The Ankle Joint: Non-Operative Updates in Ankle Arthritis, Are Biologics Working?

The vast majority of ankle arthritis is post-traumatic in nature, with rates of 60% to 80%. Symptoms include pain, decreased range of motion, and joint effusion. Diagnostic imaging is helpful in determining the degree of joint degeneration, with MRI and CT scan being the most sensitive. Conservative treatment modalities are targeted at reducing symptoms and improving function. Injectable therapy has gained popularity over the last few decades, with advancements in biologic treatments. Corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and amniotic tissue-derived products can be used to reduce inflammation in the joint, as well as prevent cartilage degeneration.

Union Rates and Complications of Lateral Column Lengthening Using the Interposition Plating Technique: A Radiographic and Medical Record Review.

Lateral column lengthening is a common procedure for correction of pes planovalgus. A tricortical bone graft has been a standard among foot and ankle surgeons. The purpose of the present study was to compare the union rates and complications between the 2 forms of fixation for lateral column lengthening. The present study was a retrospective medical record and radiograph review of 52 patients divided into 2 equal groups, allograft (group A) and opening wedge plate (group B). The radiographic analyses compared the preoperative, postoperative and long-term measurements of cuboid abduction and talonavicular angles. The outcome measures included nonunion, hardware removal, and infection. The median follow-up duration for each group was 34.5 (range 6.3 to 89.5) months and 12.6 (range 6.5 to 56.8) months for groups A and B, respectively. Group A had 4 nonunions (15.4%) and group B had 2 nonunions (7.7%). The mean radiographic measurements of cuboid abduction and talonavicular articulation for each group improved significantly. The incidence of hardware removal was greater for group A than for group B (30.8% versus 15.4%), although the difference was not statistically significant. The median time to osseous healing for group A was 12.0 (range 8.0 to 80.0) weeks and for group B was 10.0 (range 6.0 to 36.0) weeks. The interposition plating techniques for lateral column lengthening procedures had a lower nonunion rate and incidence of hardware removal compared with the traditional use of tricortical bone grafting. The findings from the present study will aid surgeons in alternative fixation for lateral column lengthening procedures.

Accuracy and Reproducibility Using Patient-Specific Instrumentation in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Implant survivorship is dependent on accuracy of implantation and successful soft tissue balancing. System instrumentation for total ankle arthroplasty implantation has a key influence on surgeon accuracy and reproducibility. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of implant position with patient-specific guides for total ankle arthroplasty across multiple surgeons at multiple facilities. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter study included 44 patients who received a total ankle implant (INBONE II Total Ankle System; Wright Medical Technology, Memphis, TN) using PROPHECY patient-specific guides from January 2012 to December 2014. Forty-four patients with an average age of 63.0 years underwent total ankle arthroplasty using this preoperative patient-specific system. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained to assess coronal plane deformity, assess mechanical and anatomic alignment, and build patient-specific guides that referenced bony anatomy. The mean preoperative coronal deformity was 4.6 ± 4.6 degrees (range, 14 degrees varus to 17 degrees valgus). The first postoperative weightbearing radiographs were used to measure coronal and sagittal alignment of the implant vs the anatomic axis of the tibia. RESULTS: In 79.5% of patients, the postoperative implant position of the tibia corresponded to the preoperative plan of the tibia within 3 degrees of the intended target, within 4 degrees in 88.6% of patients, and within 5 degrees in 100% of patients. The tibial component coronal size was correctly predicted in 98% of cases, whereas the talar component was correctly predicted in 80% of cases. CONCLUSION: The use of patient-specific instrumentation for total ankle arthroplasty provided reliable alignment and reproducibility in the clinical situation similar to that shown in cadaveric testing. This study has shown that the preoperative patient-specific instrumentation provided for accuracy and reproducibility of ankle arthroplasty implantation in a cohort across multiple surgeons and facilities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Radiographic Assessment of a Medullary Total Ankle Prosthesis: A Test of Agreement and Reliability.

Total ankle replacement (TAR) is a viable alternative to ankle fusion in certain patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. Despite the importance of understanding alignment and movement of the prosthesis, there is no standardized radiographic method for evaluating the position and movement of the INBONE 2 prosthesis. The aims of this study were to describe a radiographic measurement protocol for INBONE 2 for clinical practice and research while determining the interobserver and intraobserver reliability using standard weightbearing radiographs. Fifteen patients were randomly selected with operative dates from January 2011 to January 2014 who underwent primary TAR using the INBONE 2 prosthesis. Most recent preoperative and first postoperative weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were pulled and deidentified. Three foot and ankle surgeons blinded from the patient selection and deidentification, measured the described measurements on separate occasions. Intraobserver reliability: surgeon 1 had acceptable reliability for 9 of 13 continuous radiographic measurements (69.2%), surgeon 2 had acceptable reliability for 8 of 13 measurements (61.5%), and surgeon 3 had acceptable reliability for 12 of 13 measurements (92.3%). Interobserver reliability: among the first measurements, 6 of 13 continuous radiographic measurements (46.2%) had acceptable reliability. Among the second measurements, 7 of 13 measurements (53.8%) had acceptable reliability. Among the first and second measurements combined, 7 of 13 measurements (53.8%) had acceptable reliability. This study promotes the need for meticulous evaluation of annual radiographic findings following TAR in an effort to avoid catastrophic failure and represents moderate agreement can be obtained by employing the proposed measurements for surveillance of INBONE 2 TAR at annual postoperative visits. Measurements on the anteroposterior radiograph appear to demonstrate more consistent results for surveillance than lateral measurements. The intraobserver reliability results were somewhat superior to the interobserver reliability, implying more relevance for a single surgeon applying these measurements annually for postoperative surveillance. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level III.

Short-Term Radiographic Results and Technique of Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With a Posterior Anatomic Locking Plate.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is a salvage procedure for severe hindfoot/ankle deformities, arthritis, avascular necrosis of the talus, failed total ankle replacement, and Charcot neuroarthropathy. The methods for fixation include anterior and lateral plates, screws, retrograde intramedullary nails, and external fixation. The purpose of the present report was to describe the short-term radiographic outcomes and technique using a posterior approach with an anatomic-specific locking plate for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Nine patients underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a posterior locking plate. The medical records and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed for patient demographics, fusion rate, complications, and patient satisfaction. The mean patient age was 57.89 ± 10.8 years, and the follow-up period was 11.11 ± 4.74 months for the patients undergoing posterior tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. The mean time to weightbearing in a shoe with a brace was 16.68 weeks. The ankle and subtalar joints had healed within a mean duration of 13.61 ± 2.96 weeks. Two patients (22%) developed nonunion, 1 at both the ankle and subtalar joint and 1 at the ankle only. The present report demonstrates an alternative posterior approach to joint preparation and fixation. Direct visualization of both joints and soft tissue coverage provide a viable option for posterior fusion in patients with compromised anterior and/or lateral skin envelopes.

Calcaneonavicular Coalition Resection With Pes Planovalgus Reconstruction.

Calcaneonavicular coalitions can lead to a painful, rigid pes planovalgus deformity. Historical treatment of coalitions recommends resection. A newer concept in coalition treatment includes concomitant flatfoot reconstruction. In the present study, we hoped to demonstrate the ability to reconstruct a flatfoot deformity with concomitant calcaneonavicular coalition resection. We performed a retrospective comparative study of patients undergoing isolated calcaneonavicular bar excision (group A) with those undergoing calcaneonavicular bar excision and concomitant pes planovalgus reconstruction (group B). The radiographic parameters of pes planovalgus correction were measured on the pre- and postoperative radiographs, including talar head uncoverage, calcaneal inclination, and anteroposterior and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle. Calcaneonavicular coalition resection was performed using a standard technique with or without biologic spacers. Associated flatfoot reconstruction included posterior muscle group lengthening, calcaneal osteotomy, and/or midfoot osteotomy. Of the 27 patients, 20 were included in group A and 7 in group B. Their mean age was 18.1 years. Improvement was seen in the radiographic parameters for patients undergoing calcaneonavicular bar excision with concomitant flatfoot procedures, with statistical significance found in the calcaneal inclination (p = .013). Talar head uncoverage improved in both groups (p = .011). No change was found in the radiographic angles in patients undergoing isolated calcaneonavicular bar excision. No patients in either group developed recurrence of the coalition. The results of the present study demonstrated radiographic improvement in patients undergoing calcaneonavicular bar excision with concomitant pes planovalgus reconstruction. Hindfoot reconstruction with joint sparing osteotomies during coalition excision is a reasonable option to improve alignment and avoid arthrodesis.

Symptomatic Hardware Removal After First Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis.

Severe hallux valgus deformity with proximal instability creates pain and deformity in the forefoot. First tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis is performed to reduce the intermetatarsal angle and stabilize the joint. Dorsomedial locking plate fixation with adjunctive lag screw fixation is used because of its superior construct strength and healing rate. Despite this, questions remain regarding whether this hardware is more prominent and more likely to need removal. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic hardware at the first tarsometatarsal joint and to determine the incidence of hardware removal resulting from prominence and/or discomfort. A review of 165 medical records of consecutive patients who had undergone first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis with plate fixation was conducted. The outcome of interest was the incidence of symptomatic hardware removal in patients with clinical union. The mean age was 55 (range 18.4 to 78.8) years. The mean follow-up duration was 65.9 ± 34.0 (range 7.0 to 369.0) weeks. In our cohort, 25 patients (15.2%) had undergone hardware removed because of pain and irritation. Of these patients, 18 (72.0%) had a locking plate and lag screw removed, and 7 (28.0%) had crossing lag screws removed. The fixation of a first tarsometatarsal joint fusion poses a difficult situation owing to minimal soft tissue coverage and the inherent need for robust fixation to promote fusion. Hardware can become prominent postoperatively and can become painful and/or induce cutaneous compromise. The results of the present observational investigation imply that surgeons can reasonably inform patients that the incidence of symptomatic hardware removal after first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis is approximately 15% within a median duration of 9.0 months after surgery.

Failed Surgical Management of Acute Proximal Fifth Metatarsal (Jones) Fractures: A Retrospective Case Series and Literature Review.

UNLABELLED: Nonunion, delayed union, and refracture after operative treatment of acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures in athletes is uncommon. This study was a failure analysis of operatively managed acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures in healthy athletes. We identified 149 patients who underwent operative treatment for fifth metatarsal fractures. Inclusion criteria isolated skeletally mature, athletic patients under the age of 40 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patients were excluded with tuberosity fractures, fractures distal to the proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal region of the fifth metatarsal, multiple fractures or operative procedures, fractures initially treated conservatively, and medical comorbidities/risk factors for nonunion. Fifty-five patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Four (7.3%) patients required a secondary operative procedure due to refracture. The average time to refracture was 8 months. All refractures were associated with bent screws and occurred in male patients who participated in professional basketball, professional volleyball, and college football. The average time for release to progressive weight-bearing was 6 weeks. Three patients were revised to a bigger size screw and went on to union. One patient was revised to the same-sized screw and required a second revision surgery for nonunion. All failures were refractures in competitive athletes who were initially treated with small diameter solid or cannulated stainless steel screws. The failures were not associated with early postoperative weight-bearing protocol. Maximizing initial fixation stiffness may decrease the late failure rate in competitive athletes. More clinical studies are needed to better understand risk factors for failure after screw fixation in the competitive, athletic population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level IV: Case series.

Osteotomies for the Flexible Adult Acquired Flatfoot Disorder.

Flexible adult acquired flatfoot disorder is commonly treated with the use of osteotomies in the calcaneus and medial column. The combination of these joint-preserving osteotomies with additional soft-tissue procedures allows realignment of the hindfoot with the goal of preventing further deformity or degenerative joint disease. A thorough understanding of each patient's condition allows the surgeon to match the correct osteotomy to the clinical indication, while also successfully executing the planned surgery.

Maintenance of reduction with suture button fixation devices for ankle syndesmosis repair.

BACKGROUND: Malreduction of the syndesmosis can lead to increased peak pressures and subsequent arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial syndesmotic reduction and radiographic maintenance when using a knotless suture button fixation device for treatment of syndesmotic injury. METHODS: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed to identify patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation of ankle syndesmosis ruptures treated with a knotless, suture button fixation system. Radiographic measurements included medial clear space, tibiofibular overlap, tibiofibular clear space, and the distance between buttons. Fifty-six patients underwent repair of an ankle fracture with syndesmotic rupture over a 3-year period, with a mean follow-up of 160.9 days. RESULTS: The tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap significantly improved from pre- to first postoperative, but also demonstrated some loss of fixation at final follow-up (P < .001). The distance between the buttons increased on average 1.1 mm from immediate postoperative to final follow-up, demonstrating some postoperative creep and loss of fixation in the system. A low complication rate and need for a revision operation was found in our patient cohort. Some loss of reduction did occur postoperatively, although this did not correlate to adverse patient outcomes. CONCLUSION: Syndesmotic stabilization, using a knotless suture button fixation device demonstrated adequate initial syndesmotic reduction, but also exhibited an increase in the tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap, relative to initial postfixation position, at short-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Corrective Realignment Arthrodesis of the First Tarsometatarsal Joint Without Wedge Resection.

UNLABELLED: Moderate to severe hallux valgus (HV) has traditionally been treated with a corrective osteotomy or a tarsometatarsal arthrodesis. Tarsometatarsal arthrodesis can be performed as a planar wedge resection or using a joint curettage technique. Little is known about whether adequate correction can be obtained with purely a joint curettage technique. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the corrective power of a first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) arthrodesis using a nonplanar wedge curettage technique. A retrospective radiograph and chart review was performed on 99 consecutive patients (110 feet) who underwent a first TMTJ arthrodesis for primary HV correction utilizing a curettage technique. The radiographic measurements collected were the first intermetatarsal angle, HV angle, and tibial sesamoid position and were obtained at the following intervals: preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6 months postoperative. In all, 91 patients (100 feet) qualified for statistical analysis. There was a significant decrease in all 3 measurements from the preoperative throughout the entire postoperative time period (P < .001). The authors demonstrate the ability to achieve significant angular correction with a joint curettage method for a tarsometatarsal arthrodesis. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case series.

Posterior approach for medial column beam screw in midfoot Charcot reconstruction: technique and structures at risk.

Charcot neuroarthropathy is frequently recognized as a major cause of morbidity in patients with neuropathic diabetes mellitus. Recently, intramedullary beam screw fixation has been used for midfoot Charcot reconstructions. Ten below-the-knee cadaveric specimens were used to demonstrate an antegrade, posterior approach for placement of a medial column beam screw, with specific attention to the proximity of the anatomic structures at risk. Six structures at risk were identified, including the sural nerve, ankle joint, flexor hallucis longus tendon, Achilles tendon, neurovascular bundle, and peroneal tendon sheath. The sural nerve was the most commonly injured structure, injured in 50% of the limbs. The Achilles and flexor hallucis longus tendons were injured in 20% and the ankle joint in 10% of the limbs. The neurovascular bundle and peroneal tendon sheath were located over 1 cm from the reference guidewire and were considered safe structures in this approach. Our results have demonstrated an alternative posterior approach to the delivery of an intramedullary medial column beam screw, instead of a retrograde technique beginning in the metatarsal heads. Our results have also made clear the need to be aware of the potential for damage to the sural nerve, Achilles tendon, flexor hallucis longus tendon, and ankle joint.

Surgical decision making for stage IV adult acquired flatfoot disorder.

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition affecting the lower extremity. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is the primary etiology for the development of a flatfoot deformity in an adult. PTTD is classified into 4 stages (with stage IV subdivided into stage IV-A and IV-B). This classification is described in detail in this article.

Surgical considerations for the neglected or chronic Achilles tendon rupture: a combined technique for reconstruction.

The Achilles tendon is among the most commonly injured tendons in the human body. The most common reason for delayed treatment is a missed diagnosis or a deficiency in presentation. The neglected or chronically ruptured Achilles tendon presents a unique treatment challenge. The surgical approach varies greatly depending on the extent of degeneration and the resultant gap between the opposing tendon ends. Most surgeons have recommended the use of a tendon transfer or augmentation to strengthen the Achilles tendon repair. The following technique uses a flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer with gastrocnemius aponeurosis turndown flap augmentation. This technique has been commonly performed by us with success.

Surgical approach for combined ankle and subtalar joint chronic mechanical instability.

Combined ankle and subtalar joint instability can lead to severe disability of the lower extremity. Multiple procedures have been described for hindfoot and ankle instability, including anatomic and non-anatomic reconstructions. The authors present their technique consisting of a free autogenous split peroneus longus tendon graft combined with a modified Brostrom-Gould repair.

Venous thromboembolism and foot and ankle surgery: current updates 2012.

Significant patient morbidity and mortality is associated with the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following orthopedic surgery. The majority of the literature supports proper prophylaxis following major orthopedic surgery involving hip and knee procedures. Foot and ankle surgery, however, is starkly contrasted because of the lack of recommendations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the risk factors and incidence of VTE in foot and ankle surgery while also outlining the newest literature guidelines for prophylaxis.

Deep vein thrombosis after bunionectomy: a case report of two genetic mutations.

Deep venous thrombosis after foot and ankle surgery is a serious complication that can have potentially life-threatening complications, such as pulmonary embolus. Genetic mutations have been reported in the published data to cause an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Two such genetic mutations are the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variant C677T and the 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor gene. This case report presents a female patient who developed a postoperative deep vein thrombosis after hallux valgus reconstruction. A hypercoagulable panel revealed the 2 mentioned genetic mutations. We hope this case study will highlight the importance of ascertaining all patient risk factors and the relation to perioperative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis.

Arthroscopic versus open ankle arthrodesis: a retrospective cost analysis.

Compared with traditional open arthrodesis, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has been associated with similar rates of fusion, decreased time to union, decreased pain, shorter hospital stay, earlier mobilization, reliable clinical results, and fewer complications. The aim of this case-control study was to analyze cost differences between outpatient arthroscopic and inpatient open ankle arthrodesis. To this end, the authors analyzed 20 ankle arthrodesis procedures: 10 performed by one surgeon on an inpatient basis using an open approach, and 10 performed by another surgeon on an outpatient basis arthroscopically. Patient age, body mass index, tourniquet time, length of stay, complications, days to clinical union, and insurance type, as well as charges and reimbursements for the surgeons and the hospital or surgery center were abstracted from the records. Statistically significant differences were observed between the outpatient arthroscopic and inpatient open arthrodesis groups for total site charges ($3898 +/- 0.00 versus $32,683 +/- $12,762, respectively, P < .0001), reimbursement to the surgeon ($1567 +/- $320 versus $1107 +/- $278, respectively, P = .003), and reimbursement to the hospital or ambulatory surgery center ($1110 +/- $287 versus $8432 +/- $2626, respectively); the ratio of hospital/surgery center charges to hospital/surgery center reimbursements was 28.48% for the inpatient arthroscopic group and 25.80% for the inpatient open arthrodesis group. Outpatient arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, compared with inpatient open ankle arthrodesis, appears to be less expensive for third party payers, and surgeons are paid more, whereas hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers get paid a greater proportion of the charges that they bill.