Current Management of Talar Fractures

Talar fracture management is one of the most challenging tasks for orthopedic surgeons. High complication rates and functional impairments after talar fractures have been well documented, and thus, surgical strategies capable of perfect anatomic reduction and stable fixation are important. The current review was undertaken to provide recommendations regarding updated surgical strategies that include surgical timing, approach, fixation methods, and the prevention and treatment of possible complications.

Comparison of the Size of the Posterior Malleolar Fragment in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures Measured Using Lateral Plain Radiography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Purpose@#This study aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of the size of the posterior malleolar fragment measured using lateral plain radiography and three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) in patients with ankle trimalleolar fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#This study enrolled 80 patients (80 ankles) with ankle trimalleolar fractures and analyzed the size of the posterior malleolar fragments using plain radiography and 3D-CT. The articular involvement of the posterior malleolar fragments was measured as a percentage of the articular surface in the sagittal length of the tibial plafond using lateral plain radiography, and the articular surface area was directly measured using 3D-CT. In addition, we classified the patients into three groups based on the morphology of the posterior malleolar fracture, according to the Haraguchi classification method, and evaluated and compared the accuracy of the size of the posterior malleolar fragments. @*Results@#The mean articular involvement of the posterior malleolar fragments on plain radiography was 27.6% (range, 6.0%-53.1%), which was significantly higher than the mean of 21.9% (range, 4.7%-47.1%) measured using 3D-CT (p=0.004). In the analysis, according to the fracture morphology, the mean difference between the two methods was the largest for type I fractures at 9.1% (range, 1.8%-19.5%) and the smallest for type II fractures at 1.1% (range, –7.7% to 8.8%). @*Conclusion@#The articular involvement of posterior malleolar fragments measured using plain radiography showed low accuracy and significantly higher values than the actual articular involvement. Therefore, careful evaluation using 3D-CT is crucial for accurate analysis and optimal treatment in patients with ankle trimalleolar fractures.

Comparing Outcomes of Screw Fixation and Non-Fixation for Small-Sized Posterior Malleolar Fragment in Ankle Trimalleolar Fractures

Purpose@#This study was undertaken to compare outcomes of screw fixation and non-fixation of a small-sized posterior malleolar fragment involving less than 25% articular surface in ankle trimalleolar fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 32 consecutive ankles (32 patients), with posterior malleolar fragment involving 15%-25% of the joint surface, were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether the fragment was fixed or not (fixed: 20 ankles, non-fixed: 12 ankles).The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Median size of the posterior malleolar fragment in the fixed and non-fixed groups were 24.6% (range, 22.3%-25.0%) and 22.1% (range, 17.4%-24.3%), respectively. Complications as well as clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared and analyzed between the two groups. @*Results@#Clinical outcomes, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (p=0.501), visual analogue scale (p=0.578), and ankle range of motion (p=0.552), showed no difference between groups at the final follow-up. No differences were obtained in the radiographic outcomes, including joint stepoff (p=0.289) and fragment gap (p=0.289). Complications, including 1 case of delayed union and 1 case of wound infection, were reported in the fixed group. @*Conclusion@#Clinical outcomes and radiographic outcomes of the non-fixation group were satisfactory and comparable to the fixation group. Our results indicate that anatomical reduction with small-sized posterior malleolar fragment in ankle trimalleolar fractures is sufficient for satisfactory outcomes, without the need for additional internal fixation.

Diagnosis and Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome

No abstract available.

Diagnostic Availability of Pedobarography and Correlation of Radiographic and Pedobarographic Measurements in Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic availability and to examine the co-relation between pedobaragraphy and radiography of pediatric flexible flatfoot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients and ten normal children were studied. In radiographic evaluation, the talo-1st metatarsal angle was measured on anteroposterior radiographs; and the talo-1st metatarsal angle, the talo-horizontal angle, the calcaneal pitch, and the talocalcaneal angle were measured on lateral radiographs. In pedobarography, foot pressures were subdivided into eight areas for measurement of contact time, ratio of measured area and to investigate the relation between the degree of the medial deviation of the Center of pressure line and the radiographic measurements. RESULTS: Flat foot group and normal group showed statistically significant difference in every angle measured in lateral radiographs. The foot pressure ratios of the lateral sides in forefoot and the medial and lateral sides of midfoot and the medial side of hindfoot between the flexible flatfoot group and normal group showed statistically significant difference in pedobarography and ratio of contact area in forefoot and hindfoot showed significant change in statistics but no changes in contact time. The relation between pedobarography and radiography was investigated: foot pressure of the medial and lateral side of forefoot and the talocalcaneal angle showed significant relation in statistics and foot pressure of the medial and lateral side of mid foot and every angle measured in lateral radiographs showed significant relation in statistics. Contact time of midfoot and every radiographic value measured in lateral radiograph showed significant relation in statistics and contact area of forefoot and midfoot showed significant relation with every radiographic value measured in lateral radiographs. In addition, medial deviation of center of pressure line showed significant relation in statistics with talus-first metatarsal angle measured on anteroposterior radiographs and talo-horizontal angle and talus-first metatarsal angle measured on lateral radiographs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed correlation between radiologic methods and pedobarography in diagnosis of pediatric flexible flatfoot and pedobarography is an useful tool in quantitative and qualitative analysis of the degree of foot deformity and medial deviation of center of pressure line.

Reconstruction of Chronic Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Rupture Using Interposed Scar Tissue: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Chronic extensor hallucis longus tendon ruptures are very rare, and may lead to hallux dysfunction. To the best of our knowledge, reconstruction of a chronic extensor hallucis longus rupture using interposed scar tissue has not been previously reported. Our results show that direct repair method using interposed scar tissue for chronic extensor hallucis longus rupture can successfully restore function of the hallux and provide good satisfaction in carefully selected patients.

Reconstruction of Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture Using Interposed Scar Tissue (A Report of Two Cases) / 대한족부족관절학회지

It has been reported that the gap between the tendon stumps in chronic Achilles tendon rupture is filled with interposed scar tissue. If it was available to use the interposed scar tissue for reconstruction or augmentation of Achilles rupture, possible damage of normal tissues could be avoided. Our results show that direct repair method using interposed scar tissue for chronic Achilles tendon rupture can successfully relieve pain and restore function of the ruptured Achilles tendon in carefully selected patients.

Spontaneous Reduction Finding: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Segmental Instability in Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PURPOSE: To assess whether spontaneous reduction of spondylolisthesis, as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is related to the degree of segmental instability and low back pain. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The flexion-extension radiographs obtained in the sagittal plane are frequently used when segmental instability of spondylolisthesis is evaluated. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 137 patients and measured the differences of the percentage of sagittal translation and sagittal angulation to determine the segmental instability between the flexion and extension radiographs, and the spontaneous reduction on MRI. We then compared the degrees of segmental instability and the degrees of spontaneous reduction. To assess the effect of low back pain on segmental motion in regards to the flexion-extension radiographs, we compared the preoperative visual analogue scales (VAS) score for low back pain between the more and the less spontaneous reduction groups. RESULTS: The mean degree of spontaneous reduction was 5.2%. A statistically significant correlation was found between the sagittal translation on the flexion-extension radiographs and the degree of spontaneous reduction (r = 0.557, p < 0.001) and between the sagittal angulation on the flexion-extension radiographs and the degree of spontaneous reduction (r = 0.215, p = 0.012). The preoperative VAS scores for low back pain of the more spontaneous reduction group and the less spontaneous reduction group were 4.6 and 3.6 points, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous reduction of spondylolisthesis on MRI was found to be closely related to segmental instability, and the degree of spontaneous reduction seen on MRI could be useful for the evaluation of segmental instability in patients with spondylolisthesis, especially with severe low back pain.

Extensor Pollicis Longus Rupture after Distal Radius Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cause and surgical outcome of extensor pollicis longus rupture after distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen cases in which the patients underwent surgical treatment for rupture of the extensor pollicis longus after distal radius fractures were followed for more than one year. Among the nineteen cases, fourteen extensor pollicis longus ruptures occurred after conservative treatment, four occurred after closed reduction with K-wire fixation, and one occurred after open reduction and internal fixation with a plate. All cases were treated by extensor indicis proprius transfer. RESULTS: Extensor pollicis longus ruptures were caused by K-wire irritation in two, by a protruding screw tip in one, and by a callus in one. In the conservative treatment group, tendon ruptures were diagnosed at an average of 3.1 months (0.7~17). Tendon ruptures were detected in the surgical treatment group at an average of 12.8 months (1~48). All the patients showed favorable recovery of the extension capability of the thumb at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The main cause of extensor pollicis longus rupture after distal radius fracture was ischemic damage. Therefore, during the surgery, the length and direction of screws and K-wires should be fixed carefully to avoid such damage. Distal radius fracture also requires careful observation of the extensor pollicis longus during follow-up. Furthermore, extensor indicis proprius transfer is considered to be an effective method for extensor pollicis longus rupture.

Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus / 대한족부족관절학회지

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are isolated cartilage and/or bone lesions that are known cause of chronic ankle pain. They can occur as the result of a single acute ankle injury or from repetitive loading of the talus. Technical development in radiologic imaging and ankle arthroscopy have improved diagnostic capabilities for detecting osteochondral lesions. Characteristics which are important in assessing an osteochondral lesions include: the size, the type (chondral, subchondral, cystic), the stability, the displacement, the location, and the containment of lesion. Nonoperative treatment involving period of casting and non-weight-bearing is recommended for acute, non-displaced osteochondral lesions in select pediatric and adolescent patients. Operative treatment is recommended for unstable lesions or failed conservative management. Marrow stimulation techniques (abrasion chondroplasty, multiple drilling, microfracture), osteochondral autograft or allograft, autologous chondrocyte implantation, are frequently employed. The purpose of this article is to review the historical background, etiology, classification systems, diagnostic strategies, and to describe a systematic approach to management of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis with Locking Compression Plate for Distal Tibia Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five patients (45 cases) who underwent minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures between January 2006 and June 2008, were followed for more than one year. The average duration of the follow-up was 30.5 months (12~54 months). The fracture types were as followed: 26 cases (58%) of extraarticular fractures, 19 cases (42%) of intraarticular fractures, and 16 cases (36%) of open fractures. RESULTS: All patients achieved bone union at average of 21weeks (12~36 weeks). The average American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scales was 84.6 points (65~100 points) and range of ankle motion averaged at 46.5 degrees (20~60 degrees). Complications included 6 cases of superficial infection, 3 cases of malalignment and 5 cases of skin irritation by plate. There were no cases of deep infection, skin necrosis, shortening and metal breakage. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures is considered to be an effective method with high healing rate, rapid functional recovery and low complication rate due to minimal disruption of bone and soft tissue biology and improved fixation strength.

Distal Tibia Fracture: Plate Osteosynthesis

No abstract available.

Basic Principle of the Locking Compression Plate

No abstract available.

Avascular Necrosis after Operative Treatment for Fracture and Dislocations of the Talar Neck / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN), prognostic reliability of the Hawkins sign, and clinical outcomes after operative treatment of fracture and dislocations of the talar neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 16 patients with fracture and dislocations of the talar neck which were treated by open reduction and internal fixation and followed up for more than 2 years. The postoperative radiographs were examined for Hawkins sign and avascular necrosis was confirmed by bone scan. The assessment of clinical results was based on the Hawkins scoring system. RESULTS: AVN was occurred in 2 of 16 cases (12.5%) only in type III. Hawkins sign was found 11 of 16 cases (68.8%), which included 8 cases in type II, 2 cases in type III and 1 case in type IV. The Hawkins sign was not observed in two cases with AVN. In contrast, only 2 of the 5 cases with a negative Hawkins sign developed AVN. According to Hawkins scoring system, 4 patients (25.0%) was in excellent, 7 patients (43.8%) in good, 4 patients (25.0%) in fair and 1 patient (6.3%) in poor. CONCLUSION: Incidence of AVN after operative treatment of fracture and dislocations of the talar neck was lower than that of previous reports. Hawkins sign had a high prognostic reliability, but absence of Hawkins' sign should not be considered a totally reliable indicator of development of avascular necrosis.

The Changes of Postural Balance in Patients with Total Hip Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To investigate the changes in postural balance before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using computerized dynamic posturography MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 18 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. We evaluated each patient's postural balance prior to, and at least 12 months after, total hip arthroplasty by using computerized dynamic posturography. We compared the preoperative equilibrium scores with the postoperative equilibrium scores. Clinical results were assessed for all patients preoperatively and postoperatively using the Harris hip scoring system. We investigated whether postural balance improves, and what factors were related to this parameter. RESULTS: Patients showed significant improvement in postural balance by means of proprioception after total hip arthroplasty (p<0.05). We found, during intercepting visual compensation, that an increase in the Harris hip score was correlated with an improvement in balance (p<0.01, r = 0.649). CONCLUSION: Patients with Total hip arthroplasty showed improvement in dynamic postural balance through proprioceptive recovery, and balance improved as the Harris hip score increased. This resulted in decreased pain, recovery of articular function, enhancement of physical activity, and ultimately improvement in postural balance by means of total hip arthroplasty.

Comparison of the Surgical Treatment Results of Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament between Children and Adults

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiological results after surgical treatments of the avulsion fractures of ACL between children and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 cases (18 cases of children, 22 cases of adults), who underwent surgical treatments after avulsion fractures of the ACL and followed up more than one year, were enrolled. Fractures were classified by modified Meyers & McKeever criteria. Range of motion, LK score, Lachman test, Pivot-Shift test, quadriceps muscle atropy and Telos® stress arthrometer were compared. RESULTS: The types of fracture in children were categorized into 8 cases of type II, 10 cases of type III, and 2, 15, 5 cases of type II, III, IV each in adult group. Mean LK score showed significant difference between 99.3 points in children and 89.5 points in adults (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Children group showed better treatment results of avulsion fracture of ACL. Higher incidence of type II fractures and less combined injuries considered to be factors for better results.

New Fibular Strut Graft Technique to Minimize Donor Site Complications / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a periosteal sleeve preserced fibular strut graft for the minimization of donor site complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 1998 and March 2005, 20 patients who were followed for more than 12 months after the fibular sturt graft for a bone defect using a periosteal sleeve preservation technique were evaluated. The mean age was 13.3 years (range, 2-29 years) and the mean follow-up period was 16.2 months (range, 12-36 months). RESULTS: The mean time for the union of the primary disease was 3.3 months (range, 2-6 months) and for regeneration of the donor site was 9.1 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks) in 13 cases. Partial regeneration developed in 6 cases and there was no regeneration in 1 case. There were 2 cases of donor site complications. CONCLUSION: The new fibular strut graft technique is very effective method for reconstruction of a bone defect with a minimization of the donor site complications particularly in children.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty for the Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty for the post-traumatic osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients who had undergone total ankle arthroplasty from February 2005 to June 2006 were reviewed. Eleven patients were male and three patients were female. The mean age was 52.8 years (range, 33 to 69 years). The mean follow-up duration was 15.9 months (range, 12 to 24 months). Primary injuries were pilon fractures in eight cases, malleolar fractures in three, ankle syndesmotic injury in one, talus fracture and dislocation in one, and distal tibial physeal injury in one. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Range of motion (ROM), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean VAS improved from 8.6 preoperatively to 2.6 at last follow-up. The mean ROM improved from 24.6 degrees preoperatively to 33.1 degrees postoperatively. The mean AOFAS score improved from 44.5 points preoperatively to 75.1 points postoperatively. Radiographically, all components were stable, but there were component malpositions in two cases, including one varus malposition of tibial component and one increased anterior translation of talar component. Complications were deep infection in one case, intraoperative malleolar fracture in three, marginal wound necrosis in two, and heterotopic ossification in one. One prosthesis was revised because of deep infection. CONCLUSION: Total ankle arthroplasty for the post-traumatic osteoarthritis is believed to be an useful method for preservation of the motion, relief of the pain and high satisfaction of patients in short-term results.

Ankle Syndesmotic Injury

No abstract available.

Limited Open Repair Technique of Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Operative Technique and Early Results / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the early results of limited open repair technique of Achilles tendon ruptures, and to describe the surgical technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2004 to February 2005, a total of 10 patients with Achilles tendon rupture underwent limited open repair. The average age of the patients was 39.3 years, and the average follow-up period was 9 months. The causes of injury were sports injuries in 8 cases, and slip down in 2. The mean interval between the injury and the operation was 9 days. The clinical results were assessed by patient's satisfaction, incision length, hospitalization, the ankle-hindfoot scale of American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and complications. RESULTS: Of 10 patients, 8 were very satisfied, and the remaining 2 were satisfied. The mean incision length was 2.0 cm, and the mean hospitalization was 2 days. The mean AOFAS score was 97 points, and there was no complications such as infection, rerupture, or nerve injury. All patients returned to work at approximately 2 months, and resumed light exercise such as jogging at approximately 3 months. CONCLUSION: Limited open repair technique of Achilles tendon ruptures is provided for better cosmetic results, high patient's satisfaction, and functionally successful results without postoperative complications.