidence
of persistent pain, particularly on the medial side, for which we
were unable to establish a cause. Cite this article:
We examined the association of graft type with
the risk of early revision of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
(ACLR) in a community-based sample. A retrospective analysis of
a cohort of 9817 ACLRs recorded in an ACLR Registry was performed.
Patients were included if they underwent primary ACLR with bone–patellar tendon–bone
autograft, hamstring tendon autograft or allograft tissue. Aseptic
failure was the main endpoint of the study. After adjusting for
age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index, allografts had a
3.02 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93 to 4.72) higher risk
of aseptic revision than bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts (p
<
0.001). Hamstring tendon autografts had a 1.82 times (95% CI
1.10 to 3.00) higher risk of revision compared with bone–patellar
tendon–bone autografts (p = 0.019). For each year increase in age,
the risk of revision decreased by 7% (95% CI 5 to 9). In gender-specific
analyses a 2.26 times (95% CI 1.15 to 4.44) increased risk of hamstring
tendon autograft revision in females was observed compared with
bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft. We conclude that allograft
tissue, hamstring tendon autografts, and younger age may all increase
the risk of early revision surgery after ACLR. Cite this article:
We report the incidence and intensity of persistent
pain in patients with an otherwise uncomplicated total ankle replacement
(TAR). Arthroscopic debridement was performed in selected cases
and the clinical outcome was analysed. Among 120 uncomplicated TARs, there was persistent pain with
a mean visual analogue scale (VAS) of 2.7 (0 to 8). The intensity
of pain decreased in 115 ankles (95.8%). Exercise or walking for
more than 30 minutes was the most common aggravating factor (62
ankles, 68.1%). The character of the pain was most commonly described
as dull (50 ankles, 54.9%) and located on the medial aspect of the
joint (43 ankles, 47.3%). A total of seven ankles (5.8%) underwent subsequent arthroscopy.
These patients had local symptoms and a VAS for pain ≥ 7 on exertion.
Impingement with fibrosis and synovitis was confirmed. After debridement,
the median VAS decreased from 7 to 3 and six patients were satisfied.
The median VAS for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle
Society score of the ankles after debridement was similar to that
of the uncomplicated TARs (p = 0.496 and p = 0.066, respectively). Although TAR reduces the intensity of pain, residual pain is
not infrequent even in otherwise uncomplicated TARs and soft-tissue
impingement is the possible cause. Cite this article:
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a
rare benign disease of the synovium of joints and tendon sheaths, which
may be locally aggressive. We present 18 patients with diffuse-type
PVNS of the foot and ankle followed for a mean of 5.1 years (2 to
11.8). There were seven men and 11 women, with a mean age of 42
years (18 to 73). A total of 13 patients underwent open or arthroscopic
synovectomy, without post-operative radiotherapy. One had surgery
at the referring unit before presentation with residual tibiotalar
PVNS. The four patients who were managed non-operatively remain
symptomatically controlled and under clinical and radiological surveillance.
At final follow-up the mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score
was 93.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85 to 100), the mean Toronto
Extremity Salvage Score was 92 (95% CI 82 to 100) and the mean American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons foot and ankle score was 89 (95%
CI 79 to 100). The lesion in the patient with residual PVNS resolved radiologically
without further intervention six years after surgery. Targeted synovectomy
without adjuvant radiotherapy can result in excellent outcomes,
without recurrence. Asymptomatic patients can be successfully managed
non-operatively. This is the first series to report clinical outcome
scores for patients with diffuse-type PVNS of the foot and ankle. Cite this article:
Controversy continues to surround the management
of patients with an open fracture of the lower limb and an associated
vascular injury (Gustilo type IIIC). This study reports our 15-year
experience with these fractures and their outcome in 18 patients
(15 male and three female). Their mean age was 30.7 years (8 to
54) and mean Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) at presentation
was 6.9 (3 to 10). A total of 15 lower limbs were salvaged and three underwent
amputation (two immediate and one delayed). Four patients underwent
stabilisation of the fracture by external fixation and 12 with an
internal device. A total of 11 patients had damage to multiple arteries
and eight had a vein graft. Wound cover was achieved with a pedicled
flap in three and a free flap in six. Seven patients developed a
wound infection and four developed nonunion requiring further surgery.
At a mean follow-up of five years (4.1 to 6.6) the mean visual analogue
scale for pain was 64 (10 to 90). Depression and anxiety were common.
Activities were limited mainly because of pain, and the MESS was
a valid predictor of the functional outcome. Distal tibial fractures
had an increased rate of nonunion when associated with posterior
tibial artery damage, and seven patients (39%) were not able to
return to their previous occupation.
