Outcomes of a Modified Arthroscopic-assisted Reconstruction Technique for Lateral Ankle Instability / Resultados de uma técnica modificada de reconstrução assistida por artroscopia para instabilidade lateral do tornozelo

Abstract Objective The present study assesses the results of a minimally invasive surgical technique for acute and chronic ankle instability management. Methods The present case series study retrospectively evaluated 40 patients undergoing arthroscopic-assisted percutaneous ankle ligament reconstruction from 2013 to 2019. Results The present study included 17 males and 23 females with an average age of 38.3 years old. Postintervention follow-up using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scores identified improvement of > 30 points in function and pain control. The most frequently occurring associated injuries were osteochondral (35%). No patient required reintervention or had infection during follow-up. Conclusion The technique in the present study is easy and achieves satisfactory results for function and pain control. Level of Evidence IV.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo avalia os resultados de uma técnica cirúrgica minimamente invasiva para o manejo da instabilidade aguda e crônica do tornozelo. Métodos O presente estudo de uma série de casos avaliou retrospectivamente 40 pacientes submetidos à reconstrução percutânea assistida por artroscopia do ligamento do tornozelo entre 2013 e 2019. Resultados O estudo incluiu 17 homens e 23 mulheres com idade média de 38,3 anos. O acompanhamento pós-intervenção utilizou a pontuação American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS, na sigla em inglês). As pontuações do tornozelo-retropé identificaram melhora > 30 pontos na função e no controle da dor. As lesões associadas mais frequentes foram as osteocondrais (35%). Nenhum paciente precisou de reintervenção ou teve infecção durante o acompanhamento. Conclusão A técnica do presente estudo é fácil e consegue resultados satisfatórios para a função e o controle da dor. Nível de Evidência IV.

Recent advancements in subtalar arthroereisis implant / 国际外科学杂志

Subtalar arthroereisis, which achieve good clinical results, has broad clinical application prospect. Subtalar arthroereisis implant, a key component of subtalar arthroereisis, plays a critical role in the prognosis of patients. Recent years has witnessed the continuous improvement and optimization of subtalar arthroereisis implant as well as new relevant conception and knowledge, including comparison of different implant types, application of absorbable implant, and conception of anatomical implant. This article reviews the recent advancements in subtalar arthroereisis implant.

Controversy of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot / 中国骨伤

Flatfoot could be divided into flexible flatfoot and rigid flatfoot. Flatfoot with symptoms is called symptomatic flatfoot, surgical treatment is required if conservative treatment is not effective. Subtalar arthroereisis is a minimally invasive procedure which has been used for many years with good results in flexible flatfoot, however, still has many controversial points. Controversial points focus on indications and contraindications, optimal age, subtalar arthroereisis alone or not, efficacy and safety of absorbable material implants, and implant removal. The paper reviewed and summarized the use and controversies of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot as follows:the best indication for subtalar arthroereisis was pediatric flexible flatfoot syndrome and aged from 10 to 12 years old was optimal age for treatment;tarsal coalitions with flatfoot and adult flatfoot were relative indications. Stiff flatfoot, joint laxity, and subtalar arthritis were contraindications;obesity and neurogenic flexible flatfoot were relative contraindications. The correction ability of subtalar arthroereisis alone was limited, and it's combined with other procedures depending on patient's situation. The safety and efficacy of absorbable material implants had been reported. Routine removal of the implant was not necessary, the main reason of which was tarsal sinus pain.

The influence of subtalar axis orientation on the foot posture of older adults in a closed kinetic chain / A influência da orientação do eixo subtalar na postura do pé de idosos em cadeia cinética fechada

Objectives: This study compared the influence of subtalar axis position on foot behavior in a closed kinetic chain in older and younger adults. Methods: The sample included 50 older adults and a control group of 50 younger adults. The variables were initially analyzed for both feet together, and were later analyzed separately, comparing each foot (right and left) between groups. Range of motion was assessed by validated goniometric procedures: the position of subtalar axis was evaluated by the palpation technique, while the Foot Posture Index was used to assess behavior in a closed kinetic chain. Student's t-test / Mann-Whitney test compared the main variables according to sample distribution, while Student's t-test / Wilcoxon test was used for paired samples. A standardized Haberman residuals test was also used to determine the connection between the position of subtalar joint axis and the Foot Posture Index. Results: Data from the right and left feet were similar for all variables. The older group had reduced mobility in the ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint (5.42º [SD (Standard Deviation), 4.49] and 76.12º [SD, 19.24], respectively) with statistically significant values, (p <0.001), as measured by the Mann-Whitney test for the ankle joint and the t-Sutdent test for the first metatarsophalangeal joint, while the younger group had normal values (11.46º [SD, 6.49] and 97.17º [SD, 13.65], respectively)(p < 0.001). The difference in subtalar axis position was not significant (p = 0.788), with more internal deviations in both groups. There was a significant difference in Foot Posture Index (p = 0.006, by applying the chi-square test), with the normal position more prevalent in the older group and the prone position more prevalent in the younger group. Conclusions: Regarding internal deviations in the subtalar joint axis, the older group had a higher frequency of feet in the normal position, while the younger group had a higher frequency of feet in the prone position which, in this case, agrees with the rotational balance theory. For the normal axis position, a higher frequency of normal position was found in both groups. Regarding external deviations of the subtalar joint axis, neither group followed the pattern expected in rotational balance theory. The most consistent connection in the older group was between external axis position and supine foot position, whereas in the younger group it was between normal axis position and normal foot position.

Objetivos: Este estudo comparou a influência da posição do eixo subtalar no comportamento do pé em cadeia cinética fechada em idosos e adultos jovens. Metodologia: O grupo amostral incluiu 50 idosos e o grupo controle, 50 adultos jovens. As variáveis foram estudadas inicialmente para ambos os pés e comparadas entre os grupos, sendo posteriormente analisadas separadamente, comparando-se cada pé (direito e esquerdo) entre os grupos. A amplitude de movimento articular foi avaliada por procedimentos goniométricos validados; a posição do eixo subtalar foi avaliada pela técnica de palpação; o Foot Posture Index foi utilizado para avaliar o comportamento do pé em uma cadeia cinética fechada. O teste t de Student/teste de Mann-Whitney comparou as principais variáveis de acordo com a distribuição amostral, enquanto o teste t de Student/teste de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para amostras emparelhadas. O teste de resíduais ajustados de Haberman padronizado foi usado para a relação entre a posição do eixo da subtalar e o Foot Posture Index. Resultados: Os dados dos pés direito e esquerdo foram semelhantes para todas as variáveis. O grupo mais velho apresentou mobilidade reduzida no tornozelo e na primeira articulação metatarsofalângica (5,42 [desvio padrão ­ DP, 4,49] e 76,12 [DP, 19,24] graus, respectivamente), enquanto o grupo mais jovem apresentou valores normais (11,46 [DP, 6,49] e 97,17 [DP, 13,65], respetivamente) com valores estatisticamente significativos, (p <0,001), aferidos pelo teste de Mann-Whitney para a articulação do tornozelo e pelo teste t-Sutdent para a primeira articulação metatarsofalângica. A diferença na posição do eixo subtalar não foi significativa (p = 0,788, pela aplicação do teste de Qui-quadrado), com mais desvios internos em ambos os grupos. O Foot Posture Index diferiu significativamente entre os grupos (p = 0,006 pela aplicação do teste de Qui-quadrado), sendo a postura normal mais prevalente no grupo mais velho e a postura pronada mais prevalente no grupo mais jovem. Conclusões: Em relação aos desvios internos do eixo da articulação subtalar, o grupo mais velho apresentou maior frequência de pés na postura normal, enquanto o mais jovem apresentou maior frequência de pés pronados, o que, neste caso, corrobora a teoria do equilíbrio rotacional. Na posição normal do eixo, foi encontrada maior frequência de pés com postura normal em ambos os grupos. Em relação aos desvios externos do eixo da articulação subtalar, nenhum dos grupos seguiu o padrão esperado na teoria do equilíbrio rotacional. A relação mais consistente no grupo mais velho foi entre a posição do eixo externo e a posutra supinada do pé, enquanto no grupo mais jovem se deu entre a posição normal do eixo e a postura normal do pé

Research progress of HyproCure subtalar stabilization in flat foot / 国际外科学杂志

Flatfoot is a deformity related to the collapse of the medial arch of the foot, heel valgus and forefoot abduction. The etiology and treatment plan are affected by many factors. Conservative treatment can be given in the early stage. When conservative treatment reaches a certain time and fails to improve symptoms, surgical treatment is required. Among them, HyproCure subtalar stabilization is a new minimally invasive surgical method, which has been popularized in recent years. It has remarkable effect in correcting deformities. Because the morphological design of HyproCure is more suitable for the tarsal sinus, it can enable the subtalar joint to carry out normal three-dimensional activities without excessive correction or restriction of foot movement. Compared with the traditional surgical method, it has the advantages of small incision It has the characteristics of simple operation and less postoperative complications, and can partially replace calcaneal osteotomy. By reviewing the recently published literature, this paper reviews the advantages of subtalar stabilization and the limitations compared with traditional surgery.

Tratamiento artroscópico en lesión osteocondral subtalar / Arthroscopic treatment of subtalar osteochondral lesion

Las lesiones osteocondrales de la articulación subtalar es una patología infrecuente y de incidencia variable, dado su reporte principalmente como hallazgo en el estudio de dolor crónico de tobillo y ya con cambios degenerativos articulares. La sospecha clínica y el estudio imagenológico dirigido, permiten investigar esas lesiones en estadios iniciales, evitando así el uso de técnicas que no preservan la articulación para su manejo. La artroscopía subtalar es una excelente herramienta tanto diagnóstica como terapéutica para la resolución de dichas lesiones. Dadas las características anatómicas y biomecánicas de la articulación, en estadios iniciales, el manejo mediante sinovectomía y microfracturas es una alternativa con excelentes resultados funcionales. Este trabajo incluye dos casos de lesiones osteocondrales de la faceta posterior de la articulación subtalar manejadas vía artroscópica mediante sinovectomía y microfracturas y su posterior evolución.

Osteochondral lesions in the subtalar joint are an uncommon pathology with a variable incidence, being mainly reported as a finding in chronic ankle pain studies and with already visible degenerative joint changes at time of diagnosis. Clinical suspicion and directed imaging study, allows to investigate these lesions during early stages, thus avoiding the use of invasive techniques with scarce joint preservation. Subtalar arthroscopy is an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the resolution of these lesions. Given the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the joint, in the early stages the management by synovectomy and microfractures is an alternative with excellent functional results. This study includes two cases of osteochondral lesions of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint managed through arthroscopically synovectomy and microfractures and their subsequent evolution.

Biomechanical comparison of plantar-to-dorsal and dorsal-to-plantar screw fixation strength for subtalar arthrodesis / Comparação biomecânica da força de fixação de parafuso com orientação de plantar para dorsal e vice-versa para artrodese subtalar

ABSTRACT Objective To compare screw fixation strength for subtalar arthrodesis. Methods Eight matched pairs of cadaver feet underwent subtalar joint arthrodesis with two 7.3mm cannulated screws. Randomization was used to assign screw orientation, such that one foot in each pair was assigned dorsal to plantar screw orientation (DP Group), and the other foot, plantar to dorsal orientation (PD Group). Standard surgical technique with fluoroscopy was used for each approach. Following fixation, each specimen was loaded to failure with a Bionix ® 858 MTS device, applying a downward axial force at a distance to create torque. Torque to failure was compared between DP and PD Groups using Student's t test, with p=0.05 used to determine statistical significance. Results Statistical analysis demonstrated that the mean torque to failure slightly favored the DP Group (37.3Nm) to the PD Group (32.2Nm). However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.55). Conclusion In subtalar arthrodesis, there is no significant difference in construct strength between dorsal-to-plantar and plantar-to-dorsal screw orientation. The approach chosen by the surgeon should be based on factors other than the biomechanical strength of the screw orientation.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a força de fixação dos parafusos para artrodese subtalar. Métodos Oito pares de pés de cadáveres frescos foram submetidos à artrodese da articulação subtalar com dois parafusos canulados de 7,3mm. A randomização foi usada para atribuir a orientação do parafuso, de modo que um pé em cada par foi designado com orientação de dorsal para plantar (Grupo DP), e o outro pé com orientação de plantar para dorsal (Grupo PD). Técnica cirúrgica padrão com radioscopia foi usada para os procedimentos. Após a fixação, cada amostra foi testada até a falha com um dispositivo Bionix®858 MTS, aplicando força axial descendente a uma distância para criar torque. O torque de falha foi comparado entre os Grupos DP e PD, usando o teste t de Student, com p=0,05 usado para determinar significância estatística. Resultados A análise estatística demonstrou que a média do torque até a falha favoreceu ligeiramente o Grupo DP (37,3Nm) em relação ao PD (32,2Nm). No entanto, a diferença entre os dois grupos não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,55). Conclusão Na artrodese subtalar, não há diferença significativa na força de compressão entre as orientações dos parafusos dorsal-plantar e plantar-dorsal. A abordagem escolhida pelo cirurgião deve ser baseada em outros fatores, sem preocupação com a força biomecânica da orientação dos parafusos.

Simple HyProCure subtalar stabilization in treatment of adolescent flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: HyProCure subtalar stabilization has been widely used in the treatment of flexible flatfoot, but there is no unified treatment for adolescent flexible flatfoot with painful accessory navicular bone. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of HyProCure subtalar stabilization for adolescent flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone. METHODS: Between January 2015 and September 2019, 24 cases (39 feet) of adolescent flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone were treated with HyProCure subtalar stabilization in National Rehabilitation Hospital. There were 13 males (22 feet) and 11 females (17 feet) with the age of 5-15 years. Visual analogue scale score and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and foot function score were used to evaluate the effectiveness. The talus-the first metatarsal angle (Meary’s angle), the talus-the second metatarsal angle, calcaneal inclination angle (Pitch angle), the talar declination angle, calcaneal valgus angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and talocalcaneal angle were measured on the X-ray films. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of National Rehabilitation Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All incisions of 24 patients healed well in the first stage. Two cases (2 feet) had tarsal sinus pain; one case (1 foot) appeared with mild hindfoot varus and insufficient weight-bearing under the 1st metatarsal head, also one case (1 foot) complained mild painful remain at local site. (2) All 24 patients were followed up for 6-36 months. No case suffered from hardware failure or hardware removal. (3) At last follow-up, visual analogue scale score was significantly decreased compared with that before surgery (P < 0.01); AOFAS ankle and foot function score was significantly increased compared with that before surgery (P < 0.01). (4) At last follow-up, Meary’s angle, the talus-the second metatarsal angle, Pitch angle, the talar declination angle, calcaneal valgus angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and talocalcaneal angle in 24 patients were significantly improved compared with that before surgery (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). (5) The results suggested that HyProCure subtalar stabilization is effective for adolescent flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone in short term.

Treatment of closed subtalar joint dislocation: A case report and literature review / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Subtalar dislocation is defined as a separation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular articulations, commonly caused by high-energy mechanisms, which include falls from height, motor vehicle crashes, and twisting leg injuries. The dislocations are divided into medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior types on the basis of the direction in which the distal part of the foot has shifted in relation to the talus. The most common type is medial dislocation resulted from inversion injury. Subtalar dislocation may accompany with other fractures. Physical examination must be performed carefully to assess for neurovascular compromise. Most of the subtalar dislocations can be treated with closed reduction under sedation. If this is not possible, open reduction without further delay should be conducted. After primary treatment, X-ray and computed tomography scan should be performed to evaluate the alignment and the fractures. We report a 37-year-old male patient sustained a subtalar dislocation without any bony injury when he was playing football. The patient was successfully treated by closed reduction, and a good alignment was observed at the last follow-up. The pathogenesis and treatment method of this case were analyzed, and the related literature were reviewed, which provided a reference for future clinical treatment.

Management Of Calcaneal Fractures With Tentacle Plate – Prospective Outcome Analysis

This is a prospective cohort study to evaluate the results of open reduction through an extensile lateral approach and internal fixation with calcaneal tentacle plate as surgical treatment of the displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture. The extended lateral approach accounts for low incidence of complication. After suitable interval to improve the soft tissue status, this series recommend to take the cases for surgery between 14 to 21 days from the time of injury. Wound dehiscence is the common complication, which can be minimized by raising cutaneous-subcutaneous flap during incision. Prevention of collapse is mainly by the rigid fixation & perfect anatomical plating and delayed weight bearing. Bone grafting is needed for severely comminuted cases. We systematically obtained anatomical reduction, whatever the Sanders type. This reconstruction and subtalar joint congruence, essential for a good result. Post operative subtalar joint incongruence may lead to early subtalar arthritis, which can be managed with subtalar arthrodesis. Osteosynthesis of type II calcaneal fractures give excellent result compared to other fracture patterns. In case of contraindication relating to age, associated pathology such as diabetes or arteriopathy, or psychiatric disturbance, we advise plaster cast immobilization for relatively congruent fractures, and closed percutaneous pinning or screwing for more displaced and incongruent fracture. Proper pre-operative planning, rigid fixation with calcaneal tentacle plate and adequate screws through extensile lateral approach, anatomical reduction to achieve subtalar joint congruency, using bone grafts in comminuted fractures, early post op rehabilitation, delayed weight bearing will give good results in case of displaced intra articular calcaneal fracture K

Subtar arthroscopic debridment for the treatment of sinus tarsi syndrome: case series

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to report the results of arthroscopic debridement of the subtalar joint in eight patients with Sinus Tarsi Syndrome (STS) refractory to conservative treatment. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of eight patients with STS who underwent subtalar arthroscopy for debridement of the sinus tarsi between January 2015 and January 2017 after six months of conservative treatment. All patients answered an epidemiological questionnaire and underwent functional evaluation with the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) in the preoperative and in the last evaluation (average of 12 months - 6-24 months). RESULTS: All patients showed severe synovitis in the region. Seven patients had remnants of the talocalcaneal ligaments and six of the cervical ligament. AOFAS increased by 30 points on average (51.75 in the preoperative period to 82.62 in the last follow-up) and the VAS decreased on average by 5 points (7.37 preoperatively to 2.12 in the last follow-up). These results were statistically significant with p = 0.043 and p = 0.032 respectively. Six patients described the result as excellent and two as good. No complications were reported. All patients returned to sports after six months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic debridement of the subtalar joint is an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of STS refractory to conservative treatment. More studies, with a prospective methodology, are necessary to prove the results of this technique.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo é relatar os resultados do desbridamento artroscópico da subtalar em oito pacientes portadores da Síndrome do Seio do Tarso (SST) refratária ao tratamento conservador. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo retrospectivo com oito pacientes com diagnóstico de STT que foram submetidos à artroscopia subtalar para desbridamento do seio do tarso entre janeiro de 2015 e janeiro de 2017, após seis meses de tratamento conservador. Todos os pacientes responderam questionário epidemiológico e foram submetidos à avaliação funcional com a Escala Visual Analógica de dor (EVA) e o American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (Aofas) no pré-operatório e na última avaliação, em uma média de 12 meses (6-24 meses). RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes exibiram intensa sinovite na região. Sete pacientes tinham resquícios de ligamentos talocalcaneanos e seis do ligamento cervical. O Aofas aumentou 30 pontos em média (51,75 no pré-operatório para 82,62 no último seguimento) e a EVA diminuiu em média 5 pontos (7,37 no pré-operatório para 2,12 no último seguimento). Esses resultados foram estatisticamente significativos com p = 0,043 e p = 0,032, respectivamente. Seis pacientes descreveram o resultado como excelente e dois como bom. Nenhuma complicação foi relatada. Todos os pacientes retornaram ao esporte após seis meses de acompanhamento. CONCLUSÃO: O desbridamento artroscópico da subtalar é uma alternativa eficaz e segura no tratamento da SST refratária ao tratamento conservador. Mais estudos, com metodologia prospectiva, são necessários para comprovar os resultados da técnica.

Anatomic classification of the subtalar joint surface and its clinical significance / 解剖学报

Objective To study the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the subtalar joint surface and to explore its clinical significance. Methods Totally 365 dry calcaneus specimens (sex, age unknown) were selected. Its long axis sum and the short axis sum were measured using Vernier caliper. The Gissane's angle (the angle was formed by two lines along the anterior and posterior articular surfaces of calcaneus respectively) and the Bohler's angle (the angular measurement was formed by a line from the posterior calcaneal margin to the margin of the posterior facet and a second line from the margin of the posterior facet to the superior margin of the anterior calcaneal process) were measured using Goniometer. Results According to the anatomical morphology, the subtalar joint surface can be divided into 5 types: type I (189, 51.78%), type II (80, 21.92%), type III (5 1, 13.97%), type IV (37, 10.14%) and type V (8, 2. 19%). The long axis sum of type III (4. 55±0. 6) cm was significantly smaller than other types (P 0. 05). Conclusion In this experiment, there are five variations in the articular surface of calcaneal talus, mainly type I, and its anatomical morphological classification has certain guiding significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion.@*Methods@#A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 19 patients with calcaneal fracture malunion (19 feet) who had been treated from January 2011 to September 2017 at Departments of Joint Surgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. They were 16 males and 3 females with the average age of 36.2 years (from 22 to 57 years). According to Stephens-Sanders classification, the malunion was defined as type Ⅰ in 10 cases, as type Ⅱ in 6 and as type Ⅲ in 3. The patients with malunion of type Ⅰ were treated by lateral wall osteotomy and decompression of long and short peroneus muscles to preserve the subtalar joint, those with malunion of type Ⅱ by lateral wall osteotomy and decompression of long and short peroneus muscles followed by subtalar joint fusion, and those with malunion of type Ⅲ by lateral wall osteotomy, decompression of long and short peroneus muscles, medial oblique osteotomy for correction of varus deformity and subtalar joint fusion via both the medial and lateral approaches. The Maryland functional scores were used to assess the postoperative surgical efficacy.@*Results@#No such complications happened as incision or implant infection, screw breakage or joint non-fusion. Of the 19 patients, 17 were followed up for 18 to 26 months (mean, 20.5 months). The Maryland scores at the final follow-ups were 90.2±7.3, significantly higher than the preoperative values (38.6±5.5) (t=53.370, P<0.001).@*Conclusions@#In the surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion, satisfactory clinical efficacy can be achieved by lateral wall osteotomy and preservation of the subtalar joint for patients with maunion of Stephens-Sanders type Ⅰ, and by subtalar fusion for those with maunion of Stephens-Sanders types Ⅱ-Ⅲ.

Surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 19 patients with calcaneal fracture malunion (19 feet) who had been treated from January 2011 to September 2017 at Departments of Joint Surgery and Orthopedic Trauma,The Third Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-Sen University.They were 16 males and 3 females with the average age of 36.2 years (from 22 to 57 years).According to Stephens-Sanders classification,the malunion was defined as type Ⅰ in 10 cases,as type Ⅱ in 6 and as type Ⅲ in 3.The patients with malunion of type Ⅰ were treated by lateral wall osteotomy and decompression of long and short peroneus muscles to preserve the subtalar joint,those with malunion of type Ⅱ by lateral wall osteotomy and decompression of long and short peroneus muscles followed by subtalar joint fusion,and those with malunion of type Ⅲ by lateral wall osteotomy,decompression of long and short peroneus muscles,medial oblique osteotomy for correction of varus deformity and subtalar joint fusion via both the medial and lateral approaches.The Maryland functional scores were used to assess the postoperative surgical efficacy.Results No such complications happened as incision or implant infection,screw breakage or joint non-fusion.Of the 19 patients,17 were followed up for 18 to 26 months (mean,20.5 months).The Maryland scores at the final follow-ups were 90.2 ± 7.3,significantly higher than the preoperative values (38.6 ± 5.5) (t =53.370,P ＜ 0.001).Conclusions In the surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion,satisfactory clinical efficacy can be achieved by lateral wall osteotomy and preservation of the subtalar joint for patients with maunion of Stephens-Sanders type Ⅰ,and by subtalar fusion for those with maunion of Stephens-Sanders types Ⅱ-Ⅲ.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis via lateral transfibular approach to treat tibiotalar and subtalar arthropathy / 中华骨科杂志

Objective@#To observe operative results of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTC) via lateral transfibular ap-proach in the treatment of severe ankle and subtalar diseases.@*Methods@#Eighteen patients treated with TTC via lateral transfibu-lar approach from January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 11 males and 7 females from 39 to 76 years old, with an average age of 53.4 years. Preoperative diagnoses included traumatic arthritis (3 cases), osteoarthritis (10 cas-es), talar necrosis (3 cases), failure of ankle fusion (1 case) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (1 case). Ankle and hindfoot deformi-ty included varus (10 cases), valgus (6 cases), equinus (1 case) and equinovarus (1 case). All cases were classified into stage-3 ar-thritis according to Morrey-Wiedeman classification. All patients sustained pain and stiffness in the ankle and hindfoot as well as walking dysfunction. Preoperative and 1 year postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and An-kle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale were collected. Postoperative joint fusion and complications were observed.@*Results@#Follow-up ranged from 12-47 months, averaging 25.4 months. Preoperative VAS scores were 6-9, averaging 7.1±1.0, while postop-erative VAS scores at 1 year follow-up were 0-2, averaging 0.9±0.8, which decreased significantly. Preoperative AOFAS scores were 24-59, averaging 40.6±11.5, while postoperative AOFAS scores at 1 year follow-up were 68-84, averaging 75.3±5.8, which increased significantly. 8 cases were good and 10 cases were fair according to AOFAS scores at 1 year follow-up. The excellent and good rate was 44.4% (8/18). All joints were fused successfully without implants loosening or breakage. All patients satisfied with operative results at 1 year follow-up. Lateral distal wound dehiscence happened in 1 case of traumatic arthritis and the wound was finally healed after debridement and vacuum assisted closure (VAC). Two cases of osteoarthritis presented with dorsal lateral foot numbness and became asymptomatic after neurotrophic medication. One case of osteoarthritis complained of discomfort in the lateral heel caused by implants prominence and implants were removed at 1 year after surgery. Postoperative complication rate was 22.2% (4/18) .@*Conclusion@#TTC via lateral transfibular approach with cannulated screws and locking plate system is safe and ef-fective. Joint fusion rate is high and complication rate is low. During operation, attention should be paid to restoring hindfoot align-ment, soft tissue balance, proper bone graft and joint compression.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis via lateral transfibular approach to treat tibiotalar and subtalar arthropathy / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To observe operative results of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTC) via lateral transfibular approach in the treatment of severe ankle and subtalar diseases.Methods Eighteen patients treated with TTC via lateral transfibular approach from January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 11 males and 7 females from 39 to 76 years old,with an average age of 53.4 years.Preoperative diagnoses included traumatic arthritis (3 cases),osteoarthritis (10 cases),talar necrosis (3 cases),failure of ankle fusion (1 case) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (1 case).Ankle and hindfoot deformity included varus (10 cases),valgus (6 cases),equinus (1 case) and equinovarus (1 case).All cases were classified into stage-3 arthritis according to Morrey-Wiedeman classification.All patients sustained pain and stiffness in the ankle and hindfoot as well as walking dysfunction.Preoperative and 1 year postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale were collected.Postoperative joint fusion and complications were observed.Results Follow-up ranged from 12-47 months,averaging 25.4 months.Preoperative VAS scores were 6-9,averaging 7.1 ± 1.0,while postoperative VAS scores at 1 year follow-up were 0-2,averaging 0.9±0.8,which decreased significantly.Preoperative AOFAS scores were 24-59,averaging 40.6± 11.5,while postoperative AOFAS scores at 1 year follow-up were 68-84,averaging 75.3±5.8,which increased significantly.8 cases were good and 10 cases were fair according to AOFAS scores at 1 year follow-up.The excellent and good rate was 44.4％ (8/18).All joints were fused successfully without implants loosening or breakage.All patients satisfied with operative results at 1 year follow-up.Lateral distal wound dehiscence happened in l case of traumatic arthritis and the wound was finally healed after debridement and vacuum assisted closure (VAC).Two cases of osteoarthritis presented with dorsal lateral foot numbness and became asymptomatic after neurotrophic medication.One case of osteoarthritis complained of discomfort in the lateral heel caused by implants prominence and implants were removed at 1 year after surgery.Postoperative complication rate was 22.2％(4/18).Conclusion TTC via lateral transfibular approach with cannulated screws and locking plate system is safe and effective.Joint fusion rate is high and complication rate is low.During operation,attention should be paid to restoring hindfoot alignment,soft tissue balance,proper bone graft and joint compression.

Computed Tomography Image Analysis of the Fusion Site of Subtalar Arthrodesis for Traumatic Arthritis after a Displaced Intraarticular Calcaneal Fracture

PURPOSE: The study examined the fusion site and characteristics of the subtalar arthrodesis after intraarticular calcaneal fractures using computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical results and computed tomographic analysis of the fusion site were reviewed in 18 patients who were followed-up for a minimum of six months after undergoing subtalar arthrodesis due to traumatic arthritis caused by an intra-articular calcaneal fracture from December 2012 to April 2017. RESULTS: An evaluation of clinical results after subtalar arthrodesis revealed statistically significant improvements. In all cases, arthritis was found in the injured articular surface, which was displaced superolaterally from the initial primary fracture line of the calcaneus. Six months after arthrodesis, the subtalar fusion rate was 80.0% (16/20). Of these, 14 cases had a cannulated screw inserted in the uninjured site that is medial to the primary fracture line. Joint fusion was observed on the uninjured articular surface in 17 cases (85.0%). CONCLUSION: Joint fusion was initially achieved at the uninjured posterior facet after subtalar arthrodesis due to traumatic arthritis caused by a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture. This suggests that meticulous surgical techniques and cannulated screw positioning at the uninjured site will promote joint fusion.

Synovial Osteochondromatosis of the Subtalar Joint in an Adolescent Baseball Player / 대한스포츠의학회지

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by cartilaginous proliferation within the synovial membrane of the articular joint. Smaller joints are rarely affected and it may be progressed to osteochondromatosis after ossification or calcification of metaplastic cartilage. It is commonly presented in the third to fourth decade of life, but rarely presented in adolescence. We report a unique case of synovial osteochondromatosis of the subtalar joint in 14-year-old baseball player. Arthroscopic removal of loose body and complete excision of the osteochondral mass with concomitant synovectomy resulted in satisfactory outcome without recurrence at final follow-up.

Comparison of retrograde intramedullary nailing versus locking plating for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To compare the curative effects of retrograde intramedullary nailing versus locking plating for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Methods A retrospective study was performed of the 47 patients who had undergone tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis from January 2012 through January 2017 at De-partment of Orthopaedics, Pu'Ai Hospital. Of them, 28 were treated by retrograde intramedullary nailing and 19 by locking plating. The 2 ways of fixation were compared in terms of bony union rate, bony union time, revision rate, complications, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ( AOFAS ) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and Short Form 36 ( SF-36 ) scores. Results The overall bony union rate was 80.9% ( 38/47 ) for the 47 patients; the bony union rate for the intramedullary nailing group ( 71.4%) was significantly lower than that for the locking plating group ( 94.7%) ( P ＜0.05 ). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in revision rate due to nonunion [ 17.8% ( 5/28 ) versus 5.2% ( 1/19 ) ] , bony union time ( 5.0 ± 0.9 months versus 5.5 ± 1.1 months ) , AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale ( 80.6 ± 8.4 points versus 79.5 ± 5.7 points) or SF-36 scores ( 78.9 ± 7.1 points versus 88.9 ± 7.7 points ) ( P ＞ 0.05 ) . The locking plating group had a significantly higher incidence of wound complications ( 47.4%) than the intramedullary nailing group (17.9%) ( P ＜0.05), but there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in symptomatic hardware or nerve irritations. Conclusions Both retrograde intramedullary nailing and locking plating can lead to fine curative effects in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Although locking plating may result in a higher union rate than retrograde intramedullary nailing, it may cause a higher rate of wound complications.

Subtalar Arthroscopy and Posterior Endoscopy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The application of arthroscopy is becoming increasingly widespread due to the development of surgical instruments and techniques. Subtalar pathology can cause chronic pain in the hindfoot, but it is often misdiagnosed as a lesion of the adjacent ankle joint, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Subtalar arthroscopy and posterior endoscopy are good methods to confirm and treat the posterior pathology of the subtalar joint and posterior ankle joint.