Acute Ankle Diastasis Injuries Treated with Dynamic, Static Fixation or Anatomic Repair: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Comparison Studies.

BACKGROUND: Acute ankle diastasis injuries are complex and debilitating. These injuries occur when the syndesmotic complex becomes compromised. Treatments of acute syndesmotic injuries include static fixation with screws, dynamic fixation with an elastic device, or anatomic repair of the damaged ligament. However, there is disagreement over which method is most effective. The primary purpose of this study was to compare the 3 treatment methods for acute syndesmotic injuries. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on Embase and PubMed. Studies that compared at least 2 groups with relevant American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), reoperation rate, and complication (implant failure, implant irritation, and infection) data were analyzed. Statistical analysis for this study was performed using Review Manager 5.4, with a standard p-value of ≤0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies including a total of 1,059 patients (452 dynamic, 529 static, and 78 anatomic) were included for analysis. Dynamic fixation had significantly higher mean AOFAS scores at 3 months postoperation by 5.12 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-9.96, p = 0.04) as well as at 1 year postoperation by 4.64 points (95% CI, 1.74-7.55, p = 0.002) than static fixation. Anatomic repair had significantly higher AOFAS scores at 6 months postoperation by 3.20 points (95% CI, 1.06-5.34, p = 0.003) and 1 year postoperation by 1.86 points (95% CI, 0.59-3.14, p = 0.004) than static fixation. Dynamic fixation had significantly higher AOFAS scores at 6 months postoperation by 2.81 points (95% CI, 0.76-4.86, p = 0.007), 12 months postoperation by 3.17 points (95% CI, 0.76-5.58, p = 0.01), and at 2 years postoperation by 5.56 points (95% CI, 3.80-7.32, p < 0.001) than anatomic repair. Dynamic fixation also had a lower VAS score average (favorable), only significant at 12 months postoperation, than static fixation by 0.7 points (95% CI -0.99 to -0.40, p < 0.001). Anatomic repair did not have significant difference in VAS scores compared with static fixation. Anatomic repair had significantly lower VAS scores at 12 months postoperation by 0.32 points (95% CI -0.59 to -0.05, p = 0.02) than dynamic fixation. Dynamic fixation had significantly less implant failures (odds ratio [OR], 0.13, 95% CI, 0.05-0.32, p < 0.001) than static fixation. Anatomic repair was not significantly different from static fixation in the complication metrics. Dynamic fixation and anatomic repair were not significantly different in the complication metrics either. Dynamic fixation had a significantly lower reoperation rate than static fixation (OR, 0.23, 95% CI, 0.09-0.54, p < 0.001). Anatomic repair did not have a significantly different reoperation rate compared with static fixation. However, dynamic fixation had a significantly lower reoperation rate than anatomic repair (OR, 4.65, 95% CI, 1.10-19.76, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Dynamic fixation seems to demonstrate superior early clinical outcomes. However, these advantages become negligible in the long term when compared with alternative options. Dynamic fixation is associated with a lower risk for complications, specifically seen with the decrease in implant failures. This method also presents a significantly lower reoperation rate compared with the other treatment approaches. Apart from showing improved early clinical outcomes in comparison with static fixation, anatomic repair did not have significant distinctions in other metrics, including complications or reoperation rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Osteochondral Injuries of the Talus.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are a common sequelae of trauma and are often associated with ankle sprains and ankle fractures. Because the surface of the talus is composed primarily of hyaline cartilage, the regenerative capacity of these injuries is limited. Therefore, several open and arthroscopic techniques have been described to treat osteochondral injuries of the talus and underlying bone marrow lesions. Throughout this review, these treatment options are discussed along with their indications and currently reported outcomes. A commentary on the authors' preferences among these techniques is also provided.

Syndesmotic Injuries.

Syndesmotic ankle injuries, though rare in isolation, are complex destabilizing injuries often accompanied by fractures. Misdiagnoses, particularly overlooking posterior malleolus fractures, are common in ankle sprains. Thorough physical examinations, emphasizing high fibular pain and anterior tibia palpation, aid in accurate diagnosis. Grading helps assess injury severity and guiding treatment. Initial imaging involves three ankle views, with stress radiographs enhancing accuracy. If conservative care fails, MRI reveals ligament and tendon damage. Physical therapy may suffice for functional instability; surgical intervention addresses mechanical instability. Syndesmotic fixation debates center on cortices, screw size, reduction methods, and optimal positioning.

Soft Tissue Coverage for Foot and Ankle Trauma.

Lower extremity trauma can result in extensive soft tissue loss, which can require a staged multispecialty approach. Flaps can be an excellent choice for significant soft tissue loss. A variety of variables goes into the selection of a flap including understanding what the recipient site needs, available donor sites, nature of trauma, and utilization of indices to predict limb salvageability in order to strategically select the correct flap option.

Pediatric Trauma.

Pediatric foot and ankle trauma includes a range of injuries affecting the lower extremities in children, typically aged from infancy to adolescence. These incidents can arise from various causes, including sports-related accidents, falls, and high-velocity injuries. Due to the dynamic growth and development of bones and soft tissues in pediatric patients, managing these injuries requires specialized knowledge and care. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to ensure optimal recovery and prevent potential long-term consequences. Treatment depends on severity and type of injury but may involve a combination of immobilization, physical therapy, or surgical intervention.

Venous Thromboembolism in Foot and Ankle Trauma.

Every surgeon may have experienced a tragic event associated with death or debilitation secondary to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) after foot and ankle trauma and surgery. Nevertheless, the prevention of such a tragic event needs to be carefully evaluated rationally with currently available epidemiologic data. With great postoperative protocols and access to care, most PE events can be prevented. There are modifiable risk factors, such as length/type of immobilization and operative trauma/time that can lower the incidence of DVT/PE. In addition, chemical prophylaxis may be warranted in certain people within the foot and ankle trauma population.

High Resolution MRI Confirms Torsional Injury as Mechanism for Combined Ankle and Common Fibular (Peroneal) Nerve Injuries.

Common fibular nerve (CFN) injury due to ankle fracture is an underreported complication. The authors have proposed that torsional injury to the ankle can be translated along the interosseous membrane (IOM), producing tension on the CFN at the fibular neck. A 23-year-old woman presented to our clinic for left foot drop. Three months prior, the patient sustained a fall with left ankle inversion injury while running. She was diagnosed with a minor ankle fracture and placed in an orthopaedic boot. Unfortunately, her swelling worsened and one week later the patient was diagnosed with foot drop, which was further corroborated with EMG studies showing severe CFN injury localizing to the fibular neck. Because of the lack of recovery, she underwent decompression of the CFN. She experienced immediate symptomatic relief. High resolution imaging in this case supports our previous mechanism for indirect trauma to the ankle resulting in CFN injury. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(1):053-055, 2024).

Management of Pediatric Supination-inversion Ankle Injuries Involving Distal Tibia and Intraepiphyseal Distal Fibula Fractures.

Pediatric ankle fractures are prevalent injuries that make up a notable portion of all periphyseal injuries. The Salter-Harris classification is the most popular classification about physeal and periepiphyseal injuries. Ogden expanded on this and described type 7 fractures which are completely intraepiphyseal and include propagation of the fracture from the articular surface through the epiphyseal cartilage and do not involve the physis. These injuries are common about the distal fibula in pediatric patients with supination-inversion type injuries. There are no specific guidelines or recommendations on treatment of these injuries in the literature. We present three cases of this injury pattern and describe our chosen management that leads each patient to full, painless ankle range of motion and return to all prior activities and sports without complication. Supination-inversion type pediatric ankle fractures are common injuries that all orthopaedic surgeons will encounter at some point throughout their practice or training. Recognizing fracture variants and understanding treatment options of pediatric ankle fractures are important for the orthopaedic community as a whole.

Ankle Instability: Facts and Myths to Protect Your Cartilage Repairing.

The majority of patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) report a history of trauma. Therefore, it is important to assess for concomitant ankle instability when dealing with patients with a symptomatic OLT. The History; Alignment; Ligaments; Others "(HALO)" approach can be a helpful tool in the evaluation of patients with an OLT. If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be indicated. Although there is a lack of comparative studies investigating the effect of stabilization procedures on cartilage repair, we believe that addressing instability is a key factor in improving patient outcome.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) developing after ankle sprain. Comparison with VTE after knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a critical complication after non-major trauma or surgery. While the risk and severity of VTE following major orthopedic surgery is well-documented, there is significant knowledge gap regarding, non-major trauma such as ankle sprains. METHODS: We analyzed data from the RIETE registry to assess the clinical characteristics, VTE prophylaxis usage, and outcomes in patients with VTE following ankle sprain versus those post elective knee arthroplasty. We aimed to assess the risk and severity of VTE in a population traditionally considered at lower risk. Risk stratification was performed using the TRiP(cast) score. RESULTS: Among 1,250 patients with VTE, those with ankle sprain (n = 459) were much younger than those post knee arthroplasty (n = 791), less often female, had fewer comorbidities, and received VTE prophylaxis less often (27% vs. 93 %). During anticoagulation, 26 patients developed recurrent VTE, 31 had major bleeding, and 12 died (fatal PE 3, fatal bleeding 2). There were no differences between the two groups in the rates of VTE recurrences (rate ratio (RR): 1.65; 95%CI: 0.69-3.88) or death (RR: 1.12; 95%CI: 0.33-3.46), but patients with VTE after ankle sprain had a lower rate of major bleeding (RR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.13-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Ankle sprain patients are often undertreated for VTE prophylaxis and have similar severity of VTE than those undergoing elective knee surgery, indicating the need for a more customized approach to VTE management.

Preoperative and Postoperative Imaging and Outcome Scores for Osteochondral Lesion Repair of the Ankle.

Cartilage lesions to the ankle joint are common and can result in pain and functional limitations. Surgical treatment aims to restore the damaged cartilage's integrity and quality. However, the current evidence for establishing best practices in ankle cartilage repair is characterized by limited quality and a low level of evidence. One of the contributing factors is the lack of standardized preoperative and postoperative assessment methods to evaluate treatment effectiveness and visualize repaired cartilage. This review article seeks to examine the importance of preoperative imaging, classification systems, patient-reported outcome measures, and radiological evaluation techniques for cartilage repair surgeries.

Risk Factors for Revision of External Fixation of Unstable Ankle Injuries.

INTRODUCTION: External fixation of unstable ankle injuries is commonly done by orthopaedic surgeons. An improper technique can negate the benefits of the procedure and necessitate revision. This study sought to determine the risk factors for revision of external fixation of unstable ankle injuries. METHODS: Retrospective cohort at a level I academic trauma center of 120 consecutive patients underwent external fixation of an unstable ankle injury. Exclusion criteria included external fixation for reason other than fracture, inadequate intraoperative imaging, skeletal immaturity, and follow-up less than 30 days. Primary outcome measurement was revision of external fixation within 30 days. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Eighteen (18.6%) underwent revision within 30 days of whom 5 (28%, P < 0.001) had a poor reduction intraoperatively. No patients with a good reduction required revision. Revised patients had a significantly higher talar tilt (P < 0.001) and were more likely to lack a first metatarsal pin (P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis revealed talar tilt >0.5° (odds ratio, 22.62; 95% confidence interval, 6.52 to 50.63) as an independent risk factor for revision. DISCUSSION: For external fixation of unstable ankle injuries, poor reduction quality is a risk factor for need for revision surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons should be critical of their final intraoperative assessment to prevent revision.

Limb salvage reconstruction of the lower limb with complex ankle arthrodesis and magnetic internal lengthening nail.

PURPOSE: With advances in orthopedic implants, the use of intramedullary lengthening devices has gained increasing popularity as an alternative technique compared to lengthening with external fixators, with alleged comparable or better outcomes. The aim of this study is to report our single-center technique and outcomes of combined ankle arthrodesis and proximal tibial lengthening using external fixator with a motorized intramedullary nail, respectively. METHOD: Fourteen patients with post-traumatic advanced ankle arthritis underwent staged ankle arthrodesis with external fixator and proximal tibial lengthening using the PRECICE® ILN. Amount of shortening, length achieved, bone healing index, infection rate, ankle fusion rate, and ASAMI score were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age was 44 years old (range, 30-62). The mean follow up is 70 months (range, 43-121.4). The average amount of limb shortening for patients after ankle fusion was 36.7 mm (18-50) while lengthening was 35.9 mm (range, 18-50). Patients had the nail implanted for an average of 479 days (range, 248-730). Ankle fusions were healed in an average of 178.3 days. There were no surgical infections. All osteotomy-lengthening sites healed after an average 202 days (106-365). The mean bone healing index (BHI) was 56.0 days/cm (21.2-123.6) among the whole cohort. There were no cases of nonunion. ASAMI bone scores were excellent or good among all patients. CONCLUSION: Ankle arthrodesis with external fixation along with proximal tibial lengthening using motorized IMN yielded high rates of fusion and successful lengthening. This technique could be offered as a reasonable alternative to using external fixation for both purposes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective cohort study.

Peroneal artery injury potential due to different syndesmosis screw placement options: a simulation study with lower extremity computed tomography angiography.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the risk of peroneal artery injury of hardware placement at the fixation of syndesmotic injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lower extremity computed tomography angiography was used to design the study. The syndesmosis screw placement range was simulated every 0.5 cm, from 0.5 to 5 cm proximal to the ankle joint. The screw axes were drawn as 20°, 30° or individual angle according to the femoral epicondylar axis. The proximity between the screw axis and the peroneal artery was measured in millimeters. Potential peroneal artery injury was noted if the distance between the peroneal artery to the axis of the simulated screw was within the outer shaft radius of the simulated screw. The Pearson chi-square test was used and a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The potential for injury to the peroneal artery increased as the syndesmosis screw level rose proximally from the ankle joint level or as the diameter of the syndesmosis screw increasds. In terms of syndesmosis screw trajection, the lowest risk of injury was observed with the syndesmosis screw angle of 20°. Simulations with a screw diameter of 3.5 mm exhibited the least potential for peroneal artery injury. CONCLUSION: Thanks to this radiological anatomy simulation study, we believe that we have increased the awareness of the peroneal artery potential in syndesmosis screw application. Each syndesmosis screw placement option may have different potential for injury to the peroneal artery. To decrease the peroneal artery injury potential, we recommend the followings. If individual syndesmosis screw angle trajection can be measured, place the screw 1.5 cm proximal to the ankle joint using a 3.5 mm screw shaft. If not, fix it with 30° trajection regardless of the screw diameter at the same level. If the most important issue is the peroneal artery circulation, use the screw level up to 1 cm proximal to the ankle joint regardless of the screw angle trajection and screw diameter.

Fibular morphology is not associated with incidence of peroneal tendon dislocation.

PURPOSE: The association of peroneal tendon dislocation with peroneal bone morphology and postoperative redislocation rates remains unknown. This study compared the fibula morphology in patients with peroneal tendon dislocation with that in a control population. METHODS: The study enrolled 48 patients who underwent surgery for peroneal tendon dislocation at our institution during between 2018 and 2023. Thirty-five patients with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle were defined as Group D and 35 with magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle for other reasons and with similar background data were selected as the control group (Group C). The posterior tilting angle of the fibula, posterolateral angle and posterolateral edge angle were evaluated at the plafond level. The posterior tilting angle, posterolateral angle and retromalleolar bone shape according to the Rosenberg classification (flat, convex, concave) were evaluated at the midpoint between the plafond and the tip. RESULTS: At the plafond level, the posterior tilting, posterolateral and posterolateral edge angles were 57.7 ± 11.1°, 123.8 ± 12.3° and 90.8 ± 13.7°, respectively, in Group D and 64.1 ± 15.4°, 121.1 ± 12.3° and 88.7 ± 12.2°, respectively, in Group C, with no significant differences. No significant between-group differences existed in the posterior tilting and posterolateral angles at the midpoint level. Moreover, no significant differences existed in distribution of the bone geometry according to the Rosenberg classification. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in morphology between patients with peroneal tendon dislocation and controls. This study provides useful information on the indications for primary surgery and whether bony approach is useful for peroneal tendon dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Functional outcomes and rates of return to sport activities in a non-athlete population after the open Brostrom-Gould repair: a seven-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: After an ankle sprain, up to 20% of patients may develop chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) requiring surgical treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the functional outcomes and rates of return to sport activities in a cohort of non-athlete patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) who underwent the opened Brostrom-Gould technique (BGT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients (seventy-nine feet) from three different centers undergoing BGT were reviewed. For clinical and functional analysis, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was applied and rates of return to sport activities were assessed. Correlation of Δ-AOFAS and rates of return to sport activities with all variables analyzed was performed. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS score improved from 64.6 to 97.2 (p < 0.001). Sixty-one (77.2%) returned to preinjury activities and 18 (22.8%) changed to a lower-level modality. Symptoms of instability were related to Δ-AOFAS (p = 0.020). Change in the sport activity was related to pain and symptoms of instability (p = 0.41 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recreational athlete patients who underwent the BGT demonstrated excellent functional outcomes after a mean follow-up of 7 years. Residual pain and symptoms of instability after surgery were the main complaints associated with limitations in physical activities.

Surgical management of chronic Achilles tendon rupture: evidence-based guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures (CATR) often require surgical intervention to restore function. Despite numerous treatment modalities available, the optimal management strategy remains controversial given the limited high-quality evidence available. This article aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for the surgical management of CATR through a comprehensive systematic review of the available data. The consensus reached by synthesizing the findings will assist clinicians in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes. METHODS: A group of 9 foot surgeons in three continents was consulted to gather their expertise on guidelines regarding the surgical management of CATR. Following the proposal of 9 clinical topics, a thorough and comprehensive search of relevant literature published since 1980 was conducted for each topic using electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies published until 1 October 2023. All authors collaborated in drafting, discussing, and finalizing the recommendations and statements. The recommendations were then categorized into two grades: grade a (strong) and grade b (weak), following the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) concept. Additionally, feedback from 21 external specialists, who were independent from the authors, was taken into account to further refine and finalize the clinical guidelines. RESULTS: Nine statements and guidelines were completed regarding surgical indications, surgical strategies, and postoperative rehabilitation protocol. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the systematic review, this guideline provides recommendations for the surgical management of CATR. We are confident that this guideline will serve as a valuable resource for physicians when making decisions regarding the surgical treatment of patients with CATR.

[Anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of plantaris tendon and its application in ligament reconstruction].

Objective: To improve the clinical utility of the plantaris tendon mainly by summarizing its anatomical characteristics, biomechanical properties, harvesting methods, and its applications in ligament reconstruction. Methods: The relevant literature from domestic and international databases regarding the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the plantaris tendon and its applications in ligament reconstruction was comprehensively reviewed and systematically summarized. Results: The plantaris tendons have an absence. The majority of plantaris tendon forms a fan-shape on the anterior and medial sides of the Achilles tendon and terminates at the calcaneal tuberosity. There are significant differences in biomechanical parameters between plantaris tendon with different numbers of strands, and multi strand plantaris tendon have significant advantages over single strand tendon. The plantaris tendon can be harvested through proximal and distal approaches, and it is necessary to ensure that there are no obvious anatomical variations or adhesions in the surrounding area before harvesting. The plantaris tendon is commonly utilized in ligament reconstruction around the ankle joint or suture reinforcement for Achilles tendon rupture, with satisfactory effectiveness. There is limited research on the use of plantar tendon in the reconstruction of upper limb and knee joint ligaments. Conclusion: The plantaris tendon is relatively superficial, easy to be harvested, and has less impact on local function. The plantaris tendon is commonly utilized in ligaments reconstruction around the ankle joint or suture reinforcement for Achilles tendon rupture. The study on the plantaris tendon for upper limbs and knee joints ligament reconstruction is rarely and require further research.

Bilateral Os Trigonum Fracture Treated With Simultaneous Posterior Ankle Arthroscopy.

This is a case report of a 21-year-old female undergraduate student who sustained bilateral ankle injuries while jumping from a moving van wearing 3-inch high heel shoes. Upon initial presentation, her injury was treated conservatively as an acute bilateral ankle sprain for 6 weeks. However, the patient reported no improvement of pain and remained unable to self-ambulate. Bilateral MRI and CT scans of both ankles demonstrated bilateral os trigonum fractures. She underwent bilateral posterior ankle arthroscopic débridement of both os trigonum. At the postoperative 36-month follow-up, the patient reported notable improvement of all functional outcomes (36-item Short Form survey and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure), reported return to the same level of sports activities, and experienced no pain (visual analog scale) on either ankle. This is the first report in the literature of bilateral os trigonum fracture treated with simultaneous posterior ankle arthroscopic débridement.

Early posterior column internal fixation: A staged treatment of type C3 tibial pilon fracture.

Pilon fractures represent a challenging subset of tibial fractures. The management of AO/OTA Type C3 fractures remains complex due to associated complications and lack of clear guidelines for surgical timing and methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate two staged treatment strategies for AO/OTA Type C3 tibial pilon fractures. The study focused on assessing surgical difficulty, complications, and patient prognosis. One group of patients received early internal fixation of the fibula and tibial posterior column combined with external fixation, while the other group received external fixation alone in the first stage. Patients who received early internal fixation of the fibula and tibial posterior column combined with external fixation had better outcomes, including lower rate of allogeneic bone grafting (67.74 % versus 94.64 %), reduced incidence of wound delay and skin necrosis (3.23 % versus 21.43 %), shorter surgical time (133.06 ± 23.99 min versus 163.04 ± 26.83 min), shorter hospital stay (13.77 ± 2.53 days versus 18.25 ± 3.67 days), and higher AOFAS (83.05 ± 8.68 versus 79.36 ± 8.92). Additionally, avoiding fibular shortening was shown to be crucial in preventing prolonged surgery and improving patient function. The study demonstrated that the staged treatment approach with early internal fixation led to shorter operative times, improved ankle function, and reduced complications, including a lower risk of infection. The findings support the use of this treatment to optimize outcomes in AO/OTA Type C3 pilon fractures.