Ankle Arthrodesis using Cannulated Screws & Hybrid Type Rigid External Fixation in Diabetic Charcot Neuroarthropathy / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The diabetic charcot neuroarthropathy of ankle is an infrequent site (around 5%), but is definitely the location that, because of the instability and progressive deformity it involves, cause ulceration in a high percentage of patients, and this can then become a reason for amputation. However, the treatment of this disastrous disease is still challenging. We analyzed the clinical and radiological results of ankle arthrodesis by our fixation method in Charcot neuroarthropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cases that were diagnosed as charcot neuroarthropathy of ankle arthrodesis were followed for more than 16 months postoperatively. Mean age was 57 years, and the mean follow-up period was 27 months. Anterior approach was used in arthrodesis, and internal fixation by 3 or more cannulated screws and hybrid type external fixation were used. Auto iliac bone for grafting was combined in all cases. External fixator was kept for 3 months without weight-bearing. Then, boots brace was applied for more 3 months allowing partial weight-bearing. Four cases had minor complications such as pin site infection. Preoperative and postoperative AOFAS score, time to fusion and postoperative complications were checked. RESULTS: Postoperative fusion was completed in all cases, and the mean time to fusion was 3.4 months. No postoperative complication was checked. At the last follow-up, the mean AOFAS score had increased from 54 points to 72 points. Patient's satisfaction was over 80%. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results were obtained after ankle arthrodesis using internal and hybrid type external fixation combined with auto iliac bone graft in charcot neuroarthropathy with minor complications.

Ceramic on Ceramic Hybrid Type Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with more than 65 years of Age -Minimum 5-year Follow-up Results

Purpose: This study examined the minimum five-year results of hybrid type total hip arthroplasty (THA) with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation and femoral stem fixation using cement in patients older than 65 years. Materials and Methods: From February 1999 to November 2002, a hybrid type THA with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation and femoral stem fixation using cement were performed in 47 patients (47 hips) older than 65 years of age. Among the 47 patients, 29 patients were followed up for more than 5 years. The mean age of these patients was 68.9 years (65~73years). The mean follow-up period was 74.6 months (61~107 months). The postoperative diagnosis included AVN of the femoral head in 21 hips, Osteoarthritis in 2 hips, rhematoid arhthritis in 1 hip, femoral neck fracture in 4 hips and Tuberculosis in 1 hip. The clinical results were analyzed retrospectively by the Harris hip score (HHS), hip and thigh pain, and radiologically by the level of osteolysis around acetabular cup and femoral stem, bone reabsorption by stress shielding, instability, acetabular and femoral stem anteversion, acetabular inclination and the femoral stem fixation site. Results: After surgery, the overall HHS improved from 56.3 +/- 1.4 to 92.3 +/- 1.1 points (p=0.013). Excellent and good results were obtained in 21 (72.4%) and 8 hips (27.6%), respectively. There was no case of thigh pain. Radiologically, there was no acetabular and femoral component osteolysis. Absorption by stress shielding was observed in 6 cases (20.7%) with an acetabular cup and 3 cases (10.3%) with a femoral stem. Bony stability was observed in all cases treated with an acetabular cup and possible loosening in 1 case (3.4%) treated with a femoral stem. Acetabular and femoral stem anteversion was 18.4degrees+/- 1.1 and 13.1degrees+/- 0.9 respectively. Acetabular inclination was 41.5degrees+/- 1.3. The femoral stem was inserted centrally in all cases. Complications included posterior dislocation of 1 hip (3.4%) and periprosthetic fracture of the femur in 1 hip (3.4%). There was no fracture of the ceramic component Conclusion: The mid-term results of hybrid type THA with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation and femoral stem fixation using cement were effective both clinically and radiologically in patients older than 65 years.