Comparison between Pin Fixation and Combined Screw Fixation in Proximal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity Correction

Background@#Problems associated with hallux valgus deformity correction using Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation include pin pullout and loss of stability. These complications are pronounced in the osteopenic bone, and few reports have focused on pin versus screw fixation. We examined the use of additional screw fixation to avoid these problems. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of K-wire fixation (KW) and a combined K-wire and screw fixation (KWS). @*Methods@#Two groups with hallux valgus deformity, who were treated with a proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO), were compared based on the fixation method used. The KW group included 117 feet of 98 patients, and the KWS group included 56 feet of 40 patients. Clinically, the preoperative and final follow-up visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux score, and patient satisfaction score were evaluated. Radiographically, hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured. @*Results@#The mean VAS score decreased from 6.3 preoperatively to 1.6 postoperatively in the KW group and from 5.7 preoperatively to 0.5 postoperatively in the KWS group (p < 0.001). The mean AOFAS scores of the KW and KWS groups improved from 59.4 and 58.2, respectively, to 88.9 and 95.3, respectively (p < 0.001). Eighty-five percent in the KW group and 93% in the KWS group were satisfied with surgery. Clinical differences were not significant. The mean HVAs decreased from 34.7° to 9.1° in the KW group and from 38.5° to 9.2° in the KWS group (p < 0.001). The mean IMA decreased from 14.5° (range, 11.8°–17.2°) to 6.4° (range, 2.7°–10.1°) in the KW group and from 18.0° (range, 14.8°–21.2°) to 5.3° (range, 2.5°–8.1°) in the KWS group (p < 0.001). When IMA values at the 3-month postoperative and the final follow-up were compared, the IMA was significantly increased only in the KW group (p < 0.001) and no difference was found in the KWS group (p = 0.280). @*Conclusions@#We found a statistically significant difference in the decrease in IMA between the 2 groups. We recommend the combined pin and screw fixation in PCMO to enhance fixation stability and prevent potential hallux valgus correction loss.

Supramalleolar Distal Tibiofibular Osteotomy for Medial Ankle Osteoarthritis: Current Concepts

The supramalleolar osteotomy is a joint-preserving surgical procedure. It is a very good treatment option for the asymmetric varus ankle and medial compartment osteoarthritis. The primary objective of the procedure is to shift medial concentration of stress toward the lateral intact articular cartilage to redistribute the joint loads during ambulation. Several studies have shown that deformities of the ankle result in uneven load distribution in the ankle joint, which eventually leads to articular cartilage degeneration. Since the lateral articular cartilage is intact, joint-sacrificing procedures such as total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis are not the most appropriate treatment choices for medial compartment arthritis. Results of supramalleolar osteotomies are very promising in terms of functional outcome and pain relief. In younger patients with medial compartment varus ankle osteoarthritis or even with a normal tibial anterior surface angle, supramalleolar osteotomies can be performed to realign the ankle to promote regeneration of the asymmetrically damaged cartilage. In this review article, we will discuss the indications, complications, surgical techniques, and outcomes of the supramalleolar osteotomy reported in the current literature.

Qualitative Analysis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Preoperative Evaluation of Chronic Lateral Ankle Ligament Injury

PURPOSE@#To compare the MRI findings of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injuries in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) between surgical treatment groups.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#Fifty-two patients with CLAI were divided into the modified Broström procedure (MBP) (n = 31) and lateral ankle ligament reconstruction (LAR) (n = 21) groups. T2-weighted MRI findings between the groups were compared for caliber change, slope, signal intensity, and thickness measurements of the ligaments. Additionally, the talar tilt angles were measured on stress radiographs.@*RESULTS@#The injured ATFL (p = 0.002 vs. p = 0.001) and CFL (p = 0.008 vs. p = 0.039) were more commonly scarce or thin and had decreased slopes in the LAR group. The mean thickness of ATFL (P = 0.002) and CFL (p = 0.002) was 1.1 ± 0.9 mm and 1.3 ± 0.8 mm, respectively, in the LAR group and 2.2 ± 1.3 mm and 2.1 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, in the MBP group. The mean talar tilt angle was greater in the LAR group (13.4 ± 3.9°) than in the MBP group (9.5 ± 3.8°) (p = 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#A qualitative analysis of the ligaments on MRI is valuable in selecting the surgical method.

Indications of Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction with a Free Tendon and Associated Evidence / 대한족부족관절학회지

Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Although most ankle sprains respond well to conservative measures, chronic instability following an acute sprain has been reported to occur in 20% to 40% of patients. Some individuals are eventually indicated for a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction due to persistent ankle instability. More than 80 surgical procedures have been described to address lateral ankle stability. These range from direct repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) to reconstructions based on the use of autograft or allograft tissues. However, the best surgical option remains debatable. The modified Broström procedure is most widely used for direct ligament repair, but not always possible because of the poor ATFL or CFL quality or deficiency of these ligaments, which prevents effective shortening imbrication. Furthermore, the importance of a CFL reconstruction has been emphasized recently. On the other hand, it is difficult to achieve an efficient CFL reconstruction during the Broström procedure. Others have reported that an anatomic reconstruction of injured ligaments restores the normal resistance to anterior translation and inversion without restricting subtalar or ankle motion, and as a result, anatomic reconstructions for lateral ankle instability utilizing an autograft or allograft tendon have gained popularity.

Subtalar Arthroereisis Using Kalix® Sinus Tarsi Implant for Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis as a method of treatment for pediatric flexible flatfoot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 14 feet among 10 patients with flexible flatfoot, who were treated with a subtalar arthroereisis using a sinus tarsi implant between March 2007 and June 2012. Radiographically, the talo-1st metatarsal angle, talar declination, and calcaneal pitch angle have all been measured on lateral radiographs. The talo-navicular coverage angle and talo-1st metatarsal angle was measured on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs and tibio-calcaneal angle was assessed by hindfoot alignment view. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores were used for clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 48.7 months (16–98 months), and the mean age was 11.6 years (6–19 years). Radiographically, the mean pre-operative and postoperative values measured by the lateral foot radiograph were −25.1° and −7.5° for talo-1st metatarsal angle, 37.4° and 23.2° for talar declination, and 8.3° and 15.0° for calcaneal pitch angle, respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative values measured by foot AP radiograph were 23.0° and 11.9° for talo-navicular coverage angle and 17.2° and 9.0° for talo-1st metatarsal angle, respectively. Moreover, tibio-calcaneal angle improved from valgus 17.4° on average to 4.5° on average. Clinically, the VAS score and AOFAS score was improved from 5.8 to 1.5 and from 61.8 to 90.4, respectively. Complication was sinus tarsi pain that occurred in 5 cases (35.7%). CONCLUSION: We achieved a satisfactory correction of pediatric flexible flatfoot deformities via subtalar arthroereisis, using a sinus tarsi implant with favorable radiographic and clinical measures. However, high potential complication rate of postoperative sinus tarsi pain on weight-bearing should carefully be considered.

Treatment of Flatfoot Deformity / 대한족부족관절학회지

Flatfoot deformity, defined as loss of medial longitudinal arch, sometimes involves symptoms such as medial arch pain or Achilles tendon tightening, etc. Whether the etiology of deformity is congenital or acquired, i.e., posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, symptoms are largely resolved with conservative treatment including medication, orthoses, and activity modification. Surgery should be considered in cases of failure of conservative treatment and clinicians can select an appropriate technique among many surgical options including calcaneal osteotomy or flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer. Principles of corrective surgery include the recovery of alignment and the preservation of joint motion.

Features of Lateral Malleolar Fractures in Elderly Patients and Clinical Outcome of Locking Compression Plate Fixation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported on the biomechanical advantages of a locking compression plate (LCP) for treatment of lateral malleolar fracture. However, few studies have reported clinical outcome after treatment of lateral malleolar fracture using a LCP in elderly patients. Thus, this study investigated the trends of lateral malleolar fractures in elderly patients and evaluated the clinical and radiological outcome of treating them using a 'locking compression distal fibula plate'. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (male: 3, female: 18) over 65 years old, who were followed-up for at least one year were enrolled in this study. They were treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation using a LCP for lateral malleolar fracture from 2011 to 2014. Lauge-Hansen and Danis-Weber classification were used for preoperative classification of fractures. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, 4-graded subjective satisfaction and post-operative range of motion were used for the clinical evaluation. Time to bone union, non-union, mal-union, metal failure and implant loosening were assessed for radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 71.2 years old, pain VAS and AOFAS score was 1.6 points and 94.2 points, respectively and 18 cases (85.7%) showed more than satisfaction in subjective satisfaction. Comminuted fracture was observed in 8 cases (38.1%) and lag screw insertion was performed in 7 ankles (33.3%). The mean bony union period was 3.6 months. There were 5 cases of mal-union, no case of non-union and metal failure. CONCLUSION: Satisfaction level of elderly patients with lateral malleolar fracture was significantly associated with only pain at the final follow-up. Fixation with a LCP distal fibula plate can sometimes lead to metal irritation but largely resulted in good clinical outcome without serious complication.

Short-Term Results of the Total Ankle Arthroplasty with Mobility Total Ankle Prostheis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Recently, minimally constrained 3-component total ankle systems have been often performed to address painful ankle arthritis. We report early clinical and radiographic outcome of the total ankle arthroplasty with Mobility system for end-stage ankle arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total ankle arthroplasty was performed with Mobility total ankle system in 40 ankles (39 patients) from November 2008 to January 2013. The mean age at surgery was 63.7 years (range, 50-78 years). The mean follow-up duration was 20.8 months (range, 12-56 months). The primary etiology for ankle arthritis was post-traumatic arthritis (26 ankles, 65%). The outcome was assessed based on visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot function score, patient satisfaction and radiographic measurements. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in VAS pain score from an initial average of 7.7 points (range, 5-10 points) to 2.8 points at the final follow-up (range, 0-7) (p<0.05). The mean AOFAS score improved significantly from 46.8 (range, 15-68) preoperatively to postoperatively 82.4 (range, 63-100) (p<0.05). Eighty-one percent of patients were satisfied with the result. Combined surgeries, such as Achilles tendon percutaneous lengthening, were performed in twenty-one cases of 40 ankles. CONCLUSION: The current short term results of Mobility total ankle arthroplasty showed a quite favorable functional and radiographical outcome with few major complications. However, the long term follow-up study with larger number of cases is needed in the future.

Achilles Tendinosis: Treatment Options

Athletes usually complain of an ongoing or chronic pain over the Achilles tendon, but recently even non-athletes are experiencing the same kind of pain which affects their daily activities. Achilles tendinosis refers to a degenerative process of the tendon without histologic or clinical signs of intratendinous inflammation. Treatment is based on whether to stimulate or prevent neovascularization. Thus, until now, there is no consensus as to the best treatment for this condition. This paper aims to review the common ways of treating this condition from the conservative to the surgical options.

Correlation Analysis of Reduction for Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fracture and Clinical Outcomes Using Postoperative Computed Tomography / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the correlation of postoperative clinical outcomes and radiologic findings using computed tomography and simple X-ray in intra-articular calcaneal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study is based on 41 feet, 38 patients with displaced intra-articular fracture who underwent surgical treatment with at least one year of follow-up. Evaluation of clinical outcome included American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and subjective satisfaction. A simple X-ray was used in evaluation of preoperative and postoperative Gissane angle, Bohler angle, and calcaneal fracture width. Computed tomography scan was performed for evaluation of preoperative and postoperative articular step-off and articular gap in all cases. Finally, we evaluated the correlation of the postoperative clinical outcomes and radiologic findings based on the measurement. RESULTS: The average postoperative AOFAS score and VAS score was 84.1+/-8.5 and 2.2+/-2.2. Subjective satisfaction was excellent in 15 cases, good in 19 cases, and fair in seven cases. The average Bohler angle was restored from 11.1degrees to 24.7degrees (p0.05), and the average width was restored from 45.8 to 35.0 mm (p<0.05). The average articular step-off and gap were decreased from 6.3 to 2.0 mm and from 11.1 to 4.6 mm, respectively (p<0.05). No significant correlations were observed between the clinical outcome and Gissane angle, Bohler angle, and width, and there was no significant correlation between the clinical outcome and Sanders classification. However, postoperative articular step-off showed correlation with VAS and AOFAS score and articular gap showed correlation with VAS score. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcome did not show correlation with Bohler angle and Gissane angle but did show correlation with anatomical reduction of the posterior facet joint.

Analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Outcome of the Reconstructive Surgery for the Cavovarus Foot Deformity / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Reconstructive surgeries for equinocavovarus foot deformities are quite variable, including hind-midfoot osteotomy or arthrodesis, soft tissue procedure, tendon transfers, etc. Comprehensive evaluation of the deformity and its etiology is mandatory for achievement of successful deformity correction. Few studies in this field have been reported. We report on the clinical and radiographic outcome of reconstruction for cavovarus foot deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on 16 feet with cavovarus foot deformities that underwent bony and soft tissue reconstructive surgery from 2004 to 2008. We evaluated the etiologies, varieties of surgical procedures performed, pain score, functional scores, and patient satisfaction and measured the radiographic parameters. RESULTS: The average age at the time of surgery was 39.4 years old, with a male/female ratio of 9/4 and an average follow-up period of 23.9 months (range, 12~49 months). The etiologies of the cavovarus deformity were idiopathic 7 feet, residual poliomyelitis 5 feet, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2 feet, and Guillain-Barre syndrome and hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular accident sequela 1 foot each. Lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomies were performed in 12 feet (75%), followed by Achilles tendon lengthening and plantar fascia release in 11 feet (69%), and first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy/arthrodesis and tendon transfer in 10 feet (63%). Visual analogue scale pain score showed improvement, from an average of 4.2 to 0.5 points. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score showed significant improvement, from 47.8 to 90.0 points (p<0.05). All patients were satisfied. Ankle range of motion improved from 27.5degrees to 46.7degrees. In radiographic measurements, calcaneal pitch angle improved from 19.1degrees to 15.8degrees, Meary angle from 13.0degrees to 9.3degrees, Hibb's angle from 44.3degrees to 37.0degrees, and tibio-calcaneal axis angle from varus 17.5degrees to varus 1.5degrees. CONCLUSION: We achieved successful correction of cavovarus foot deformities by performing appropriate comprehensive reconstructive procedures with improved functional, radiographic measures and high patient satisfaction.

Autogenous Cancellous Bone Graft Harvested from Proximal Tibia in Foot and Ankle Surgery / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical availability and advantage of autogenous cancellous bone graft from proximal tibia metaphysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 58 cases of foot and ankle surgeries using bone graft from the ipsilateral proximal tibia from August 2008 to March 2012 in Konkuk University Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). The group included patients with isolated reconstructions as well as trauma in the foot and ankle area. RESULTS: The mean volume of cancellous bone harvested from the proximal tibia was 14 ml (range, 5 to 28 ml) and allograft was added to the autogenous bone graft in order to fill the large bone defect for six cases. The bone graft was performed for 41 arthrodesises, seven supramalleolar tibial osteotomies, eight open reduction and internal fixation procedures, and two curettage and bone grafts of bone tumor. At final follow-up, one case (1.7%) showed mild pain on the donor site and the mean visual analogue scale score for pain was 0.1 (range, 0 to 2). There was no occurrence of major post-operative complication at the donor site. Solid union at final follow-up was observed in 97% of cases. CONCLUSION: Proximal tibial bone graft was found to be a viable alternative to the iliac crest bone graft in the aspect of cancellous bone graft with relatively sufficient quantity and minimal donor site morbidity.

Supramalleolar Tibial Osteotomy for Medial Compartment Ankle Osteoarthritis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of supramalleolar tibial osteotomy for medial compartment ankle osteoarthritis (OA) and to verify the efficacy of the supramalleolar osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is based on 9 ankles of the medial compartment ankle OA treated with supramalleolar tibial osteotomy from August 2007 to June 2011 with at least 1 year follow-up. As for the functional evaluation, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores were evaluated. On radiographs, tibial anterior surface (TAS) angles, tibial lateral surface angles were measured. The severity of ankle OA was classified by the Takaura staging system. RESULTS: The mean VAS pain scores improved to 0.6 and AOFAS scores improved to 89.3. Radiographically, TAS angle increased to 93.5degrees postoperatively. Seven ankles showed improvement of the ankle arthritis grading from IIIa to II according to Takakura's staging. CONCLUSION: Supramalleolar tibial osteotomy for patients with medial compartment varus ankle OA showed satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome. We confirmed that the procedure is recommendable for medial compartment varus ankle OA especially for Takakura stage IIIa.

Surgical treatments of the ankle arthritis

Trauma, such as ankle fractures, has been the major etiology of ankle arthritis. It has been reported that 70-80% of ankle arthritis cases are due to lateral ankle instability and post-traumatic ankle arthritis. Ankle arthrodesis is the gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis treatment, but it restricts ankle motion and leads to adjacent joint arthritis in the long term. Low tibial osteotomy is indicated for unicompartmental ankle osteoarthritis (OA) with varus/valgus deformity to realign the malalignment and redistribute the localized tibial plafond and malleolar pressure upon the talus and relieve ankle pain. Ankle distraction arthroplasty is another option for young patients with early ankle OA to widen the ankle joint space and decrease pain. Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a viable surgical alternative for end-stage ankle OA to relieve ankle pain while preserving ankle motion. Recently, a 3-component total ankle system has been predominant, and the outcomes and survival of TAA have improved somewhat. Prospective comparative studies on ankle arthrodesis and TAA should be performed in the future, especially with critical evaluation of complications. Ankle arthrodesis and TAA are 2 major surgical options for end-stage ankle arthritis, but research on other possible alternatives for early stage OA should be performed in the future.

Painful Accessory Navicular / 대한족부족관절학회지

Accessory navicular is a congenital anomaly of the tuberosity of the navicular from a secondary ossification center. The accessory navicular is occasionally the source of pain and local tenderness over the medial side of midfoot. If conservative treatment fails for the painful accessory navicular, surgical treatment is required. There are several surgical option for accessory navicular, which vary from simple excision, percutaneous drilling, modified Kidner procedure and osteosynthesis of the accessory ossicle to the navicular body. In addition, symptomatic flatfoot deformity should be addressed concomitantly.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability / 대한족부족관절학회지

Severe ankle sprain secondarily leads to chronic lateral ankle instability in 20-30%. Many surgical procedures have been presented for reconstruction of the lateral ankle instability, but controversy still remains for the ideal surgical option. Brostrom procedure or its modifications have been widely used but they have some limitations for the instabilities for the over-weight, physically high demanding patients and especially for significantly deficient or attenuated ligaments. Moreover the tenodesis procedures using peroneus brevis tendon are non-anatomical and sacrifice important lateral stabilizing tendon. Therefore recently, many reconstructive procedures for lateral ankle instability utilizing free allograft or autograft tendon have been introduced to anatomically stabilize the lateral ligaments to various degrees.

Comparison of Posterior Fixation Technique and Anterior-Posterior Fixation Technique in Subtalar Arthrodesis / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Subtalar arthrodesis has been the gold standard for the painful subtalar joint disorders. Successful subtalar arthrodesis requires fusion of the 3 facet joints. The purpose of the study is to compare the clinical outcome of the posterior fixation (P2) and anterior-posterior (A1P1) fixation technique for subtalar arthrodesis which enhance anterior and middle facet fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on the 20 feet (19 patients) of the subtalar arthrodesis utilizing cannulated screws from September 2006 to September 2009 with at least 1-year follow-up. Two fixation techniques were utilized for the subtalar arthrodesis: 1) posterior fixation only (P2, 7 feet, 35%) and 2) anterior-posterior (A1P1) fixation method (13 feet, 65%). Visual Analog Scale Pain (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score (maximum: 94 points), the time for returning to daily living and the patient satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: Average follow-up period were 13.2 months (12-3 mo). The AOFAS score improved from preoperative average 45 (0-68) to 81.6 (62-94), while VAS score was decreased from average 8.0 (3-10) to 1.8 (0-5) at final follow-up. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with surgery. All the patients returned to daily living at average 7.2 months (2-15 mo) post-surgery. Radiographically, 2 techniques both showed 100% fusion of the posterior compartment of the subtalar joint. Postoperative complications were 1 case of low grade infection and 1 case of sural nerve neuralgia. CONCLUSION: The subtalar arthrodesis using A1P1 fixation technique showed better fusion rate of the anterior compartment of the subtalar joint compared to P2 fixation technique although the 2 techniques both showed similar favorable clinical outcome. Therefore the A1P1 fixation technique is found to be a viable option to address chronic painful subtalar joint disorders to enhance the anterior compartment fixation.

Anatomic Reconstruction of the Lateral Ankle Instability Using the Semitendinosus Allograft Tendon and Interference Screws / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of the anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle instability using the semitendinosus allograft tendon and the interference screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is based on the 12 feet of lateral ankle instability that had been treated with anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) using the semitendinosus allograft tendon and the interference screws. The majority of patients were young and physically active. We evaluated the patients' VAS pain scores, AOFAS scores and Karlsson-Peterson ankle scores for the 11 feet involved with at least 12 months follow up, both pre- and post-operative. In addition, we evaluated patient satisfaction. We measured the talar tilt angles and the talar anterior translations from ankle stress views. RESULTS: The average age at surgery was 25.9 years old (19-57 years); patients had symptoms of recurrent sprain for average 31.4 months before surgery. The average follow up period was 14 months. For reconstruction, we used 4.0mm thick allograft semitendinosus tendon and interference screws. VAS pain scores decreased from 6.0 to 1.1 (p<0.05) and AOFAS scores improved from 70.4 to 90.4 postoperatively (p<0.05). Karlsson-Peterson ankle scores improved significantly from 54.6 to 92.4 (p<0.05). Radiographic talar tilt decreased from 15.7degrees to 3.2degrees postoperatively (p<0.05). Eighy-two percent of the patients were satisfied with the results and the patients had returned to their jobs by 3.7 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Anatomic reconstruction of the ATFL and the CFL in the lateral ankle instability patients using the semitendinosus tendon and the interference screws is an ideal surgical option especially for young athletes with high grade instabilities.

The Primary Patency and Fracture Rates of Self-Expandable Nitinol Stents Placed in the Popliteal Arteries, Especially in the P2 and P3 Segments, in Korean Patients

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the status of self-expandable nitinol stents implanted in the P2 and P3 segments of the popliteal artery in Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 189 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for stenoocclusive lesions in the femoropopliteal artery from July 2003 to March 2009, and 18 patients who underwent stent placement in popliteal arterial P2 and P3 segments were finally enrolled. Lesion patency was evaluated by ultrasound or CT angiography, and stent fracture was assessed by plain X-rays at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. RESULTS: At the 1-month follow-up, stent fracture (Type 2) was seen in one limb (up to P3, 1 of 18, 6%) and it was identified in seven limbs at the 3-month follow-up (Type 2, Type 3, Type 4) (n = 1: up to P2; n = 6: P3). At the 6-month follow-up, one more fracture (Type 1) (up to P3) was noted. At the 1-year follow-up, there were no additional stent fractures. Just four limbs (up to P2) at the 2-year follow-up did not have stent fracture. The primary patency was 94%, 61% and 44% at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively, and the group with stent implantation up to P3 had a higher fracture rate than that of the group that underwent stenting up to P2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that stent placement up to the popliteal arterial P3 segment and over P2 in an Asian population can worsen the stent patency owing to stent fracture. It may be necessary to develop a stent design and structure for the Asian population that can resist the bending force in the knee joint.

Clinical Approach of Common Foot and Ankle Disorders / 대한류마티스학회지

Among the many regions (joints) of the human extremities, the foot and ankle area has a variety of disorders, which seem difficult to diagnose mainly because the anatomy seems rather complex. There are two main regions i.e. ankle and foot where the foot is divided into forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot. Among the many disorders, some of the most common and important disorders such as hallux valgus, osteochondral lesion of talus and lateral ankle instability are summarized in the aspect of clinical manifestations, physical examination, differential diagnosis, radiographic findings, initial treatments and the criteria for the surgery. The recent trend of surgical treatment options have also been described with related references.