Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) was developed to improve accuracy and efficiency in implant placement for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This study represents the first to measure the accuracy of PSI regarding implant alignment and implant size in the INBONE II total ankle system (Stryker). A secondary goal was to compare radiographic and clinical outcomes between the PSI and that of a matched group of implants performed with standard instrumentation. In conclusion, this study of stemmed TAA implants, surgeons achieved alignment generally consistent with PSI predictions. PSI adequately predicted implant size. For most cases, PSI achieved similar alignment and correction of deformity compared with standard instrumentation. PSI did not improve radiographic alignment compared with traditional instrumentation and was associated with longer operative times, possibly reflecting the primary surgeon's early experience with the technique. Each surgeon should select PSI or the standard jig based on their experience and preference. Click here to read the article.
There is increasing interest in the role of pronation as part of the deformity correction in hallux valgus (HV) especially with the advent of weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) and percutaneous surgical techniques. This study aimed to assess the coronal rotation of the first metatarsal before and after percutaneous distal transverse osteotomy (Metaphyseal Extra-Articular Transverse and Akin Osteotomy [META]) using WBCT and to correlate these findings with clinical outcome scores. In conclusion, percutaneous distal transverse osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity can significantly correct coronal plane pronation and improve patient-reported outcomes, although correction of pronation was not significantly correlated with clinical improvement. Click here to read the article.
Bone marrow stimulation (BMS) is the most frequently performed surgical procedure for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). After the surgical intervention, one of the first goals of rehabilitation is to resume weightbearing. This study aims to compare clinical and radiologic outcomes between immediate weightbearing and delayed weightbearing, which represent unrestricted weightbearing and weightbearing starting at 6 weeks postoperatively. In conclusion, this matched cohort study found no statistically significant difference in clinical or radiologic outcomes at 12 months between immediate and delayed weightbearing following arthroscopic BMS for talar osteochondral lesions. Although early weightbearing may be feasible and well tolerated, the small sample size and wide CIs limit the strength of conclusions. These findings should be considered hypothesis-generating and underscore the need for larger, prospective trials. Click here to read the article
Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a common method of treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis (ESAA). The utilization of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) allows for standardized assessment of patient-driven outcomes, but few studies have been published on outcomes of TAA using PROMIS. The purpose of this study was to describe the recovery trajectory of patients undergoing TAA for ESAA for up to 1 year after surgery using PROMIS scores for physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and depression (DP). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that patients who underwent primary TAA have improvements in PROMIS scores at several different time points up to 1 year after surgery. Patients can expect an improvement in pain and function from baseline within 3 months from surgery. Most improvements occur within the first 6 months. More than half of the patients will achieve a PF and PI score within 1 SD of the national average by 6 months, but it can take up to a year for most patients to reach this. Understanding the trajectory of patient recovery at different time points after primary TAA can help set patient expectations and guide intervention. Click here to read the article.
Displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) are associated with high rates of posttraumatic arthritis. Traditional management with open subtalar arthrodesis often results in high revision rates and complications. Acute open arthrodesis has shown success in Sanders III and IV calcaneus fractures, with favorable return-to-work and radiographic fusion outcomes. This study evaluates the radiographic results of calcaneus percutaneous reduction and posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (C-PASTA) for acute Sanders III and IV fractures. In conclusion, C-PASTA demonstrates excellent fusion rates, significant restoration of calcaneal alignment, and minimal complications. These findings suggest that C-PASTA is a viable, minimally invasive technique for acute Sanders III and IV fractures. Click here to read the article.
The results of the Talar OsteoPeriostic grafting from the Iliac Crest (TOPIC) procedure for lateral osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are unknown. Therefore, the present prospective study aims to assess the numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain during walking at 2-year follow-up. Secondarily, the aim is to assess other clinical, radiologic, and safety outcomes. In conclusion, in the first 7 prospectively followed patients who underwent the TOPIC procedure for large osteochondral lesions of the lateral talar dome, an improvement of the NRS of pain during walking from median 5 preoperatively to 1 at 2-year follow-up was observed. Click here to read the article.
Medial gutter impingement may compromise the results of an otherwise well-fixed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), but no previous study has assessed predisposing factors. This case-control study sought to investigate potential risk factors and the role of talar component downsizing in decreasing medial impingement. In conclusion, talar component downsizing correlated with an 82% reduction in the probability of medial gutter impingement. Postoperative varus alignment, an elevated joint line level, and medially translated and internally rotated talar component were more prevalent in patients reoperated for medial impingement. Click here to read the article.
Nonunion following naviculocuneiform (NC) joint arthrodesis is a well-recognized complication. Most studies reporting nonunion rates involve a limited number of cases or focus on a single disease entity. Moreover, there is variation between studies with regard to the number of articular facets included in the arthrodesis as well as the fixation construct used, with no clear evidence indicating how these factors influence union. This study, using the largest cohort to date, aims to investigate the nonunion rate following NC joint arthrodesis and to identify demographic and surgical factors associated with nonunion. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a significant rate of nonunion following NC joint arthrodesis, exceeding that previously reported. We found that the rate of nonunion significantly increased in arthrodeses involving only the medial NC facet as compared to those including multiple NC facets. Click here to read the article.
Ankle and hindfoot fusion in the presence of large bony defects represents a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients who underwent ankle-hindfoot fusions with impaction bone grafting (IBG) with morselized femoral head allograft to fill large bony void defects. In conclusion, impaction of morselized femoral head allograft can fill large bony voids around the ankle or hindfoot during fusion, with rapid graft incorporation and no graft collapse despite early loading. This technique offers satisfactory and comparable union outcomes without limb shortening or expensive custom 3D-printed metal cages. Click here to read the article.
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiologic outcomes following supramalleolar osteotomy for early varus ankle arthritis with the medial translation of the talus, wherein the lateral translation of the talus center to the tibial axis was used as a correction target. Another aim was to compare the results between the ankles with a normal range of medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) and overcorrected MDTA at the postoperative period to investigate the role of overcorrected MDTA after the supramalleolar osteotomy. In conclusion, lateral translation of the talus center relative to the tibial axis can be used as a correction target for medial opening supramalleolar osteotomy to treat early varus ankle arthritis with medial translation of the talus. Overcorrection of the tibial plafond to valgus does not seem necessary. Click here to read the article.
The Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Implant differs from other newer-generation implants in the transfibular approach, multiplanar external frame for alignment, tantalum trabecular metal interfaces, curved geometry, and shallow resection depths. The primary aim of this study was to report midterm clinical and radiographic results, as well as survivorship and adverse events at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. In conclusion, at a minimum of 5 years, patients who underwent TM TAA reported minimal ankle pain and regained neutral ankle alignment and mobility, without septic or aseptic implant loosening. Although having certain limitations, this study suggests that TM TAA is a viable option for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Click here to read the article.
Severe septic destruction of the ankle joint poses a therapeutic challenge but lacks a consensus optimal treatment. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is considered a valuable salvage procedure, but the literature remains scarce. Conventional treatment approaches, including 2-stage procedures, have been associated with prolonged recovery times and varying success rates. Many authors prefer classical external fixation in these scenarios, citing concerns that internal implants might pose a risk for recurrent infection. To date, no study has investigated the outcomes of 1-stage surgery using a retrograde intramedullary (IM) nail. The main purpose was to assess the rate of recurrent infection at 2 years following 1-stage TTCA using a retrograde IM nail in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint. Fusion rates and functional outcomes were evaluated as secondary purposes. In conclusion, one-stage TTCA with retrograde IM nail appears to be an acceptable alternative in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint, with a high eradication rate of infection and ankle fusion. Click here to read the article.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a progressive inherited neurologic disorder causing muscle weakness and lower extremity deformity. The goal of foot and ankle surgical treatment is to create a stable, plantigrade foot, with the potential elimination of brace-wear for ambulation. The aim of this study was to report baseline CMT patient function and subsequent outcome improvement from surgical treatment, as determined by PROMIS physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and mental health/depression (D) scores. In conclusion, surgical treatment for CMT patients provides significant clinical improvement in all measured outcome domains. CMT patients can be restored to normal population physical function and pain interference outcome scores. Patients with more severe deformity have similar improvement from surgical treatment, although their ultimate functional improvement is blunted due to a lower baseline. Click here to read the article.
Pain in the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is very common, yet the underlying etiology remains unknown. Previous clinical research and biomechanical research has implicated stenosing flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendonitis as a possible cause. The hypothesis of this study was that treatment solely focusing on alleviating restricted FHL excursion would be beneficial in patients with hallux MTPJ pain. In conclusion, previous biomechanical studies have suggested that stenosing FHL synovitis can cause increased intraarticular loading in the hallux MTPJ. The current clinical study supports this hypothesis, demonstrating that treatment focused on relieving restricted FHL excursion can ameliorate pain in the hallux MTPJ in select cases. Click here to read the article.
It has been assumed that diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy should not have pain associated with Charcot foot arthropathy. In conclusion, this small series of patients would suggest that nonunion of the Charcot neuroarthropathy process was responsible for complaints of pain not able to be managed with therapeutic footwear. Successful arthrodesis resolved the pain. CT imaging may help identify a treatable source of pain in this population. Click here to read the article.
Minimally invasive bunionectomy (MISB) has emerged as a popular approach to treat symptomatic hallux valgus deformity. Although previous studies focused on distal foot width changes postsurgery, this research introduces a novel midshaft measurement to evaluate proximal transverse midfoot width, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of foot changes post-MISB. In conclusion, we found in this cohort of 44 patients that MISB for HV leads to an expected decrease in distal bony foot width but, on average, an increase in midshaft foot width. Click here to read the article.
The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the rates of postoperative complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis among current smokeless tobacco users and people who smoke compared to matched controls, and (2) compare rates of postoperative complications in current smokeless tobacco users vs people who smoke tobacco cigarettes. In conclusion, smokeless tobacco use is associated with higher rates of complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis compared with tobacco-naïve controls, and physicians should screen for smokeless tobacco use specifically and encourage cessation before operating electively. Click here to read the article.
The utilization of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for managing severe ankle osteoarthritis has become increasingly common, leading to a higher occurrence of revision TAA procedures because of failure of primary TAA. This study aims to examine the clinical results associated with revision TAA using the INBONE II system. Given the growing number of TAA revision procedures and a focus on motion-preserving salvage options, we evaluated our early experience with revision TAA. In conclusion, we report high complication rates but generally fair clinical results for revision TAA utilizing the INBONE II system. Click here to read the article.
Although intraoperative ankle motion serves as a foundational reference for anticipated motion after surgery and guides the addition of procedures to enhance ankle motion in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), the relationship between intraoperative and postoperative ankle motion remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the discrepancy between intraoperative and postoperative ankle range of motion (ROM) following TAAs using the anterior-approach, fixed-bearing systems. In conclusion, this study revealed a significant difference between intraoperative ankle ROM and ankle ROM approximately 1 year after anterior-approach, fixed-bearing TAA, mainly due to plantarflexion motion restriction. Minimal difference in dorsiflexion suggests the importance of achieving the desired postoperative dorsiflexion motion during the surgery using the best possible adjunct procedures. Click here to read the article.
There is a lack of consensus in the use of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) vs primary arthrodesis (PA) in the management of Lisfranc injuries. Statistical fragility represents the number of events needed to flip statistical significance and provides context to interpret P values of outcomes from conflicting studies. The current study evaluates the statistical fragility of existing research with an outcome-specific approach to provide statistical clarity to the ORIF vs PA discussion. We hypothesized that statistical fragility analysis would offer clinically relevant insight when interpreting conflicting outcomes regarding ORIF vs PA management of Lisfranc injuries. In conclusion, the overall research regarding ORIF vs PA is relatively robust compared with other orthopaedic areas of controversy. Although the full statistical context of each article must be considered, studies supporting PA superiority with regard to functional scores and return to function metrics were found to be statistically robust. Outcome-specific analysis revealed moderate fragility in several clinically relevant outcomes such as functional score, return to function, and wound complications. Click here to read the article.