Aims. Few reports compare the contribution of the talonavicular articulation to overall range of movement in the sagittal plane after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in ROM and functional outcomes following tibiotalar arthrodesis and TAA. Patients and Methods. Patients who underwent isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis or TAA with greater than two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Overall arc of movement and talonavicular movement in the sagittal plane were assessed with weight-bearing lateral maximum dorsiflexion and plantarflexion radiographs. All patients completed Short Form-12 version 2.0 questionnaires, visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) scores, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Results. In all, 41 patients who underwent TAA and 27 patients who underwent tibiotalar arthrodesis were enrolled in the study. The mean total arc of movement was 34.2° (17.0° to 59.1°) with an average contribution from the talonavicular joint of 10.5° (1.2° to 28.8°) in the TAA cohort. The average total arc of movement was 24.3° (6.9° to 44.3°) with a mean contribution from the talonavicular joint of 22.8° (5.6° to 41.4°) in the arthrodesis cohort. A statistically significant difference was detected for both total sagittal plane movement (p = 0.00025), and for talonavicular motion (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant lower VAS score (p = 0.0096) and higher FAAM (p = 0.01, p = 0.019, respectively) was also detected in the TAA group. Conclusion. TAA preserves more anatomical movement, has better pain relief and better patient-perceived post-operative function compared with patients undergoing fusion. The relative increase of talonavicular movement in fusion patients may play a role in the outcomes compared with TAA and may predispose these patients to degenerative changes over time. Take home message: TAA preserves more anatomic sagittal plane motion and provides greater pain relief and better patient-perceived outcomes compared with ankle arthrodesis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:634–40

Aims. Arthroscopic microfracture is a conventional form of treatment for patients with osteochondritis of the talus, involving an area of < 1.5 cm. 2. However, some patients have persistent pain and limitation of movement in the early postoperative period. No studies have investigated the combined treatment of microfracture and shortwave treatment in these patients. The aim of this prospective single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to compare the outcome in patients treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) and arthroscopic microfracture alone, in patients with ostechondritis of the talus. Methods. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups. At three weeks postoperatively, the rESWT group was given shockwave treatment, once every other day, for five treatments. In the control group the head of the device which delivered the treatment had no energy output. The two groups were evaluated before surgery and at six weeks and three, six and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Secondary outcome measures included a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain and the area of bone marrow oedema of the talus as identified on sagittal fat suppression sequence MRI scans. Results. A total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into the two groups, with 20 in each. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics of the groups. No complications, such as wound infection or neurovascular injury, were found during follow-up of 12 months. The mean AOFAS scores in the rESWT group were significantly higher than those in the control group at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). The mean VAS pain scores in the rESWT group were also significantly lower than those in the control group at these times (p < 0.05). The mean area of bone marrow oedema in the rESWT group was significantly smaller at six and 12 months than in the control group at these times (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Local shockwave therapy was safe and effective in patients with osteochondiritis of the talus who were treated with a combination of arthroscopic surgery and rESWT. Preliminary results showed that, compared with arthroscopic microfracture alone, those treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with rESWT had better relief of pain at three months postoperatively and improved weightbearing and motor function of the ankle. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1108–1114

Aims. To assess the characteristic clinical features, management, and outcome of patients who present to orthopaedic surgeons with functional dystonia affecting the foot and ankle. Methods. We carried out a retrospective search of our records from 2000 to 2019 of patients seen in our adult tertiary referral foot and ankle unit with a diagnosis of functional dystonia. Results. A total of 29 patients were seen. A majority were female (n = 25) and the mean age of onset of symptoms was 35.3 years (13 to 71). The mean delay between onset and diagnosis was 7.1 years (0.5 to 25.0). Onset was acute in 25 patients and insidious in four. Of the 29 patients, 26 had a fixed dystonia and three had a spasmodic dystonia. Pain was a major symptom in all patients, with a coexisting diagnosis of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) made in nine patients. Of 20 patients treated with Botox, only one had a good response. None of the 12 patients who underwent a surgical intervention at our unit or elsewhere reported a subjective overall improvement. After a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (1 to 12), four patients had improved, 17 had remained the same, and eight reported a deterioration in their condition. Conclusion. Patients with functional dystonia typically presented with a rapid onset of fixed deformity after a minor injury/event and pain out of proportion to the deformity. Referral to a neurologist to rule out neurological pathology is advocated, and further management should be carried out in a movement disorder clinic. Response to treatment (including Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections) is generally poor. Surgery in this group of patients is not recommended and may worsen the condition. The overall prognosis remains poor. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1127–1132

Aims. 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. Patients and Methods. 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. Results. Significant improvement was recorded across numerous parameters compared with pre-operative measurements. Temporal-spatial data demonstrated a significant increase in step length (p = 0.003) and velocity (p = < 0.001). Total support time decreased for the unaffected limb (p = 0.01). Kinematic results demonstrated that in the affected limb, total sagittal range of movement did not change significantly (p = 0.1259). However, the arc of movement had a near congruent shift with mean maximal dorsiflexion increasing from 5° (-17° to 16°) to 12° (5° to 18°) (p < 0.001) and mean maximal plantarflexion decreasing from 6.8° (6° to 21°) to 0.9° (-9° to 8°) (p = 0.003). Mean hip joint range of movement increased by 6° (-7° to 24°; p = 0.003). Kinetic results demonstrated no statistically significant change in ankle power (p = 0.1292). However, there was an increase in ankle moment (p = 0.04) and hip power (p = 0.01) in the surgically treated extremity. Sagittal plane range of movement was not reduced after tibiotalar fusion. Conclusion. Although following tibiotalar arthrodesis the gait demonstrated never matched the gait shown in unaffected ankles, compared with the pre-operative analysis there was improvement in numerous temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic measures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1369–75

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. Patients and Methods. 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. Results. Primary reduction was obtained arthroscopically in all but one patient, for whom an interposed fracture fragment had to be removed through a small arthrotomy to permit anatomical reduction. The quality of arthroscopic reduction and restoration of the talar geometry was excellent in the remaining six patients. There were no signs of talar avascular necrosis or subtalar degeneration in any of the patients. In the whole series, the functional outcome was excellent in five patients but restricted ankle movement was observed in two patients. All patients had a reduction in subtalar movement. At final follow-up, all patients were satisfied and all but one patient were pain free. Conclusion. Arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation of talar neck fractures was found to be a feasible treatment option and allowed early functional rehabilitation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:461–7

Aims. In a randomized controlled trial with two-year follow-up, patients treated with suture button (SB) for acute syndesmotic injury had better outcomes than patients treated with syndesmotic screw (SS). The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes for these treatment groups after five years. Methods. A total of 97 patients with acute syndesmotic injury were randomized to SS or SB. The five-year follow-up rate was 81 patients (84%). The primary outcome was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle Hindfoot Scale. Secondary outcome measures included Olerud-Molander Ankle (OMA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), range of movement, complications, reoperations, and radiological results. CT scans of both ankles were obtained after surgery, and after one, two, and five years. Results. The SB group had higher median AOFAS score (100 (interquartile range (IQR) 92 to 100) vs 90 (IQR 85 to 100); p = 0.006) and higher median OMA score (100 (IQR 95 to 100) vs 95 (IQR 75 to 100); p = 0.006). The SS group had a higher incidence of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) (24 (65%) vs 14 (35%), odds ratio (OR) 3.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 8.8); p = 0.009). On axial CT we measured a significantly smaller mean difference in the anterior tibiofibular distance between injured and non-injured ankles in the SB group (–0.1 mm vs 1.2 mm; p = 0.016). Conclusion. Five years after syndesmotic injury treated with either SB or SS, we found better AOFAS and OMA scores, and lower incidence of ankle OA, in the SB group. These long-term results favour the use of SB when treating an acute syndesmotic injury. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):212–219

Aims. The aim of this study was to report a single surgeon series of consecutive patients with moderate hallux valgus managed with a percutaneous extra-articular reverse-L chevron (PERC) osteotomy. . Patients and Methods. A total of 38 patients underwent 45 procedures. There were 35 women and three men. The mean age of the patients was 48 years (17 to 69). An additional percutaneous Akin osteotomy was performed in 37 feet and percutaneous lateral capsular release was performed in 22 feet. Clinical and radiological assessments included the type of forefoot, range of movement, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) score, a subjective rating and radiological parameters. . The mean follow-up was 59.1 months (45.9 to 75.2). No patients were lost to follow-up. Results. The mean AOFAS score increased from 62.5 (30 to 80) pre-operatively to 97.1 (75 to 100) post-operatively. A total of 37 patients (97%) were satisfied. At the last follow up there was a statistically significant decrease in the hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle and the proximal articular set angle. The range of movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint improved significantly.. There was more improvement in the range of movement in patients who had fixation of the osteotomy of the proximal phalanx. Conclusion. Preliminary results of this percutaneous approach are promising. This technique is reliable and reproducible. Its main asset is that it maintains an excellent range of movement. Take home message: The PERC osteotomy procedure is an effective approach for surgical management of moderate hallux valgus which combines the benefits of percutaneous surgery with the versatility of the chevron osteotomy whilst maintaining excellent first MTPJ range of motion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:365–73

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the longer-term outcomes of operatively and nonoperatively managed patients treated with a removable brace (fixed-angle removable orthosis) or a plaster cast immobilization for an acute ankle fracture.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome and implant survivorship of mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) performed by a single surgeon. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 205 consecutive patients (210 ankles) who had undergone mobile-bearing TAA (205 patients) for osteoarthritis of the ankle between January 2005 and December 2015. Their mean follow-up was 6.4 years (2.0 to 13.4). Functional outcome was assessed using the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) score, visual analogue scale, and range of movement. Implant survivorship and complications were also evaluated. Results. There were significant improvements in all functional outcome categories between the preoperative and final follow-up assessments (p < 0.001). Patients showed marked improvement in clinical outcomes in terms of pain, function, and quality of life. The overall implant survivorship was 91.7% at a mean follow-up of 6.4 years. In all, 33 major complications were identified with a 15.7% rate, resulting in 12 prosthesis failures (5.7%). Periprosthetic osteolysis (19 cases; 9.0%) was the most frequent complication. Conclusion. Mobile-bearing TAA resulted in improved functional outcomes, a low major complication rate, and excellent implant survivorship at a mean follow-up of 6.4 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:695–701

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of modern total ankle replacements (TARs) to determine the survivorship, outcome, complications, radiological findings and range of movement, in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle who undergo this procedure. We used the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration, which uses risk of bias profiling to assess the quality of papers in favour of a domain-based approach. Continuous outcome scores were pooled across studies using the generic inverse variance method and the random-effects model was used to incorporate clinical and methodological heterogeneity. We included 58 papers (7942 TARs) with an interobserver reliability (Kappa) for selection, performance, attrition, detection and reporting bias of between 0.83 and 0.98. The overall survivorship was 89% at ten years with an annual failure rate of 1.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7 to 1.6). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score changed from 40 (95% CI 36 to 43) pre-operatively to 80 (95% CI 76 to 84) at a mean follow-up of 8.2 years (7 to 10) (p < 0.01). Radiolucencies were identified in up to 23% of TARs after a mean of 4.4 years (2.3 to 9.6). The mean total range of movement improved from 23° (95% CI 19 to 26) to 34° (95% CI 26 to 41) (p = 0.01). Our study demonstrates that TAR has a positive impact on patients’ lives, with benefits lasting ten years, as judged by improvement in pain and function, as well as improved gait and increased range of movement. However, the quality of evidence is weak and fraught with biases and high quality randomised controlled trials are required to compare TAR with other forms of treatment such as fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1500–7

Aims

The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate whether on-demand removal (ODR) is noninferior to routine removal (RR) of syndesmotic screws regarding functional outcome.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in patients with pre-operatively moderate and severe arthritic varus ankles to those achieved for patients with neutral ankles. Patients and Methods. A total of 105 patients (105 ankles), matched for age, gender, body mass index, and follow-up duration, were divided into three groups by pre-operative coronal plane tibiotalar angle; neutral (< 5°), moderate (5° to 15°) and severe (> 15°) varus deformity. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Short Form (SF)-36 score were used to compare the clinical outcomes after a mean follow-up period of 51 months (24 to 147). Results. The post-operative AOFAS, VAS scores, range of movement and complication rates did not significantly differ among three groups. However, there was less improvement in the SF-36 score of the severe varus group (p = 0.008). The mean post-operative tibiotalar alignment was 2.6° (0.1° to 8.9°), 3.1° (0.1° to 6.5°) and 4.6° (1.0° to 10.6°) in the neutral, moderate and severe groups respectively. Although the severe varus group showed less corrected alignment than the neutral group, the mean tibiotalar angles of the three groups were within neutral alignment. Conclusion. TAA for moderate and severe varus arthritic deformity showed similar satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes as those obtained by patients in the neutral group when post-operative neutral alignment was achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1335–42

Aims. A failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is often associated with much bone loss. As an alternative to arthrodesis, the surgeon may consider a custom-made talar component to compensate for the bone loss. Our aim in this study was to assess the functional and radiological outcome after the use of such a component at mid- to long-term follow-up. Patients and Methods. A total of 12 patients (five women and seven men, mean age 53 years; 36 to77) with a failed TAA and a large talar defect underwent a revision procedure using a custom-made talar component. The design of the custom-made components was based on CT scans and standard radiographs, when compared with the contralateral ankle. After the anterior talocalcaneal joint was fused, the talar component was introduced and fixed to the body of the calcaneum. Results. At a mean follow-up of 6.9 years (1 to 13), 11 ankles were stable with no radiological evidence of loosening. Only one was lost to follow-up. The mean arc of movement was 21. °. (10. °. to 35. °. ). A total of nine patients (75%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome, two (17%) were satisfied but with reservations and one (8%) was not satisfied. All but one patient had an improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score (p = 0.01). Just one patient developed deep infection, leading to arthrodesis. Conclusion. A custom-made talar component yielded satisfactory results with regard to function, stability and satisfaction. This should encourage the use of such components as an alternative to arthrodesis of the ankle in patients with a failed TAA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:231–6

Aims

We report the medium-term outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 Zenith total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) from a single, non-designer centre.

In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed the incidence and functional outcome of a distal tibiofibular synostosis. Patients with an isolated AO type 44-B or C fracture of the ankle who underwent surgical treatment between 1995 and 2007 were invited for clinical and radiological review. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons score and a visual analogue score for pain were used to assess outcome. A total of 274 patients were available; the mean follow-up was 9.7 years (8 to 18). The extent of any calcification or synostosis at the level of the distal interosseous membrane or syndesmosis on the contemporary radiographs was defined as: no or minor calcifications (group 1), severe calcification (group 2), or complete synostosis (group 3). . A total of 222 (81%) patients were in group 1, 37 (14%) in group 2 and 15 (5%) in group 3. There was no significant difference in incidence between AO type 44-B and type 44-C fractures (p = 0.89). Severe calcification or synostosis occurred in 21 patients (19%) in whom a syndesmotic screw was used and in 31 (19%) in whom a syndesmotic screw was not used.(p = 0.70). No significant differences were found between the groups except for a greater reduction in mean dorsiflexion in group 2 (p = 0.004). . This is the largest study on distal tibiofibular synostosis, and we found that a synostosis is a frequent complication of surgery for a fracture of the ankle. Although it theoretically impairs the range of movement of the ankle, it did not affect the outcome. . Our findings suggest that synostosis of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in general does not warrant treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:945–9

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°.

A total of seven patients (six men and one woman) with a defect in the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue underwent reconstruction using either a composite radial forearm flap (n = 3) or an anterolateral thigh flap (n = 4). The Achilles tendons were reconstructed using chimeric palmaris longus (n = 2) or tensor fascia lata (n = 2) flaps or transfer of the flexor hallucis longus tendon (n = 3). Surgical parameters such as the rate of complications and the time between the initial repair and flap surgery were analysed. Function was measured objectively by recording the circumference of the calf, the isometric strength of the plantar flexors and the range of movement of the ankle. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) questionnaire was used as a patient-reported outcome measure. Most patients had undergone several previous operations to the Achilles tendon prior to flap surgery. The mean time to flap surgery was 14.3 months (2.1 to 40.7). At a mean follow-up of 32.3 months (12.1 to 59.6) the circumference of the calf on the operated lower limb was reduced by a mean of 1.9 cm (. sd. 0.74) compared with the contralateral limb (p = 0.042). The mean strength of the plantar flexors on the operated lower limb was reduced to 88.9% of that of the contralateral limb (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in the range of movement between the two sides (p = 0.317). The mean ATRS score was 72 points (. sd. 20.0). One patient who had an initial successful reconstruction developed a skin defect of the composite flap 12 months after free flap surgery and this resulted in recurrent infections, culminating in transtibial amputation 44 months after reconstruction. . These otherwise indicate that reconstruction of the Achilles tendon combined with flap cover results in a successful and functional reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:215–20

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

Aims

To evaluate the donor site morbidity and tendon morphology after harvesting whole length, full-thickness peroneus longus tendon (PLT) proximal to the lateral malleolus for ligament reconstructions or tendon transfer.