Severe equinus cavo-varus correction through triplanar tarsectomy and posterior tibial tendon transfer based on 3D-printed biomodel.

Surgery for severe equine cavo-varus is complex and must be individualized. The interindividual phenotypic variability demands a personalized planning of each foot to be operated. The study's primary goal was to evaluate the function and satisfaction of a series of patients with severe equinus cavo-varus deformity who underwent a triplanar tarsectomy and transposition of the posterior tibial tendon in a single stage surgery after a patient specific 3D biomodel planning. A series of 12 feet (5 patients bilaterally) operated with this technique was analyzed. The cohort comprised 2 females (28.5 %) and 5 males (71.4 %). The median follow-up time was 38.5 months (interquartile range: 24.75-48.75). The Foot and Ankle Disability Index pre (median 32.85; interquartile range: 20-46) and postsurgery (median 72; interquartile range: 56-75.5) were collected and statistically significant differences were observed (p < 0.002). Furthermore, the main variable evaluated was obtaining a plantigrade stable foot. This was clinically evaluated and was achieved in all patients except 1 patient who presented a residual equinus of 5º. This study shows that triplanar tarsectomy and posterior tibial tendon transfer in a single surgical procedure after patient-specific 3D biomodel planning allows for improved function in patients with severe equinus cavus varus foot deformity.

Diagnosis of subtle syndesmotic instability using conventional CT-imaging and axial force in different foot positions.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no available method that can objectively and reliably detect subtle instability of the distal tibiofibular joint. The purpose of this study is to diagnose, using computerized axial tomography and an adjustable simulated loading device, subtle instability of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. METHODS: Fifteen healthy individuals and 15 patients with clinical suspicion of subtle instability of the tibiofibular syndesmosis (total 60 ankles) were studied using an adjustable simulated loading device (ASLD). This device allows to perform bilateral ankle CT scans in two forced foot and ankle positions (30° of plantar flexion, 15° of inversion, 20° of internal rotation and 15° of dorsal flexion, 15° of eversion, 30° of external rotation). Axial load was applied simultaneously in a controlled manner (70% body weight). Measurements on the axial image of computed tomography were: syndesmotic area (SA), fibular rotation (FR), position of the fibula in the sagittal plane (FPS), depth of the incisura (ID), anterior direct difference (ADD), middle direct difference (MDD) and posterior direct difference (PDD). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in the variable syndesmotic area between healthy (mean=-0.14, SD=4.33) and diseased (mean=16.82, SD=12.3)(p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the variables ADD, MDD, PDD, ID, FPS and FR. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of syndesmotic area employing axial force and forced foot positions using the ASLD may be useful for the diagnosis of subtle tibiofibular syndesmosis instability.

Inestabilidad sutil de la sindesmosis tibioperonea: diagnóstico mediante TAC con carga axial y posiciones forzadas del pie / Subtle tibiofibular syndesmotic instability: diagnosis by CT with axial load and forced foot positions

Objetivo: Probar un método diagnóstico objetivo, fiable y reproducible que permita detectar la inestabili- dad sutil de la sindesmosis tibioperonea. Material y métodos: Se presenta el caso de un paciente con dolor recurrente sobre la articulación tibioperonea tras un esguince de tobillo. Ante la sospecha de lesión de los ligamentos tibioperoneos se realizó un TAC con carga axial y posiciones forzadas de ambos pies. Resultados: La diferencia en el área del espacio tibiopero- neo entre la posición de relajación y la posición de tensión de la sindesmosis en el tobillo sano fue de 5,79 mm2, mientras que en el tobillo lesionado fue de 22,58 mm2. Conclusión: El TAC con carga axial y posiciones forzadas de ambos pies puede ser útil para el diagnóstico de la inestabilidad sutil de la sindesmosis tibio- peronea. (AU)

Objetive: To test an objective, reliable and reproducible diagnostic method to detect subtle tibiofibular syn- desmosis instability. Material and methods: A case with recurrent pain over tibiofibular joint after an ankle sprain is presented. It was sus- pected injury to the tibiofibular ligaments so a CT with axial load and forced foot positions was done. Results: Difference in tibiofibular space area between the syndesmosis relaxed position and the tension position in the uninjured ankle was 5.79 mm2, while in the injured ankle it was 22.58 mm2. Conclusion: CT with axial load and forced foot positions can be useful for the diagnosis of subtle tibiofibular syndesmosis instability. (AU)

Analysis of the uninjured tibiofibular syndesmosis using conventional CT-imaging and axial force in different foot positions.

BACKGROUND: Syndesmosis measurments and indices have been controversial and showed interindividual variability. The purpose of this study was to analyze, by conventional axial computed tomography images and a simulated load device, the uninjured tibiofibular syndesmosis under axial force and forced foot positions. METHODS: A total of 15 healthy patients (30 ankles) were studied using adjustable simulated load device (ASLD). This device allowed to perform bilateral ankle CT scans in two forced foot and ankle positions (30° of plantar flexion, 15° of inversion, 20° of internal rotation and 15° of dorsal flexion, 15° of eversion, 30° of external rotation). Axial load was applied simultaneously in a controlled manner (70% body weight). Measurements on the axial image of computed tomography were: syndesmotic area (SA), fibular rotation (FR), position of the fibula in the sagittal plane (FPS), depth of the incisura (ID) and direct anterior difference (ADD), direct middle difference (MDD) and direct posterior difference (PDD). RESULTS: In patients without injury to the tibiofibular syndesmosis, the application of axial load and forced foot and ankle positions showed statistically significant differences on the distal tibiofibular measurements between the stressed and the relaxed position, it also showed interindividual variability : SA (median = 4.12 [IQR = 2.42, 6.63]) (p < 0.001), ADD (0.67 [0.14, 0.67]) (p < 0.001), MDD(0.45, [0.05, 0.9]) (p < 0.001), PDD (0.73 [-0.05, 0.73]) (p < 0.002). However, it did not detect statistically significant differences when the tibiofibular differences between the stressed and the relaxed position in one ankle were compared with the contralateral side: SA (-0.14, SD = 4.33 [95% CI = -2.53, 2.26]), ADD (-0.42, 1.08 [-1.02, 0.18]), MDD (0.29, 0.54 [-0.01, 0.59]), PDD (-0.1, 1.42 [-0.89, 0.68]). Interobserver reliability showed an Intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.990 [95% CI = 0.972, 0.997]. CONCLUSIONS: Wide interindividual variability was observed in all syndesmotic measurements, but no statistically significant differences were found when comparing one ankle to the contralateral side. Measuring syndesmosis alignment parameters, may only be of value, if those are compared to the contralateral ankle.

Functional results and quality of life after joint preserving or sacrificing surgery in Charcot-Marie-Tooth foot deformities.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional results, quality of life, and complications in two groups of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) patients according to the type of surgical operations, joint preserving, or joint sacrificing surgery. METHODS: Fifty-two feet in forty-six patients with CMT who had undergone surgical deformity correction were divided into two groups based on the main surgical procedure for the correction: Class I (joint preserving surgery) and class II (joint sacrificing surgery). Foot ankle disability index (FADI) and short form 12 version 2 (SF12V2) were documented pre-operative and 12 months post-operative. The complications of both groups were monitored with a mean follow-up time of 20.5 months (range, 13-71.5). RESULTS: After surgical treatment, FADI scores showed differences (p=0.005) between both groups. The functional improvement was 29 (20-46; p<0.001) in class I and 10 (2-36; p=0.001) in class II. The patients in both groups acquired a better quality of life as demonstrated in physical component summary of SF12 but without statistically difference. Three feet needed reintervention in class I (two for cavovarus recurrence and one for hallux flexus) at the end of follow-up. In contrast, five feet needed a new operation for cavovarus recurrence, claw toes recurrence, and ankle osteoarthritis after the progression of the condition. DISCUSSION: An early surgical intervention to neutralize the deforming forces in CMT patients could be a useful strategy to delay or prevent the need for extensive reconstruction and potential future complications. CONCLUSION: Based on the type of surgical intervention in CMT patients, the joint preserving surgery in addition to soft tissue balancing procedures obtained better functional outcomes and lower rate of complications when compared to the group of joint sacrificing surgery.

Protective Approach for Anatomical Structures at Risk in Total Ankle Replacement.

Currently, total ankle replacement (TAR) is an alternative to arthrodesis in selected patients, with the anterior approach being the most widely used to carry it out. Regardless of the type of implant used, the pins for bone resection guides, chisels, and the saw for distal tibial resection can endanger the neurovascular and tendon structures that lie in intimate proximity to the posterior aspect of the ankle. Additionally, there is a documented complication rate of up to 15.3% in such surgery. We have implemented a protective posteromedial approach that complements the anterior approach to reduce this risk of intraoperative iatrogenic injury. Using this method we introduce a protective instrument that separates the posterior anatomical structures from the posterior cortex of the tibia. This article describes the surgical technique used to carry out TAR through an anterior approach in a safer way, without increasing complications or the duration of real-time surgery.