Biomechanics of reconstruction of total calcaneus defect using fibular flap based on finite element method / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Calcaneal defects are common in clinical practice.It is difficult for surgeons to evaluate the effect of calcaneal reconstruction due to the complex anatomical structure and motor function of the heel.Finite element analysis has become an effective method for biomechanical behavior simulation and numerical analysis. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical effect and biomechanical characteristics of total calcaneal reconstruction with the Ⅱ-shaped and V-shaped fibular flap. METHODS:CT images of one left foot of a healthy 50-year-old male were acquired.Mimics software was used to obtain the preliminary three-dimensional model.Geomagic software was used to trim and curve the model.The model was imported into Solidworks software to simulate calcaneal reconstruction and complete the pre-processing of finite element calculation.Finally,Ansys software was used to solve the problem.The simulation results were compared with previous literature results to verify the effectiveness of the model.The surgical effect and biomechanical characteristics of the foot in different gait phases based on the simulated stress results were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Both Ⅱ-shaped and V-shaped fibular flaps could be used to reconstruct completely missing calcaneus,which could restore the length,width and height of normal calcaneus,and fill up the missing calcaneus bone.(2)Compared with the normal calcaneus,both configurations of fibular flaps showed a tendency for over-concentration of stress after loading.The normal calcaneus stress was mostly concentrated around the calcaneus nodule,the subtalar process and the calcaneus groove,while the stress of the two fibular flaps was mostly concentrated at the junction between the bone flap with the talus and cuboid bones.(3)The maximum stress of calcaneus was different between the two models and normal calcaneus under different simulation conditions,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).Compared with the V-shaped fibular flaps,Ⅱ-shaped fibular flaps had less force change in different gaits and were closer to the normal calcaneus.The V-shaped fibular flap bore excessive stress during the period of push-off,and the grafted bone material may yield under this condition and have the risk of fractures.

Micro-CT analysis of distribution and structural characteristics of bone trabeculae in the calcaneus / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The calcaneus is located in the lower posterior part of the foot and is heavily stressed.Calcaneus is complex and irregular in shape,surrounded by thin cortical bone and filled with a large number of trabeculae.The study of the microstructure,movement,and distribution of trabeculae is helpful to improve the understanding of calcaneus fracture. OBJECTIVE:The image data of calcaneus were obtained by scanning the calcaneus specimens with micro-computed tomography,and the structure of trabecular bone in calcaneus was analyzed to explore the morphology,distribution and structural characteristics of trabecular bone in calcaneus. METHODS:Dry adult calcaneus specimens were continuously scanned by micro-computed tomography,and the images were obtained after scanning and stored in DICOM format.Image data were imported into Hiscan Analyzer software to display clear and complete images of the sagittal plane,coronal plane,and the horizontal plane of the adult calcaneus.The trabecular movement of bone was observed layer by layer.According to the trabecular movement characteristics,the sagittal plane of the calcaneus was divided into six parts.A 49-mm2 region of interest was selected for each part at the same thickness as 7 mm.The three-dimensional microstructure of calcaneus and trabecular bone was obtained after three-dimensional reconstruction.After binarization,the volume fraction,surface density,trabecular thickness,trabecular space,and trabecular number parameters of the trabecular bone in the region of interest were calculated by software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The cortical layer of the calcaneus was very thin and filled with a large amount of cancellous bone,and the cortical layer of the horn of Gissane was obviously thickened.(2)The trabecular volume fraction in the upper part of the calcaneus was greater than that in the anterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus,the central triangle,the posterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus,and the base of the calcaneus,and the trabecular volume fraction in the tubercle of the calcaneus was greater than that in the anterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus,the central triangle,the posterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus,and the base of the calcaneus.The surface density of the trabecular bone in the tubercle of the calcaneus was higher than that in the front of the lower calcaneus,the middle triangle area,and the bottom of calcaneus,and the surface density of the trabecular bone in the upper part of calcaneal bone,and the lower part of the calcaneus was higher than that in the middle triangle area.The thickness of the trabecular bone in the upper part of the calcaneus was greater than that in the tubercle of the calcaneal bone.The bone trabecular space in the middle triangle was larger than that in the upper part of the calcaneus and calcaneal tubercles.The number of bone trabeculae in the calcaneal tubercles was greater than that in the middle triangle area.(3)These results indicate that the trabeculae of rod bone were mainly distributed in the middle triangle area.The surface density of trabeculae was the smallest,the volume fraction was smaller,and the space between trabeculae was the largest.This part of the bone is relatively loose.The compression resistance is poor when subjected to high impact.The trabecular bone fractures first occur,which is a prone site for fractures.

Technique for Foot Reconstruction with Custom-made Calcaneal Prosthesis in Primary Malignancy - A Case Report / Técnica de reconstrução do pé com prótese de calcâneo feita sob medida em câncer primário - Relato de caso

Abstract The foot is an uncommon location for osseous tumors, comprising ~ 3% of all skeletal tumors, which occur particularly around the calcaneum. Radical surgery creates a void in the foot which adversely affects the ability to salvage it. Calcaneal replacement surgeries are not commonly performed due to factors involving instability of the prosthesis, soft-tissue defects, and resultant failure, which can occur in the postoperative period. Thus, we herein report a rare case of synovial sarcoma arising from the sheath of the tibialis posterior tendon, with secondary involvement of the calcaneus bone. Considering the previous experiences of different surgeons, a custom-made prosthesis was designed with relevant modifications.

Resumo O pé é um local incomum para tumores ósseos, e compreende cerca de 3% de todos os tumores esqueléticos, em especial ao redor do calcâneo. A cirurgia radical cria um vazio no pé, o que afeta de forma negativa a capacidade de resgate do membro. As cirurgias de reconstrução do calcâneo não são comumente realizadas por causa da instabilidade da prótese, defeito de partes moles, e consequente possibilidade de insucesso pósoperatório. Assim, apresentamos aqui um caso raro de sarcoma sinovial originário da bainha do tendão tibial posterior com acometimento secundário do osso calcâneo. Considerando as experiências prévias de diferentes cirurgiões, projetamos uma prótese sob medida com modificações relevantes.

A comparison of effectiveness of sex estimation from the calcaneus and talus in a Thai population / Comparación de la efectividad de la estimación del sexo a partir del calcáneo y el talus en una población tailandesa

SUMMARY: Sex estimation is an important aspect of skeletal identification. In addition, previous studies have found that the sex estimation of each race is different. Thus, it is necessary to develop discriminant function equations for the estimation of sex for the Thai population. This study aims to investigate the relationship between width, length and height of the calcaneus and talus with regards to sex and compare the effectiveness of sex estimation between the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and between both the calcaneus and talus. A total of 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) were used in this study; ages ranged from 19 to 94 years. Thirteen variables of calcaneus and ten variables of talus were measured. The authors created discriminant function equations for the estimation of sex and tested the efficiency of the equations obtained by using a test group of 40 individuals (20 males and 20 females). By analyzing the mean values of the variables in the calcaneus and the talus, it was shown that males were significantly different from females (p0.05). A stepwise method was used to create 6 equations for sex estimation. The equations were categorized from between the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and between both the calcaneus and the talus, providing a sex estimation accuracy of between 88.5 and 93.0 %. Using the test group, it was shown that discriminant function equations from the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and the calcaneus and the talus together, can estimate sex at a high level of accuracy. Sex estimation accuracy was greater than 85 % in all equations. Therefore, the discriminant function equations from the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and between both the calcaneus and the talus, from this study can be applied to the Thai population.

La estimación del sexo es un aspecto importante de la identificación esquelética. Estudios previos han encontrado que la estimación del sexo de cada raza es diferente. Por lo tanto, es necesario desarrollar ecuaciones de funciones discriminantes para la estimación del sexo de la población tailandesa. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la relación entre el ancho, el largo y la altura de los huesos calcáneo y talus con respecto al sexo y comparar la efectividad de la estimación del sexo entre el calcáneo solo, el talus solo y entre el calcáneo y el talus. Se utilizaron un total de 200 huesos de individuos adultos (100 hombres y 100 mujeres), cuyas edades oscilaron entre 19 y 94 años. Se midieron trece variables del calcáneo y diez variables del talus. Los autores crearon ecuaciones de funciones discriminantes para la estimación del sexo y probaron la eficiencia de ellas usando un grupo de prueba de huesos de 40 individuos (20 hombres y 20 mujeres). Al analizar los valores medios de las variables en el calcáneo y el talus, se demostró que los huesos de los hombres eran significativamente diferentes al de las mujeres (p0.05). Se utilizó un método paso a paso para crear 6 ecuaciones para la estimación del sexo. Las ecuaciones se clasificaron entre el calcáneo solo, el talus solo y entre el calcáneo y el talus, lo que proporcionó una precisión de estimación del sexo de entre 88,5 y 93,0 %. Usando el grupo de prueba, se demostró que las ecuaciones de funciones discriminantes del calcáneo solo, el talus solo y el calcáneo y el talus juntos pueden estimar el sexo con un alto nivel de precisión. La precisión de la estimación del sexo fue superior al 85 % en todas las ecuaciones. Por lo tanto, las ecuaciones de la función discriminante del calcáneo solo, el talus solo y entre el calcáneo y el talus de este estudio se pueden aplicar a la población tailandesa.

Short-term effectiveness of calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair in treatment of Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the short-term effectiveness of calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair in the treatment of Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 13 patients with Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis treated with calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair between January 2016 and December 2020. There were 6 males and 7 females aged 31-65 years, with an average age of 53.6 years. The preoperative tibial-ankle surface angle (TASA) was (88.13±1.01)°, medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) was (86.36±1.49)°, tibial talar surface angle (TTSA) was (6.03±1.63)°, talar tilting angle (TTA) was (81.95±2.15)°, and tibiocalcaneal axis angle (TCAA) was (-5.74±6.81)°. The preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 56.3±7.1 and the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 3.7±0.5. AOFAS scores, VAS scores, TTSA, TTA, and TCAA were compared between pre- and post-operatively.@*RESULTS@#All 13 patients were followed up 14-41 months, with an average of 28.7 months. The osteotomies healed in all patients. The last follow-up revealed TTA, TTSA, and TCAA to be (88.27±1.19)°, (-0.13±1.37)°, and (2.09±5.10)° respectively, the AOFAS score was 84.3±4.2 and the VAS score was 0.7±0.5, all showing significant improvement when compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For patients with Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis, calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair can correct the lower limb force line, regain ankle stability, and achieving good short-term effectiveness.

Analysis on Biomechanical Relationship Between Calcaneal Cyst Lesion Size and Pathological Fracture / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the relationship between lesion size of solitary bone cyst ( SBC) and pathological fracture of calcaneus, so as to provide references for the treatment of SBC. Methods The three dimensional (3D) finite element model of foot and ankle was established based on CT images. Four models with gradient spherical bone defects were constructed in the focal area to simulate different SBC lesion sizes, and the biomechanical characteristics of calcaneus in different gait phases were analyzed. Results With the increasement of SBC size, the kinematics of calcaneus did not change significantly, but the peak stress of calcaneus increased gradually. When the SBC size exceeded 75% of the calcaneal width, the stress in calcaneal sulcus and cortical bone below SBC increased by 1. 48 times and 7. 74 times, respectively. Conclusions The risk of pathological fracture increases when the SBC diameter exceeds 75% of the calcaneal width, and early surgical intervention should be recommended. The calcaneal sulcus and the cortex bone below SBC are stress concentration regions and can be used as important areas to evaluate pathological fractures.

Therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autologous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was peformed in 29 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis treated with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft in the Xi′an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University from April 2013 to January 2020. There were 19 males and 10 females, with the age of (45.38±12.85) years, ranged from 22 to 67 years. The course of disease was (16.00±6.96) months, ranged from 6 to 36 months. The skin defect area was (41.9±15.9) cm 2, ranged from 11.8 to 86.8 cm 2. The causes of injury: 18 cases of high fall, 6 cases of traffic accidents, 3 cases of heavy rolling, the remaining 2 cases were machine strangulation and sharp stab wounds. The inflammatory markers [white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP)] and bone healing time were recorded before operation, 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months after operation. During the follow-up period, the flap texture, survival were observed, and the ankle-posterior foot function recovery was evaluated by the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score were observed before and after the operation, and the incidence of complications were recorded. The measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the t-test was used for inter-group comparison; the levels of WBC, ESR, PCT and CRP at different time points before and after operation were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA, and the LSD t-test was used for pairwise comparison. Results:All the 29 patients were followed up for (14.51±6.10) months, ranged from 6 to 30 months. All the flaps survived without abrasion, ulceration, or skin protrusion, and all patients could walk normally with shoes. There were 28 cases of stage I bone healing, with an average of (5.87±2.07) months, ranged from 3 to 12 months. The inflammatory indexes was significantly decreased at different time points after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 6 months and 8 weeks after operation ( P>0.05), while there was significant difference at other time points ( P<0.05). The ankle-posterior foot score of AOFAS at 6 months after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (83.44±7.93 vs 55.37±8.07), the differences was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The clinical efficacy of foot function recovery was excellent in 12 cases, good in 15 cases and fair in 2 cases among 29 patients .The excellent and good rate was 93.1% (27/29). One patient recurred 1 month after operation and was re-implanted with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate mixed autogenous iliac bone after debridement, no recurrence was found. The total complication rate was 31.0%, but there was no significant impact on the patient's life in the later period. All patients returned to daily life and work. Conclusion:The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft can effectively control infection, reconstruct calcaneal and soft tissue structure, promote functional recovery of affected limb, and ultimately improve the patient′s quality of life.

Efficacy of 3D-printed guide plate assisted versus freehand placement of cannulated screws for the treatment of Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of 3D-printed guide plate assisted versus freehand placement of cannulated screws for the treatment of Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 29 patients with Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures admitted to Chonggang General Hospital from June 2020 to October 2022. Among them, there were 18 males and 11 females, with an age range of 22-69 years [(40.1±11.5)years]. Nineteen patients were treated with individualized 3D-printed guide plate assisted placement of cannulated screws (3D-printed group) and 10 were treated with freehand placement of cannulated screws (freehand group). The surgical time, fluoroscopy times, postoperative 6-month calcaneal morphology (length, width, height, B?hler angle and Gissane angle), and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Maryland functional score assessed at 3, 6 months after operation and at the final follow-up were compared between the two groups. The incision healing and complications were observed.Results:The patients were followed up for 6-24 months [(11.3±2.5)months]. The surgical time and fluoroscopy times in the 3D-printed group were (53.4±9.1)minutes and (7.3±1.1)times, respectively, which were shorter than (90.2±16.0)minutes and (16.0±3.2)times in the freehand group (all P<0.01). At 6 months after operation, there was no significant difference in calcaneal length between the two groups ( P>0.05); the calcaneal width, height, B?hler angle and Gissane angle in the 3D-printed group [(34.0±1.8)mm, (47.2±1.6)mm, (27.8±1.0)°, (129.2±2.8)°] were superior than those in the freehand group [(37.5±2.0)mm, (43.0±2.7)mm, (25.8±1.5)°, (125.9±2.5)°] (all P<0.01). At 3, 6 months after operation and at the final follow-up, the values of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the 3D-printed group [(72.2±2.3)points, (79.7±2.3)points, (86.5±4.4)points] were higher than those in the freehand group [(64.2±6.9)points, (73.4±4.2)points, (81.8±3.1)points] (all P<0.05); the values of Maryland score in the 3D-printed group [(71.4±7.7)points, (84.7±2.6)points, (91.5±2.5)points] were higher than those in the freehand group [(65.2±5.6)points, (79.1±3.8)points, (87.1±2.9)points] (all P<0.05). All surgical incisions were healed in stage I. In the 3D-printed group, there were no complications regarding infection, iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury, or fixation failure after surgery. In the freehand group, one patient with lateral sural cutaneous nerve injury was resolved spontaneously without specific treatment. Conclusion:Compared with freehand placement of cannulated screws, 3D-printed guide plate assisted placement of percutaneous placement has the advantages of shorter surgical time, fewer fluoroscopy times, lower reduction loss, better ankle joint function recovery, and less complications in treating Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.

Antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap for one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneus osteomyelitis plus skin and soft tissue defects / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap in the one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneus osteomyelitis plus skin and soft tissue defects.Methods:From January 2013 to September 2019, 48 patients were admitted to Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Xi'an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University for chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis complicated with skin and soft tissue defects. They were divided into 2 groups according to different bone grafts. In group A of 26 patients treated at one stage by antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, there were 16 males and 10 females with an age of (45.0±11.7) years and an area of skin defect of (56.0±16.7) cm 2. In group B of 22 patients treated at one stage by simple autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, there were 13 males and 9 females with an age of (43.6±9.6) years and an area of skin defect of (53.8±16.2) cm 2. The volume of the ilium harvested, fracture healing time, infection control, donor site complications, pain score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and function recovery of the ankle were compared between the 2 groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The 48 patients were followed up for (15.3±6.0) months. Group A had a significantly smaller volume of the ilium harvested [(67.3±14.1) cm 3] than group B [(90.7±23.5) cm 3], a significantly lower rate of donor site complications [3.8% (1/26)] than group B [31.8% (7/22)], significantly lower VAS pain scores at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours than group B, and significantly lower WBC count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein at 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation than group B (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the infection control rate [96.2% (25/26) versus 77.3% (17/22)], the fracture healing time [(6.2±1.9) months versus (6.4±2.1) months], or the ankle-hindfoot score of AOFAS (The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) (83.9±7.2 versus 82.5±8.7) at 6 months after operation (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis complicated with skin and soft tissue defects, compared with simple autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap can reduce the volume of the ilium harvested, pain score of VAS, and incidence of donor site complications, and improve the recovery of inflammatory indicators, leading to fine clinical effects.

CT anatomical features of the sustentaculum fragment and their clinical significance / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To determine the anatomical parameters concerning the length, width and height of the sustentaculum fragment of the calcaneus using CT imaging data and their clinical significance.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the CT imaging data of normal calcaneus in 96 patients (100 feet) which had been collected by Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tongji Hospital from January 2019 to September 2020. There were 45 males (48 feet) and 51 females (52 feet) with an age of (42.1±13.6) years, and 56 left feet and 44 right feet. After 3D models were reconstructed with the CT data using software Mimics 22.0, the calcaneus was viewed layer by layer at each level of the scan. After the first continuous bone trabecula on the medial side of the calcaneal central triangle was taken as the boundary, the model of the sustentaculum fragment was segmented. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were measured. The outer contour of the sustentaculum fragment was projected onto the lateral wall of the calcaneus to draw the contour line using software Materialise 3-Matic 22.0. By overlaying projection line diagrams, a summary of projection line diagrams of 100 sustentaculum fragments was obtained. Seven screw insertion points were selected in the summary region of the projection line diagrams of the lateral wall of the calcaneus, and the distance from each point to the medial side of the calcaneus were measureed. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment, as well as the distance from the 7 insertion points to the medial side of the calcaneus, were compared between different feet and genders.Results:The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were (45.19±4.60) mm, (38.57±4.59) mm and (40.76±5.48) mm, respectively. There were no significant differences in the length, width or height of the sustentaculum fragment between different feet or in the height of the sustentaculum fragment between different genders ( P>0.05), but the length and width of the sustentaculum fragment in females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). The projection of the sustentaculum fragment was approximately ellipse on the summary region of the projection line diagrams on the lateral wall of the calcaneus, with the long axis approximately parallel to the midpoint tangent of the lateral edge of the calcaneal posterior articular surface, ranging from 2 to 20 mm from the posterior articular surface. The distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus were (39.91±3.77) mm at point A, (40.89±3.55) mm at point B, (36.42±5.98) mm at point C, (39.12±5.52) mm at point D, (40.04±4.84) mm at point E, (33.00±3.96) mm at point F, and (33.04±3.82) mm at point H. There was no significant difference in the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus between different feet ( P>0.05), but the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus in the females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Anatomical measurements of the sustentaculum fragment can provide a theoretical basis for the range of fixation of the sustentaculum screws. A summary of projection line diagrams of the sustentaculum fragment on the lateral surface of the calcaneus can serve as a reference for placement of sustentaculum screws. Measurement of the distances from 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus can facilitate determination of the lengths of sustentaculum screws.

Minimally invasive fixation with a locking plate for Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures via the tarsal sinus approach / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the minimally invasive fixation with a locking plate via the tarsal sinus approach in the surgical treatment of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 65 patients who had been surgically treated for Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Binzhou Medical College Hospital from April, 2019 to September, 2020. There are 44 males and 21 females with an age of (42.5±10.4) years, and 46 Sanders type Ⅱ fractures and 19 Sanders type Ⅲ ones. The patients were divided into group L and group S according to surgical methods. Group S of 35 cases was fixated with a minimally invasive locking plate through the tarsal sinus incision while group L of 30 cases fixated with a locking plate through the L-shaped incision. The 2 groups were compared in terms of waiting time before surgery, surgical time, hospital stay, intraoperative bleeding, visual analogue scale (VAS) at 3 days after surgery, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score at 1 year after surgery, excellent and good rate by the Maryland foot function score, B?hler angle, Gissane angle, varus angle, and complications.Results:There was no significant difference in the general data before surgery between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (13.3±1.6) months after surgery. The waiting time before surgery [(2.8±1.8) d], surgical time [(80.7±9.9) min], hospital stay [(6.7±1.9) d], intraoperative bleeding [(54.3±14.2) mL], and VAS at 3 days after surgery [6 (5, 7) points] in group S were all significantly less or lower than those in group L [(8.2±2.8) d, (105.0±15.7) min, (14.6±3.4) d, (74.3±12.8) mL, and 7 (6, 8) points] (all P<0.05). At one year after surgery, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [(90.1±3.5) points] in group S was significantly higher than that in group L [(83.5±6.7) points] ( P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the excellent and good rate by the Maryland foot function score between the 2 groups [91.4% (32/35) versus 86.7% (26/30)] ( P=0.695). The B?hler angle, Gissane angle, and varus angle were significantly improved in all patients one year after surgery compared with the values before surgery ( P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences within either group or between the 2 groups at 3 days or 1 year after surgery ( P>0.05). Peroneal muscle pain was reported in 1 case in group S; there were 2 cases of skin necrosis, 1 case of incision hematoma and 1 case of sural nerve injury in group L. Conclusion:The minimally invasive fixation with a locking plate via the tarsal sinus approach is an effective treatment for Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures.

Biomechanical comparison of spatial weaving and conventional calcaneal plate fixation for calcaneal fracture / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the biomechanical characteristics of screw only spatial weaving fixation and calcaneal plate fixation in calcaneal fractures.Methods:Sanders type III calcaneus fracture model was established by using calcaneus model specimens: the physiological model group were the normal calcaneal models; the steel plate group were conventional steel plate fixation fracture models; the metal screw group were fracture models with only metal screw weaving fixation; seven and nine absorbable screw spatial weaving groups (seven absorbable screw group, nine absorbable screw group) were used to weave and fix fracture models with seven and nine absorbable screws. Cyclic test and mechanical compression test were carried out, and load-displacement curves were recorded. The material properties of metal screw spatial weaving and calcaneal anatomical plate system were replicated, finite element fracture models were established, and the calcaneal internal fixation models of plate screw group and spatial weaving screw group were completed by reverse processing. The changes of biomechanical characteristics of calcaneal bone in human (70 kg) standing on one foot were simulated, and the distribution of structural strength was analyzed by Von Mises equivalent stress cloud diagram and displacement cloud diagram.Results:In the cyclic test of 20-200 N load, the physiological model group, the plate group, the metal screw group, the absorbable 7 screw group, the absorbable 9 screw group were 0.87±0.22, 0.82±0.08, 0.70±0.12, 1.04±0.13 and 0.83±1.76 mm, the difference in model gap was statistically significant ( F=3.16, P=0.037). Among them, the absorbable 7 screws group was larger than the metal screws group ( t=4.28, P=0.003), and the other pin-two comparisons were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The deformation of the five groups was 0.37±0.06, 0.38±0.07, 0.38±0.06, 0.52±0.07 and 0.42±0.07 mm, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=4.39, P=0.010). The deformation of absorbable 7 screws group was greater than that of physiological model group, the plate group and metal screw group ( t=3.69, P=0.006; t=3.25, P=0.012; t=3.51, P=0.008). In static test, compression displacement was 7.14±0.79, 7.30±0.66, 6.95±0.28, 8.19±0.61 and 7.16±0.55 mm, the difference was statistically significant ( F=3.28, P=0.032). The displacement of the absorbable 7 screws group was greater than that of the metal screws group ( t=4.13, P=0.003). The stiffness changes were 570.60±122.62, 512.86±80.77, 497.40±66.50, 456.21±58.19 and 560.39±94.40 N/mm, respectively, with no statistical significance ( F=1.44, P=0.258). The results of finite element analysis showed that under 3 500 N axial pressure load, the maximum compression displacement and stiffness of the plate and screw set were 6.47 mm, 540.96 N/mm, and the Von Mises equivalent stress peaks were 450.31 and 353.15 MPa, respectively. The maximum compression displacement and stiffness of the braided screw group were 5.25 mm, 666.67 N/mm, and the peak Von Mises equivalent stress of the screw was 396.20 MPa. Conclusion:Compared with lateral plate fixation, spatial weaving fixation can provide sufficient biomechanical stability for calcaneal healing and is superior to plate fixation in terms of structural stability, which may help to improve the effectiveness of calcaneal fracture fixation.

Analysis of curative effect of modified tarsal sinus small incision internal fixation and minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of Sander Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures and its influence on inflammatory factors and immune function / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To analyze the curative effect of the modified sinus tarsi small incision and minimally invasive internal fixation in the treatment of Sander Ⅱand Ⅲ calcaneal fractures and its influence on inflammatory factors and immune function.Methods:From February 2018 to February 2020, 116 patients with Sander Ⅱand Ⅲ calcaneal fractures admitted to the First People′s Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou City were prospectively selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group according to the digital table method. There were 58 cases in each group, the control group was treated with traditional lateral L-shaped incision internal fixation, and the observation group was treated with modified tarsal sinus small incision internal fixation and minimally invasive treatment. The clinical indicators, incision healing, postoperative complications, Bohler angle, Gissane angle, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6 , IL-22 and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM) before and after surgery were compared between the two groups. The function of the hind foot and ankle were evaluated by American Foot and Ankle Society Ankle and Hindfoot Function Score (AOFAS) before and 6 months after surgery.Results:The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay and fracture healing time in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (61.08 ± 15.17) min vs. (85.82 ± 13.50) min, (27.51 ± 2.64) ml vs. (82.53 ± 3.81) ml, (7.14 ± 1.18) d vs. (10.76 ± 1.50) d, (46.44 ± 8.16) d vs.(52.28 ± 10.40) d, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The Bohler angle in the observation group at 3 months after the operation was greater than that in the control group: (26.46 ± 3.64)° vs. (24.55 ± 3.86)°; and Gissane angle was smaller than that in the control group: (113.73 ± 6.56)° vs. (117.09 ± 7.16)°, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The grade A healing rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 89.66%(52/58) vs. 32.76%(19/58), χ2 = 39.54, P<0.05. The incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group: 3.45%(2/58) vs. 20.69%(12/58), χ2 = 8.12, P<0.05. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-22 in the observation group at 3 months after operation were lower than those in the control group, the levels of IgA, IgG and IgM in the observation group at 3 months after operation were higher than those in the control group, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The modified tarsal sinus small incision internal fixation and minimally invasive surgery have better curative effect in the treatment of Sander Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures. The function of the hind foot and ankle is restored.

Clinical efficacy of acupoint selection along the meridians combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of enthesopathy / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupoint selection along the meridians combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, and shoulder periarthritis, three types of enthesopathy.Methods:A total of 154 patients with enthesopathy who received treatment in Tianmen First People's Hospital from August 2019 to October 2021, including 58 patients with tennis elbow, 35 patients with Achilles tendinitis, and 61 patients with shoulder periarthritis, were included in this study. All patients underwent acupoint selection along the meridians combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Clinical efficacy was investigated.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-12 months, of whom 108 were cured. Treatment was highly effective in 43 patients and ineffective in 3 patients. There were significant differences in Visual Analogue Scale scores of tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, and shoulder periarthritis before and after treatment ( t = 8.37, 6.19, and 4.53, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Acupoint selection along the meridians combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy is highly effective on tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, and shoulder periarthritis. The combined therapy is worthy of clinical promotion.

Efficacy of tibial nerve block achieved through different approaches combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for surgical treatment of calcaneus fractures / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of tibial nerve block achieved through different approaches combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for surgical treatment of calcaneus fractures.Methods:This is a case-control study. A total of 80 patients scheduled for calcaneus surgeries at Guangxi Orthopedic Hospital from January to December 2022 were randomly assigned to undergo either a tibial nerve combined with medial sural nerve block on the upper leg (T1 group, n = 40) or a tibial nerve block on the popliteal fossa (T2 group, n = 40). All nerve blocks were performed under ultrasound guidance. Following surgery, the same medication was used to set up the intravenous infusion pump. At 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-surgery, the Visual Analogue Scale scores were recorded. At 1 and 2 days post-surgery, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores and the duration of postoperative sensory and motor nerve blocks were documented. The need for postoperative pain relief medication and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting were also recorded. Patient satisfaction with postoperative analgesia was assessed. Results:There was no significant difference in Visual Analogue Scale scores between the two groups at different time points after surgery (all P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores between the two groups after surgery ( P > 0.05). The duration of postoperative sensory and motor nerve block in the T1 group were (20.98 ± 2.06) hours and (18.88 ± 2.31) hours, respectively, which were significantly shorter than (22.75 ± 1.71) hours and (20.78 ± 1.95) hours in the T2 group ( t = -4.20, -3.97, both P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction with postoperative analgesia between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Two different approaches of tibial nerve block combined with an intravenous analgesia pump can provide satisfactory analgesic effects after surgical treatment of calcaneus fractures. Ultrasound-guided tibial nerve block combined with medial sural nerve block can more quickly restore postoperative limb motor function than tibial nerve block on the popliteal fossa.

Biplane osteotomy to treat malunion of Stephens-Sanders type Ⅱ calcaneal fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of biplane osteotomy in the treatment of malunion of Stephens-Sanders type Ⅱ calcaneal fracture.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 31 patients who had been treated by biplane osteotomy at Sports Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University for malunion of Stephens-Sanders type Ⅱ calcaneal fracture from January 2019 to January 2022. There were 21 males and 10 females, with an age of (41.4±13.9) years and a duration from injury to diagnosis of (12.8±8.9) months. Functional and image scores were compared before surgery, 6 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up. Functional scores included the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the pain interference (PI) and physical function (PF) indices in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Image scores included the Gissane angle, B?hler's angle, calcaneal pitch angle, length of the calcaneus, absolute foot height, and axial calcaneal width as measured on X-rays.Results:The operation time was (106.6±29.9) minutes for this cohort. All the 31 patients were followed up for (18.4±5.8) months. At 6 months after surgery and the last follow-up, the VAS scores [3 (2, 3), 2 (1, 3)], AOFAS scores [83 (76, 87), 85 (83, 87)], PI scores [(57±9), (48±6)], PF scores [53 (39, 61), 56 (54, 66)], Gissane angles (109.6°±14.1°, 109.3°±14.9°), B?hler angles (26.5°±11.6°, 26.9°±11.8°), calcaneal pitch angles [19.1° (14.5°, 23.9°), 19.9° (14.5°, 23.9°)], absolute foot heights [(76.5±9.6) mm, (76.0±9.9) mm], and axial calcaneal widths [(38.5±4.1) mm, (38.3±4.1) mm] were all significantly improved compared to the preoperative values [5 (4, 6), 62 (56, 67), (62±6), 47 (38, 51), 126.8°±13.1°, 11.8°±10.9°, 13.8° (8.2°, 18.7°), (71.0±9.1) mm, (42.8±5.5) mm] (all P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the length of the calcaneus among pre-surgery, 6 months after surgery, and the last follow-up ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Biplane osteotomy is a surgical technique that demonstrates good clinical efficacy in the treatment of malunion of Stephens-Sanders type Ⅱ calcaneal fracture so that it should be promoted in clinic.

A safe anatomical range of the lateral calcaneus for surgical approaches / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To study a safe anatomical range of the lateral calcaneus for safe surgical approaches.Methods:In 15 cadaveric specimens of the calcaneus, the coordinate axes X, Y, Z were established on the apex of the fibula (the lowest point) as the origin on the lateral side of the calcaneus. In the main part of the lateral calcaneus in the third quadrant of coordinates, the spatial quantification was conducted of the 4 important anatomical structures on the lateral calcaneus (calcaneofibular ligament insertion, common peroneal tendon sheath, lateral calcaneal artery and nerve). The trend trajectory of each structure was summarized. Based on the summary of above measurements, the safety ranges were coincided to find a safe anatomical range for a surgical approach that might lead to the least probability of damaging the important lateral calcaneal structures.Results:The distances from the 4 important anatomical structures to the X, Y, and Z axes of the main part of the lateral calcaneus in the third quadrant are respectively: (21.40±3.38) mm, (18.47±3.91) mm, and (25.06±3.45) mm for the lateral calcaneal artery; (16.53±4.77) mm, (16.27±3.68) mm, and (23.13±4.00) mm for the lateral calcaneal nerve; (9.73±1.73) mm, (11.47±2.13) mm, and (10.87±1.59) mm for the common peroneal tendon sheath; (22.33±2.84) mm for the calcaneofibular ligament insertion. The above 4 important structures mainly converge at the origin O and the anterior 1/3 of the tangent to the outer edge of the calcaneus. In this range, a safe surgical approach can be designed that is located at >2.5 cm below the lowest point of the fibula and 2.1 cm behind the rear side of the arc range.Conclusion:A safe surgical approach can be designed in the safe convergence range of important anatomical structures of the lateral calcaneus to reduce iatrogenic injury to the important structures on the lateral side of the calcaneus.

Investigation of the relationship between foot deformities and radiographic measurements of the talus and calcaneus / Investigación de la relación entre las deformidades del pie y las mediciones radiográficas del talo y del calcáneo

SUMMARY: The weight of the body is transmitted to the foot through the subtalar joint and talus. Considering the important location of the talus and calcaneus, the morphological structures of these bones may affect the biomechanics of the subtalar joint. At the same time, the morphological structure of these bones is important in some common foot deformities. We aimed to investigate whether the various measurements of the talus and calcaneus are associated with different foot deformities in this study. In this study, radiography images of 158 (72 male and 86 female) patients within the mean age of 44 years were retrospectively examined. Eleven different measurements of the talus and calcaneus were obtained from the lateral and antero-posterior radiographs of the patients. A total of 158 patient's routine clinic radiographs were retrospectively assessed, which have calcaneal spur (n=63), hallux valgus (n=32) and control group (n=63). We determined that the body height of the calcaneus, maximum width of the head of the talus, minimum anterior width of the calcaneus were significantly different between calcaneal spur group and control group. Maximum length fibular malleolar facet of the talus was significantly different between age groups. And we determined that the calcaneal index was significantly different between hallux valgus group and control groups. Also all measurements were significantly different between males and females. As a result, some measurements that significantly determine the morphology of the talus and calcaneus were found to be significant between deformity groups and control groups. We think that our study will contribute to the literature as it is the first study in which the measurements obtained from the radiographic images of the talus and calcaneus are associated with foot deformities.

El peso del cuerpo se transmite al pie a través de la articulación subtalar y el talo. Teniendo en cuenta la importante ubicación del talo y el calcáneo, las estructuras morfológicas de estos huesos pueden afectar la biomecánica de la articulación subtalar. Al mismo tiempo, la estructura morfológica de estos huesos es importante en algunas deformidades comunes del pie. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar si las diversas medidas del talo y el calcáneo están asociadas con diferentes deformidades del pie en este estudio. Se examinaron retrospectivamente imágenes radiográficas de 158 pacientes (72 hombres y 86 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 44 años. Se obtuvieron once medidas diferentes del talo y el calcáneo a partir de las radiografías lateral y anteroposterior de los pacientes. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente un total de 158 radiografías clínicas de rutina de los pacientes, los cuales tenían espolón de calcáneo (n=63), hallux valgus (n=32) y grupo control (n=63). Determinamos que la altura del cuerpo del calcáneo, el ancho máximo de la cabeza del talo, el ancho anterior mínimo del calcáneo fueron significativamente diferentes entre el grupo con espolón calcáneo y el grupo control. La longitud máxima de la faceta maleolar fíbular del talo era significativamente diferente entre los grupos de edad. También determinamos que el índice calcáneo fue significativamente diferente entre el grupo de hallux valgus y los grupos controles. Además, todas las medidas fueron significativamente diferentes entre hombres y mujeres. Como resultado, algunas medidas que determinan la morfología del talo y el calcáneo resultaron significativas entre los grupos de deformidad y los grupos controles. Estimamos que nuestro estudio contribuirá a la literatura debido a que es el primer reporte en el que las medidas obtenidas de las imágenes radiográficas del talo y el calcáneo se asocian con deformidades del pie.

Osteotomía lateral de calcáneo en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Müller-Weiss / Lateral osteotomy of the calcaneus in the treatment of Müller-Weiss disease

Resumen: Introducción: La afección deformante del hueso navicular conocida como enfermedad de Müller-Weiss (EMW) es una enfermedad rara. Los pacientes presentan dolor crónico en la articulación talonavicular y un pie plano paradójico con retropié varo. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados clínicos de la osteotomía valguizante de calcáneo aplicada a pacientes con EMW. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, realizado en dos centros hospitalarios. La serie consta de nueve casos en ocho pacientes, todos ellos con enfermedad de Müller-Weiss sintomática, fueron tratados mediante osteotomía valguizante de calcáneo entre 2012 y 2017, con un seguimiento medio de cuatro años (dos a seis). La edad media fue de 62 años (50-75). En todos los pacientes se midieron los ángulos de Costa-Bartani (CB), el ángulo de Kite y la inclinación calcánea (IC). Además, se utilizó la escala Manchester Oxford (MO) para medir la satisfacción postquirúrgica de los pacientes. Resultados: Todos los pacientes refieren haber mejorado en su dolor, obteniendo una puntuación postoperatoria media de 32.54 puntos (15.62-53.75) en la escala Manchester Oxford. En 66% de los pacientes el ángulo CB mejoró, al igual que en el ángulo de Kite en 89% y la IC en 33%. Conclusión: La mejoría en el dolor de los pacientes de nuestra serie no está acompañada por cambios radiológicos en la misma proporción, es una técnica sencilla y sin complicaciones en nuestro seguimiento.

Abstract: Introduction: The deforming condition of the navicular bone known as Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a rare disease. Patients present with chronic pain in the talonavicular joint and a paradoxical flat foot with a varo hindfoot. Objective: To analyze the clinical results of a lateral osteotomy of calcaneus applied to patients with MWD. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study carried out in two hospitals. The series consists of nine cases in eight patients, all of them with symptomatic Müller-Weiss disease, treated by lateral osteotomy of the calcaneus between 2012 and 2017, obtaining an average follow-up of 4 years (2-6). The mean age was 62 years (50-75). In all patients, Costa-Bartani angles (CB), Kite angle and Calcaneal Inclination (CI) were measured. In addition, the Manchester Oxford Scale (MO) to measure the post-surgical satisfaction of patients. Results: All patients report having improved their pain by obtaining a postoperative score on the mean Manchester Oxford scale of 32.54 points (15.62-53.75). In 66% of patients the CB angle improves, the Kite angle in 89% and the CI in 33%. Conclusion: The improvement in the pain of the patients in our series is not accompanied by radiological changes in the same proportion, it is a simple and uncomplicated technique in our follow-up.

Application of corrective calcaneal osteotomy in treatment of malunited calcaneal fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Malunion is a common complication following a calcaneal fracture which was not treated or treated inappropriately.It is a therapeutic target and a great challenge as well to relieve pain, correct deformity and restore the function of the affected foot in clinical treatment of calcaneal malunion. As a result of researches by scholars at home and abroad focusing on the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the symptoms caused by calcaneal malunion, a variety of corrective calcaneal osteotomy has been widely applied in clinical practice to specifically correct the calcaneal deformity and restore normal calcaneal morphology. This review expounds on the techniques, outcomes, indications and complications of corrective calcaneal osteotomies commonly used in clinic.