Aims. To identify a core outcome set of postoperative radiographic measurements to assess technical skill in ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), and to validate these against Van der Vleuten’s criteria for effective assessment. Methods. An e-Delphi exercise was undertaken at a major trauma centre (n = 39) to identify relevant parameters. Feasibility was tested by two authors. Reliability and validity was tested using postoperative radiographs of ankle fracture operations performed by trainees enrolled in an educational trial (IRCTN 20431944). To determine construct validity, trainees were divided into novice (performed < ten cases at baseline) and intermediate groups (performed ≥ ten cases at baseline). To assess concurrent validity, the procedure-based assessment (PBA) was considered the gold standard. The inter-rater and intrarater reliability was tested using a randomly selected subset of 25 cases. Results. Overall, 235 ankle ORIFs were performed by 24 postgraduate year three to five trainees during ten months at nine NHS hospitals in England, UK. Overall, 42 PBAs were completed. The e-Delphi panel identified five ‘final product analysis’ parameters and defined acceptability thresholds: medial clear space (MCS); medial malleolar
Aims. 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. Materials and Methods. 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 t-test was performed to assess statistically significant
differences in bone mineral density (BMD),
Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability and clinical outcome of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. Methods. Two types of fixation systems were selected for finite element analysis and a dual cohort study. Two fixation systems were simulated to fix the fracture in a finite element model. The relative
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
change in sagittal tibiotalar alignment after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA)
for osteoarthritis and to investigate factors affecting the restoration
of alignment. . This retrospective study included 119 patients (120 ankles) who
underwent three component TAA using the Hintegra prosthesis. A total
of 63 ankles had anterior
The rationale for exacting restoration of skeletal anatomy after unstable ankle fracture is to improve outcomes by reducing complications from malunion; however, current definitions of malunion lack confirmatory clinical evidence. Radiological (absolute radiological measurements aided by computer software) and clinical (clinical interpretation of radiographs) definitions of malunion were compared within the Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial cohort, including people aged ≥ 60 years with an unstable ankle fracture. Linear regressions were used to explore the relationship between radiological malunion (RM) at six months and changes in function at three years. Function was assessed with the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), with a minimal clinically important difference set as six points, as per the AIM trial. Piecewise linear models were used to investigate new radiological thresholds which better explain symptom impact on ankle function.Aims
Methods
The first metatarsal pronation deformity of hallux valgus feet is widely recognized. However, its assessment relies mostly on 3D standing CT scans. Two radiological signs, the first metatarsal round head (RH) and inferior tuberosity position (ITP), have been described, but are seldom used to aid in diagnosis. This study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of these two signs for a more convenient and affordable preoperative assessment and postoperative comparison. A total of 200 feet were randomly selected from the radiograph archives of a foot and ankle clinic. An anteroposterior view of both feet was taken while standing on the same x-ray platform. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA), metatarsophalangeal angle (MPA), medial sesamoid position, RH, and ITP signs were assessed for statistical analysis.Aims
Methods
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. Data on a consecutive group of elite athletes who underwent isolated reconstruction of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament using the InternalBrace were collected prospectively. Our patient group consisted of 19 elite male athletes with a mean age of 24.5 years (17 to 52). Isolated injuries were seen in 12 patients while associated injuries were found in seven patients (fibular fracture, medial malleolus fracture, anterior talofibular ligament rupture, and posterior malleolus fracture). All patients had a minimum follow-up period of 17 months (mean 27 months (17 to 35)).Aims
Methods
We report the medium-term outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 Zenith total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) from a single, non-designer centre. Between December 2010 and May 2016, 118 consecutive Zenith prostheses were implanted in 114 patients. Demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) data were collected. The endpoint of the study was failure of the implant requiring revision of one or all of the components. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the rate of failure calculated for each year.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
We investigated the clinical and radiological outcome after unilateral fracture of the lateral process of the talus in 23 snowboarders with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (12 to 76 months). In this consecutive cohort study both operative and non-operative cases were considered. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was 94 (82 to 100). The non-operative group of seven with a minimally-displaced fracture scored higher (98 points) than the operative group of 16 with displaced or unstable fractures (93 points). In 88% of operative cases, significant concomitant hindfoot injuries were found at operation. All but eight (35%) patients (six operative and two non-operative) regained their pre-injury level of sporting activity. Subtalar osteoarthritis was present in nine (45%) of the 20 patients available for radiological review, including one late-diagnosed non-operative case and eight operative cases with associated injuries or fracture comminution. The outcome after fracture of the lateral process of the talus in snowboarders is favourable provided an early diagnosis is made and adequate treatment, which is related to the degree of
We reviewed the outcome of distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy without tendon transfer in 19 consecutive patients (19 feet) with a hallux varus deformity following surgery for hallux valgus. All patients underwent distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy with medial
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
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. 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.Aims
Methods
There is little information about how to manage patients with a recurvatum deformity of the distal tibia and osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of addressing this deformity using a flexion osteotomy and to assess the progression of OA after this procedure. A total of 39 patients (12 women, 27 men; mean age 47 years (28 to 72)) with a distal tibial recurvatum deformity were treated with a flexion osteotomy, between 2010 and 2015. Nine patients (23%) subsequently required conversion to either a total ankle arthroplasty (seven) or an arthrodesis (two) after a mean of 21 months (9 to 36). A total of 30 patients (77%), with a mean follow-up of 30 months (24 to 76), remained for further evaluation. Functional outcome, sagittal ankle joint OA using a modified Kellgren and Lawrence Score, tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle, and talar offset ratio (TOR) were evaluated on pre- and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs.Aims
Patients and Methods
The treatment of acquired flat foot secondary to dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) of stage II, as classified by Johnson and Strom, remains controversial. Joint sparing and soft-tissue reconstructive procedures give good early results, but few studies describe those in the medium-term. We studied prospectively the outcome of surgery in 51 patients with classical stage-II dysfunction of the PTT treated by a medial
This paper documents the epidemiology of adults (aged more than 18 years) with a calcaneal fracture who have been admitted to hospital in England since 2000. Secondary aims were to document whether publication of the United Kingdom Heel Fracture Trial (UK HeFT) influenced the proportion of patients admitted to hospital with a calcaneal fracture who underwent surgical treatment, and to determine whether there has been any recent change in the surgical technique used for these injuries. In England, the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data are recorded annually. Between 2000/01 and 2016/17, the number of adults admitted to an English NHS hospital with a calcaneal fracture and whether they underwent surgical treatment was determined.Aims
Patients and 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
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
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
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:
The purpose of this study was to compare symptomatic treatment
of a fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal with immobilisation
in a cast. Our null hypothesis was that immobilisation gave better patient
reported outcome measures (PROMs). The alternative hypothesis was
that symptomatic treatment was not inferior. A total of 60 patients were randomised to receive four weeks
of treatment, 36 in a double elasticated bandage (symptomatic treatment
group) and 24 in a below-knee walking cast (immobilisation group).
The primary outcome measure used was the validated Visual Analogue
Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA) Score. Data were analysed by a clinician,
blinded to the form of treatment, at presentation and at four weeks,
three months and six months after injury. Loss to follow-up was
43% at six months. Multiple imputations missing data analysis was performed.Aims
Patients and Methods
The mainstay of surgical correction of hallux valgus is first
metatarsal osteotomy, either proximally or distally. We present
a technique of combining a distal chevron osteotomy with a proximal
opening wedge osteotomy, for the correction of moderate to severe
hallux valgus. We reviewed 45 patients (49 feet) who had undergone double osteotomy.
Outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle
Society (AOFAS) and the Short Form (SF) -36 Health Survey scores.
Radiological measurements were undertaken to assess the correction. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years (44.2 to 75.3). The
mean follow-up was 35.4 months (24 to 51).Aims
Patients and Methods
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
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:
Moderate to severe hallux valgus is conventionally
treated by proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Several recent studies
have shown that the indications for distal metatarsal osteotomy
with a distal soft-tissue procedure could be extended to include
moderate to severe hallux valgus. The purpose of this prospective randomised controlled trial was
to compare the outcome of proximal and distal Chevron osteotomy
in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral correction of moderate
to severe hallux valgus. The original study cohort consisted of 50 female patients (100
feet). Of these, four (8 feet) were excluded for lack of adequate
follow-up, leaving 46 female patients (92 feet) in the study. The
mean age of the patients was 53.8 years (30.1 to 62.1) and the mean
duration of follow-up 40.2 months (24.1 to 80.5). After randomisation,
patients underwent a proximal Chevron osteotomy on one foot and
a distal Chevron osteotomy on the other. At follow-up, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society
(AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score,
patient satisfaction, post-operative complications, hallux valgus
angle, first-second intermetatarsal angle, and tibial sesamoid position
were similar in each group. Both procedures gave similar good clinical
and radiological outcomes. This study suggests that distal Chevron osteotomy with a distal
soft-tissue procedure is as effective and reliable a means of correcting
moderate to severe hallux valgus as proximal Chevron osteotomy with
a distal soft-tissue procedure. Cite this article:
The goals of this study were: 1) to determine if high-fat diet
(HFD) feeding in female mice would negatively impact biomechanical
and histologic consequences on the Achilles tendon and quadriceps
muscle; and 2) to investigate whether exercise and branched-chain
amino acid (BCAA) supplementation would affect these parameters
or attenuate any negative consequences resulting from HFD consumption. We examined the effects of 16 weeks of 60% HFD feeding, voluntary
exercise (free choice wheel running) and BCAA administration in
female C57BL/6 mice. The Achilles tendons and quadriceps muscles
were removed at the end of the experiment and assessed histologically
and biomechanically.Objectives
Methods
Most of the literature on surgical site infections
following the surgical treatment of fractures of the ankle is based
on small series of patients, focusing on diabetics or the elderly.
None have described post-operative functional scores in those patients
who develop an infection. We performed an age- and gender-matched
case–control study to identify patient- and surgery-related risk
factors for surgical site infection following open reduction and
internal fixation of a fracture of the ankle. Logistic regression
analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for infection
and to calculate odds ratios (OR). Function was assessed using the
Olerud and Molander Ankle Score. The incidence of infection was
4% (29/717) and 1.1% (8/717) were deep infections. The median ankle
score was significantly lower in the infection group compared with
the control group (60 A low incidence of infection following open reduction and internal
fixation of fractures of the ankle was observed. Both superficial
and deep infections result in lower functional scores. 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:
We have evaluated the clinical effectiveness
of a metal resurfacing inlay implant for osteochondral defects of
the medial talar dome after failed previous surgical treatment.
We prospectively studied 20 consecutive patients with a mean age
of 38 years (20 to 60), for a mean of three years (2 to 5) post-surgery.
There was statistically significant reduction of pain in each of
four situations (i.e., rest, walking, stair climbing and running;
p ≤ 0.01). The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
ankle-hindfoot score improved from 62 (interquartile range (IQR)
46 to 72) pre-operatively to 87 (IQR 75 to 95) at final follow-up
(p <
0.001). The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score improved on all
subscales (p ≤ 0.03). The mean Short-Form 36 physical component
scale improved from 36 (23 to 50) pre-operatively to 45 (29 to 55)
at final follow-up (p = 0.001); the mental component scale did not
change significantly. On radiographs, progressive degenerative changes
of the opposing tibial plafond were observed in two patients. One
patient required additional surgery for the osteochondral defect.
This study shows that a metal implant is a promising treatment for
osteochondral defects of the medial talar dome after failed previous
surgery. 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:
Severe hallux valgus deformity is conventionally
treated with proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Distal metatarsal osteotomy
with an associated soft-tissue procedure can also be used in moderate
to severe deformity. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes
of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in severe hallux valgus deformity
with a soft-tissue release in both. A total of 110 consecutive female
patients (110 feet) were included in a prospective randomised controlled
study. A total of 56 patients underwent a proximal procedure and
54 a distal operation. The mean follow-up was 39 months (24 to 54)
in the proximal group and 38 months (24 to 52) in the distal group.
At follow-up the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal
metatarsal articular angle, tibial sesamoid position, American Orthopaedic
Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal
score, patient satisfaction level, and complications were similar
in each group. Both methods showed significant post-operative improvement
and high levels of patient satisfaction. Our results suggest that
the distal chevron osteotomy with an associated distal soft-tissue
procedure provides a satisfactory method for correcting severe hallux
valgus deformity. Cite this article:
It has been suggested that a supramalleolar osteotomy can return the load distribution in the ankle joint to normal. However, due to the lack of biomechanical data, this supposition remains empirical. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to determine the effect of simulated supramalleolar varus and valgus alignment on the tibiotalar joint pressure, in order to investigate its relationship to the development of osteoarthritis. We also wished to establish the rationale behind corrective osteotomy of the distal tibia. We studied 17 cadaveric lower legs and quantified the changes in pressure and force transfer across the tibiotalar joint for various degrees of varus and valgus deformity in the supramalleolar area. We assumed that a supramalleolar osteotomy which created a varus deformity of the ankle would result in medial overload of the tibiotalar joint. Similarly, we thought that creating a supramalleolar valgus deformity would cause a shift in contact towards the lateral side of the tibiotalar joint. The opposite was observed. The restricting role of the fibula was revealed by carrying out an osteotomy directly above the syndesmosis. In end-stage ankle osteoarthritis with either a valgus or varus deformity, the role of the fibula should be appreciated and its effect addressed where appropriate.
Hallux rigidus was first described in 1887. Many aetiological factors have been postulated, but none has been supported by scientific evidence. We have examined the static and dynamic imbalances in the first metatarsophalangeal joint which we postulated could be the cause of this condition. We performed a finite-element analysis study on a male subject and calculated a mathematical model of the joint when subjected to both normal and abnormal physiological loads. The results gave statistically significant evidence for an increase in tension of the plantar fascia as the cause of abnormal stress on the articular cartilage rather than mismatch of the articular surfaces or subclinical muscle contractures. Our study indicated a clinical potential cause of hallux rigidus and challenged the many aetiological theories. It could influence the choice of surgical procedure for the treatment of early grades of hallux rigidus.
We describe a retrospective review of the clinical and radiological parameters of 32 feet in 30 patients (10 men and 20 women) who underwent correction for malalignment of the hindfoot with a modified double arthrodesis through a medial approach. The mean follow-up was 21 months (13 to 37). Fusion was achieved in all feet at a mean of 13 weeks (6 to 30). Apart from the calcaneal pitch angle, all angular measurements improved significantly after surgery. Primary wound healing occurred without complications. The isolated medial approach to the subtalar and talonavicular joints allows good visualisation which facilitated the reduction and positioning of the joints. It was also associated with fewer problems with wound healing than the standard lateral approach.
In distal fibular resection without reconstruction,
the stabilising effect of the lateral malleolus is lost. Thus, the ankle
may collapse into valgus and may be unstable in varus. Here, we
describe a child who underwent successful staged surgical correction
of a severe neglected valgus deformity after excision of the distal
fibula for a Ewing’s sarcoma.
The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of post-operative symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), as well as the risk factors for and location of DVT, in 665 patients (701 ankles) who underwent primary total ankle replacement. All patients received low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. A total of 26 patients (3.9%, 26 ankles) had a symptomatic DVT, diagnosed by experienced radiologists using colour Doppler ultrasound. Most thrombi (22 patients, 84.6%) were localised distally in the operated limb. Using a logistic multiple regression model we identified obesity, a previous venous thromboembolic event and the absence of full post-operative weight-bearing as independent risk factors for developing a symptomatic DVT. The incidence of symptomatic DVT after total ankle replacement and use of low-molecular-weight heparin is comparable with that in patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement.
Metatarsalgia is a recognised complication following iatrogenic shortening of the first metatarsal in the management of hallux valgus. The traditional surgical treatment is by shortening osteotomies of the lesser metatarsals. We describe the results of lengthening of iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia in 16 females. A Scarf-type osteotomy was used in the first four cases and a step-cut of equal thicknesses along the axis of the first metatarsal was performed in the others. The mean follow-up was 21 months (19 to 26). Relief of metatarsalgia was obtained in the six patients in whom 10 mm of lengthening had been achieved, compared to only 50% relief in those where less than 8 mm of lengthening had been gained. One-stage step-cut lengthening osteotomy of the first metatarsal may be preferable to shortening osteotomies of the lesser metatarsals in the treatment of metatarsalgia following surgical shortening of the first metatarsal.
We report the clinical and radiological outcome of total ankle replacement performed in conjunction with hindfoot fusion or in isolation. Between May 2003 and June 2008, 60 ankles were treated with total ankle replacement with either subtalar or triple fusion, and the results were compared with a control group of 288 ankles treated with total ankle replacement alone. After the mean follow-up of 39.5 months (12 to 73), the ankles with hindfoot fusion showed significant improvement in the mean visual analogue score for pain (p <
0.001), the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (p <
0.001), and the mean of a modified version of this score (p <
0.001). The mean visual analogue pain score (p = 0.304) and mean modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (p = 0.119) were not significantly different between the hindfoot fusion and the control groups. However, the hindfoot fusion group had a significantly lower mean range of movement (p = 0.009) and a higher rate of posterior focal osteolysis (p = 0.04). Both groups showed various complications (p = 0.131) and failure occurring at a similar rate (p = 0.685). Subtalar or triple fusion is feasible and has minimal adverse effects on ankles treated with total ankle replacement up to midterm follow-up. The clinical outcome of total ankle replacement when combined with hindfoot fusion is comparable to that of ankle replacement alone. Thus, hindfoot fusion should be performed in conjunction with total ankle replacement when indicated.
In this retrospective study, using the prospectively collected database of the AO-Documentation Centre, we analysed the outcome of 57 malunited fractures of the ankle treated by reconstructive osteotomy. In all cases the position of the malunited fibula had been corrected, in several cases it was combined with other osteotomies and the fixation of any non-united fragments. Patients were seen on a regular basis, with a minimum follow-up of ten years. The aim of the study was to establish whether reconstruction improves ankle function and prevents the progression of arthritic changes. Good or excellent results were obtained in 85% (41) of patients indicating that reconstructive surgery is effective in most and that the beneficial effects can last for up to 27 years after the procedure. Minor post-traumatic arthritis is not a contraindication but rather an indication for reconstructive surgery. We also found that prolonged time to reconstruction is associated negatively with outcome.
Proximal osteotomies for forefoot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have hitherto not been described. We evaluated combination joint-preserving surgery involving three different proximal osteotomies for such deformities. A total of 30 patients (39 feet) with a mean age of 55.6 years (45 to 67) underwent combined first tarsometatarsal fusion and distal realignment, shortening oblique osteotomies of the bases of the second to fourth metatarsals and a fifth-ray osteotomy. The mean follow-up was 36 months (24 to 68). The mean foot function index scores for pain, disability and activity subscales were 18, 23, and 16 respectively. The mean Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot score improved significantly from 52.2 (41 to 68) to 89.6 (78 to 97). Post-operatively, 14 patients had forefoot stiffness, but had no disability. Most patients reported highly satisfactory walking ability. Residual deformity and callosities were absent. The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles decreased from 47.0° (20° to 67°) to 9.0° (2° to 23°) and from 14.1° (9° to 20°) to 4.6° (1° to 10°), respectively. Four patients had further surgery including removal of hardware in three and a fifth-ray osteotomy in one. With good peri-operative medical management of rheumatoid arthritis, surgical repositioning of the metatarsophalangeal joint by metatarsal shortening and consequent relaxing of surrounding soft tissues can be successful. In early to intermediate stages of the disease, it can be performed in preference to joint-sacrificing procedures.
Rocker bottom deformity may occur during the conservative treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot. Between 1975 and 1996, we treated 715 patients (1120 clubfeet) conservatively. A total of 23 patients (36 feet; 3.2%) developed a rocker bottom deformity. It is these patients that we have studied. The pathoanatomy of the rocker bottom deformity is characterised by a plantar convexity appearing between three and six months of age with the hindfoot equinus position remaining constant. The convexity initially involves the medial column, radiologically identified by the talo-first metatarsal angle and secondly by the lateral column, revealed radiologically as the calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle. The apex of the deformity is usually at the midtrasal with a dorsal calcaneocuboid subluxation. Ideal management of clubfoot deformity should avoid this complication, with adequate manipulation and splinting and early Achilles’ percutaneous tenotomy if plantar convexity occurs. Adequate soft-tissue release provides satisfactory correction for rocker bottom deformity. However, this deformity requires more extensive and complex procedures than the standard surgical treatment of clubfoot. The need for lateral radiographs to ensure that the rocker bottom deformity is recognised early, is demonstrated.
We describe the medium-term results of a prospective study of 200 total ankle replacements at a single-centre using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement. A total of 24 ankles (12%) have been revised, 20 by fusion and four by further replacement and 27 patients (33 ankles) have died. All the surviving patients were seen at a minimum of five years after operation. The five-year survival was 93.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.8 to 96.8) and the ten-year survival 80.3% (95% CI 71.0 to 89.6). Anterior subluxation of the talus, often seen on the lateral radiograph in osteoarthritic ankles, was corrected and, in most instances, the anatomical alignment was restored by total ankle replacement. The orientation of the tibial component, as seen on the lateral radiograph, also affects the position of the talus and if not correct can hold the talus in an abnormal anterior position. Subtalar arthritis may continue to progress after total ankle replacement. Our results are similar to those published previously.
Supination-external rotation (SER) fractures of the ankle may present with a medial ligamentous injury that is not apparent on the initial radiographs. A cadaver gravity-stress view has been described, but the manual-stress view is considered to be the examination of choice for the diagnosis of medial injuries. We prospectively compared the efficacy of these two examinations. We undertook both examinations in 29 patients with SER fractures. Of these, 16 (55%) were stress-positive, i.e. and had widening of the medial clear space of >
4 mm with a mean medial clear space of 6.09 mm (4.4 to 8.1) on gravity-stress and 5.81 mm (4.0 to 8.2) on manual-stress examination, and 13 patients (45%) were stress-negative with a mean medial clear space of 3.91 mm (3.3 to 5.1) and 3.61 mm (2.6 to 4.5) on examination of gravity- and manual-stress respectively. The mean absolute visual analgoue scale score for discomfort in the examination of gravity stress was 3.45 (1 to 6) and in the manual-stress procedure 6.14 (3 to 10). We have shown that examination of gravity-stress is as reliable and perceived as more comfortable than that of manual stress. We recommend using it as the initial diagnostic screening examination for the detection of occult medial ligamentous injuries in SER fractures of the ankle.