Functional, clinical, and radiological outcomes of split anterior tibial tendon transfers in patients with sequelae of congenital talipes equinovarus.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of Split Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer (Split TATT) in treating residual idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) deformities. METHODS: 15 patients (20 feet) with CTEV, with a mean age of 6.4 ± 3.2 years, initially treated with Ponseti casting, underwent Split TATT. Clinical and radiological evaluations, including Diméglio and Garceau scores, dorsiflexion, and X-ray measurements, were conducted preoperatively and post-operatively at a minimum 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in Diméglio and Garceau scores. Dorsiflexion increased by an average of 3°, and radiological analysis revealed nuanced changes. Despite a weak Kappa coefficient, positive trends in dorsiflexion and Garceau scores were noted. Preoperative Garceau scores did not reliably predict postoperative results. CONCLUSION: Split TATT demonstrates promising results in improving muscular balance and functional outcomes in CTEV. While radiological changes are subtle, positive trends in clinical scores indicate meaningful outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Retrospective study.

Posteromedial structure protection during ankle replacement: Surgical technique.

Residual pain after ankle replacement may implicate lesions in posteromedial structures, including the posterior tibial pedicle and tendon. The technique described here protects these structures, by positioning a malleable plate via a medial retromalleolar counter-approach. The technique seems not to cause any specific iatrogenicity. We advocate systematic implementation of this kind of protection in ankle replacement surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Impact of preoperative varus on ankle replacement survival.

INTRODUCTION: The severity of a foot or ankle deformity is a major prognostic factor for the success of ankle replacement. Varus deformity is at once the most arthrogenic and the most frequent. HYPOTHESIS: The severity of preoperative varus is a negative factor for ankle replacement survival. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study compared results in a continuous series of 57 Salto-Talaris® ankle replacements according to preoperative varus: 31 moderate (5-15̊) and 26 severe (> 15̊). Radiological and clinical assessment at a minimum 1 year focused on complications, revision and implant exchange and on AOFAS score, range of motion and tibiotalar angle at last follow-up. RESULTS: At a mean 2.4 years' follow-up, implant survival in the moderate and severe varus groups was respectively 83% and 92%. Postoperative AOFA score and range of motion improved significantly in both groups, without significant difference. Analysis of cumulative survival showed no significant intergroup difference. DISCUSSION: Severity of preoperative varus did not impact implant survival. Only postoperative alignment and stability emerged as survival factors. These results were related to the quality of associated procedures aiming to reduce deformity and to achieve ligament balance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective comparative study.