We used MRI to study a prospective series of 95 patients with inversion injuries of the ankle and no fracture on plain radiographs. We found an incidence of bone bruises of 27%, but these made no difference to the time of return to work, limitation of walking or physical activity, or the clinical outcome scores at three months. We conclude that bone bruises have very little clinical significance after inversion injuries of the ankle.
Arthroscopic microfracture is a conventional form of treatment for patients with osteochondritis of the talus, involving an area of < 1.5 cm2. 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. 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.Aims
Methods
A local injection may be used as an early option in the treatment of Morton’s neuroma, and can be performed using various medications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of injections of hyaluronic acid compared with corticosteroid in the treatment of this condition. A total of 91 patients were assessed for this trial, of whom 45 were subsequently included and randomized into two groups. One patient was lost to follow-up, leaving 22 patients (24 feet) in each group. The patients in the hyaluronic acid group were treated with three ultrasound-guided injections (one per week) of hyaluronic acid (Osteonil Plus). Those in the corticosteroid group were treated with three ultrasound-guided injections (also one per week) of triamcinolone (Triancil). The patients were evaluated before treatment and at one, three, six, and 12 months after treatment. The primary outcome measure was the visual analogue scale for pain (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and complications.Aims
Methods
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 matched cohort of patients similar for demographics and components used but differing in preoperative coronal-plane tibiotalar valgus deformity ≥ 15° (valgus, n = 50; 52% male, mean age 65.8 years (SD 10.3), mean body mass index (BMI) 29.4 (SD 5.2)) or < 15° (control, n = 50; 58% male, mean age 65.6 years (SD 9.8), mean BMI 28.7 (SD 4.2)), underwent TAA by one surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain and disability and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) version 2 scores were collected prospectively. Ancillary procedures, secondary procedures, and complications were recorded.Aims
Methods
The hypothesis of this study was that bone peg fixation in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus would show satisfactory clinical and radiological results, without complications. Between September 2014 and July 2017, 25 patients with symptomatic osteochondritis of the talus and an osteochondral fragment, who were treated using bone peg fixation, were analyzed retrospectively. All were available for complete follow-up at a mean 22 of months (12 to 35). There were 15 males and ten females with a mean age of 19.6 years (11 to 34). The clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The radiological results were evaluated using classification described by Hepple et al based on the MRI findings, the location of the lesion, the size of the osteochondral fragment, and the postoperative healing of the lesion.Aims
Methods
Cone beam CT allows cross-sectional imaging of the tibiofibular syndesmosis while the patient bears weight. This may facilitate more accurate and reliable investigation of injuries to, and reconstruction of, the syndesmosis but normal ranges of measurements are required first. The purpose of this study was to establish: 1) the normal reference measurements of the syndesmosis; 2) if side-to-side variations exist in syndesmotic anatomy; 3) if age affects syndesmotic anatomy; and 4) if the syndesmotic anatomy differs between male and female patients in weight-bearing cone beam CT views. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 50 male and 50 female patients (200 feet) aged 18 years or more, who underwent bilateral, simultaneous imaging of their lower legs while standing in an upright, weight-bearing position in a pedCAT machine between June 2013 and July 2017. At the time of imaging, the mean age of male patients was 47.1 years (18 to 72) and the mean age of female patients was 57.8 years (18 to 83). We employed a previously described technique to obtain six lengths and one angle, as well as calculating three further measurements, to provide information on the relationship between the fibula and tibia with respect to translation and rotation.Aims
Patients and Methods
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. 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.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
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. We performed a retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive patients
and 19 operated feet with Charcot arthropathy who underwent a hindfoot
arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary compression nail.
Patients were ten men and eight women with a mean age of 63.43 years
(38.5 to 79.8). We report the rate of limb salvage, complications requiring
additional surgery, and fusion rate in both groups. The mean duration
of follow-up was 46.36 months (37 to 70).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
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. 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).Aims
Patients and Methods
Macrodactyly of the foot is a rare but disabling
condition. We present the results of surgery on 18 feet of 16 patients, who
underwent ray amputation and were followed-up for more than two
years at a mean of 80 months (25 to 198). We radiologically measured the intermetatarsal width and forefoot
area pre-operatively and at six weeks and two years after surgery.
We also evaluated the clinical results using the Oxford Ankle Foot
Questionnaire for children (OxAFQ-C) and the Questionnaire for Foot
Macrodactyly. The intermetatarsal width and forefoot area ratios were significantly
decreased after surgery. The mean OxAFQ-C score was 42 (16 to 57)
pre-operatively, improving to 47 (5 to 60) at two years post-operatively
(p = 0.021). The mean questionnaire for Foot Macrodactyly score
two years after surgery was 8 (6 to 10). Ray amputation gave a measurable reduction in foot size with
excellent functional results. For patients with metatarsal involvement,
a motionless toe, or involvement of multiple digits, ray amputation
is a clinically effective option which is acceptable to patients. Cite this article:
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. 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.Aims
Patients and Methods
Most posterior hindfoot procedures have been
described with the patient positioned prone. This affords excellent access
to posterior hindfoot structures but has several disadvantages for
the management of the airway, the requirement for an endotracheal
tube in all patients, difficulty with ventilation and an increased
risk of pressure injuries, especially with regard to reduced ocular
perfusion. We describe use of the ‘recovery position’, which affords equivalent
access to the posterior aspect of the ankle and hindfoot without
the morbidity associated with the prone position. A laryngeal mask
rather than endotracheal tube may be used in most patients. In this
annotation we describe this technique, which offers a safe and simple alternative
method of positioning patients for posterior hindfoot and ankle
surgery. Cite this article:
The purpose of this study was to compare the
results of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in patients with moderate
hallux valgus. We retrospectively reviewed 34 proximal chevron osteotomies without
lateral release (PCO group) and 33 distal chevron osteotomies (DCO
group) performed sequentially by a single surgeon. There were no
differences between the groups with regard to age, length of follow-up,
demographic or radiological parameters. The clinical results were
assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)
scoring system and the radiological results were compared between
the groups. At a mean follow-up of 14.6 months (14 to 32) there were no significant
differences in the mean AOFAS scores between the DCO and PCO groups
(93.9 (82 to 100) and 91.8 (77 to 100), respectively; p = 0.176).
The mean hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid
position were the same in both groups. The metatarsal declination
angle decreased significantly in the PCO group (p = 0.005) and the
mean shortening of the first metatarsal was significantly greater
in the DCO group (p <
0.001). We conclude that the clinical and radiological outcome after
a DCO is comparable with that after a PCO; longer follow-up would
be needed to assess the risk of avascular necrosis. 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 analysed the clinical and radiological outcomes
of a new surgical technique for the treatment of heterozygote post-axial
metatarsal-type foot synpolydactyly with HOX-D13 genetic mutations
with a mean follow-up of 30.9 months (24 to 42). A total of 57 feet
in 36 patients (mean age 6.8 years (2 to 16)) were treated with
this new technique, which transfers the distal part of the duplicated
fourth metatarsal to the proximal part of the fifth metatarsal.
Clinical and radiological assessments were undertaken pre- and post-operatively
and any complications were recorded. Final outcomes were evaluated
according to the methods described by Phelps and Grogan. Forefoot width
was reduced and the lengths of the all reconstructed toes were maintained
after surgery. Union was achieved for all the metatarsal osteotomies
without any angular deformities. Outcomes at the final assessment
were excellent in 51 feet (89%) and good in six (11%). This newly
described surgical technique provides for painless, comfortable
shoe-wearing after a single, easy-to-perform operation with good
clinical, radiological and functional outcomes. 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:
We investigated 60 patients (89 feet) with a
mean age of 64 years (61 to 67) treated for congenital clubfoot deformity,
using standardised weight-bearing radiographs of both feet and ankles
together with a functional evaluation. Talocalcaneal and talonavicular
relationships were measured and the degree of osteo-arthritic change
in the ankle and talonavicular joints was assessed. The functional
results were evaluated using a modified Laaveg-Ponseti score. The
talocalcaneal (TC) angles in the clubfeet were significantly lower
in both anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections than in the
unaffected feet (p <
0.001 for both views). There was significant
medial subluxation of the navicular in the clubfeet compared with
the unaffected feet (p <
0.001). Severe osteoarthritis in the
ankle joint was seen in seven feet (8%) and in the talonavicular
joint in 11 feet (12%). The functional result was excellent or good
(≥ 80 points) in 29 patients (48%), and fair or poor (<
80 points)
in 31 patients (52%). Patients who had undergone few (0 to 1) surgical
procedures had better functional outcomes than those who had undergone
two or more procedures (p <
0.001). There was a significant correlation
between the functional result and the degree of medial subluxation
of the navicular (p <
0.001, r2 = 0.164), the talocalcaneal
angle on AP projection (p <
0.02, r2 = 0.025) and extent of osteoarthritis
in the ankle joint (p <
0.001). We conclude that poor functional outcome in patients with congenital
clubfoot occurs more frequently in those with medial displacement
of the navicular, osteoarthritis of the talonavicular and ankle
joints, and a low talocalcaneal angle on the AP projection, and
in patients who have undergone two or more surgical procedures. However,
the ankle joint in these patients appeared relatively resistant
to the development of osteoarthritis.
Open reduction and internal fixation of high-energy pilon fractures are often associated with serious complications. Various methods have been used to treat these injuries, with variable results. A total of 17 consecutive patients with pilon fractures of AO/OTA type 43-B3 (n = 1), type C2 (n = 12) and type C3 (n = 4) were treated by indirect reduction by capsuloligamentotaxis and stabilisation using an ankle-spanning Ilizarov fixator. The calcaneal ring was removed at a mean of 3.7 weeks (3 to 6). A total of 16 patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 29 months (23 to 43). The mean time to healing was 15.8 weeks (13 to 23). Nine patients had pin-track infections but none had deep infection or osteomyelitis. Four patients (25%) had malunion. Fair, good or excellent ankle scores were found in 14 patients. External fixation with a ring fixator achieves stable reduction of the fractured fragments without additional trauma to soft tissues. With minimum complications and good healing results, the Ilizarov apparatus is particularly useful for high-energy pilon fractures.
