Effect of Distraction Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Ankle Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, the traditional treatment of moderate-to-severe ankle arthritis is joint fusion or joint replacement. The aim of this article is to explore the clinical efficacy of distraction arthroplasty in the treatment of moderate-to-severe ankle arthritis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted with a total of 34 cases who were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe ankle arthritis and treated by distraction arthroplasty from January 2007 to November 2021. The average age was 42.3 years. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and pain visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate ankle pain and functional improvement before surgery and at the last follow-up. Based on age, the patients were divided into the ≤45-year-old group [young group, 15 cases, age (36.37 ± 4.31) years old] and the >45-year-old group [middle-aged and elderly group, 19 cases, age (53.74 ± 3.17) years old]. The analysis included comparing preoperative and postoperative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot and VAS scores and the influence of age on distraction arthroplasty. RESULTS: All 34 patients were followed up, and the follow-up time ranged from 13 to 143 months, with an average of 45.3 months. The follow-up times for the young and middle-to-elderly groups were (33.19 ± 21.37) months and (55.63 ± 29.69) months, respectively. At the last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot and VAS scores were significantly improved compared with the preoperative assessment (p < 0.05). According to the etiological analysis, except for Pilon fracture, which showed no differences pre- and postoperation in the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and VAS score (p > 0.05), all other patients showed significant differences in these two scores (p < 0.05). The difference in preoperative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores between the young and middle-to-elderly groups was statistically significant (t = 3.422, p = 0.021). The preoperative and postoperative comparison of preoperative VAS scores, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores, and VAS scores before and after surgery showed no differences (p > 0.05). The joint space width (JSW) of 10 patients who were followed up for more than 5 years was (2.9 ± 0.5) mm. Two patients who were followed up for more than 10 years showed 3.3 and 3.0 mm, respectively, JSW. CONCLUSION: Distraction arthroplasty with the Ilizarov external fixator can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of moderate-to-severe ankle arthritis (except arthritis caused by Pilon fracture surgery). Age has no statistical impact on the efficacy of distraction arthroplasty.

[Mid- and long-term effectiveness analysis of distraction arthroplasty in treatment of moderate to severe ankle arthritis].

Objective: To investigate the mid- and long-term effectiveness of external fixator distraction arthroplasty in the treatment of moderate to severe ankle arthritis. Methods: The clinical data of 23 patients with moderate to severe ankle arthritis treated with external fixation distraction arthroplasty who met the selection criteria between January 2007 and November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 3 females; the age ranged from 21 to 65 years, with an average age of 43.7 years. Etiology included 8 cases of primary ankle arthritis, in which 5 cases combined with varus deformity; 15 cases of traumatic ankle arthritis, the cause of injury was 5 cases after ankle fracture surgery, 3 cases after Pilon fracture surgery, 5 cases of chronic ankle instability and repeated sprain, and 2 cases of other causes. According to Takakura staging system, there were 4 cases of stage ⅢA, 12 cases of stage ⅢB, and 7 cases of stage Ⅳ; according to Giannini staging system, there were 5 cases of stage Ⅱ and 18 cases of stage Ⅲ; according to Cheng staging system, 16 cases were in stage Ⅲ, and 7 cases stage Ⅳ. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate the improvement of ankle pain and function before operation and at last follow-up, and the data were analyzed according to different etiological groups. At last follow-up, the surgical results were evaluated subjectively and objectively. The changes of ankle joint space before operation and at last follow-up were compared. The patients were divided into two groups according to their age: ≤45 years old group [young group, 10 cases, aged (35.62±7.41) years old] and >45 years old group [middle-aged and elderly group, 13 cases, aged (54.20±6.20) years old]. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and VAS score were compared before and after operation between the two groups, and the influence of age on distraction arthroplasty was analyzed. Results: The external fixator was removed after 3 months of continuous distraction,12 patients got infection around the wire tunnels. All the 23 patients were followed up 13-143 months, with an average of 56.9 months; the follow-up time was (43.46±32.77) months and (69.80±37.79) months in the young group and middle-aged and elderly group, respectively. At last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and VAS score significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). According to etiological analysis, there was no significant difference in AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and VAS score before and after operation ( P>0.05) in Pilon fracture patients, while the significant difference was found in remaining patients ( P<0.05). There was significant difference in AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score before operation between the young group and the middle-aged and elderly group ( t=2.110, P=0.040), but no significant difference in preoperative VAS score and the differences in VAS score and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score before and after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The subjective and objective results of pain evaluation at last follow-up showed that 4 patients had no pain, 12 patients had moderate pain relief, 5 patients had mild pain relief, and 2 patients had no significant pain relief; among the 10 patients who were followed up more than 5 years, there were 2, 5, 2, and 1 patient, respectively; 2 patients who were followed up more than 10 years had moderate pain relief. At last follow-up, the ankle joint space was (3.7±0.4) mm, which significantly increased when compared with before operation [(1.5±0.2) mm] ( t=1.791, P=0.002). The ankle joint space was (2.9±0.5) mm in 10 patients who were followed up more than 5 years, and 3.3 mm and 3.0 mm in 2 patients who were followed up more than 10 years. Conclusion: Distraction arthroplasty of the ankle joint can achieve satisfactory results in patients with moderate to severe ankle arthritis (except for arthritis caused by Pilon fracture), and age has no significant effect on distraction arthroplasty.

Melatonin Attenuates Spinal Cord Injury in Mice by Activating the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway to Inhibit the NLRP3 Inflammasome.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a central nervous system (CNS) trauma involving inflammation and oxidative stress, which play important roles in this trauma's pathogenesis. Therefore, controlling inflammation is an effective strategy for SCI treatment. As a hormone, melatonin is capable of producing antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects. In the meantime, it also causes a neuroprotective effect in various neurological diseases. Nrf2/ARE/NLRP3 is a well-known pathway in anti-inflammation and antioxidation, and Nrf2 can be positively regulated by melatonin. However, how melatonin regulates inflammation during SCI is poorly explored. Therefore, it was investigated in this study whether melatonin can inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in a mouse SCI model. METHODS: A model of SCI was established in C57BL/6 mice and PC12 cells. The motor function of mice was detected by performing an open field test, and Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling were carried out to evaluate the survival of neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by assessing the mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative-stress-related proteins were detected through Western blot and immunofluorescence double staining. RESULTS: By inhibiting neuroinflammation and reducing neuronal death, melatonin promotes the recovery of neuromotor function. Besides this, melatonin is able to reduce the damage that causes neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction, reduce the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde, and enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase and the production of glutathione peroxidase. Mechanically, melatonin inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors through the Nrf2/ARE signaling. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, melatonin inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome through stimulation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, thereby suppressing neuroinflammation, reducing mitochondrial dysfunction, and improving the recovery of nerve function after SCI.

Is Early or Delayed Weightbearing the Better Choice After Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus? A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are common injuries requiring surgery. Arthroscopic microfracture treatment is effective and acceptable. Although the concept of postoperative rehabilitation is continuously being updated, the choice between early weightbearing (EWB) versus delayed weightbearing (DWB) following microfracture is still not settled. A meta-analysis and systematic review was performed to compare the rehabilitation effect of 2 different weightbearing protocols following microfracture. Five databases were searched for relevant studies, and full-text articles comparing EWB and DWB were reviewed. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to summarize the results of the included studies. Two reviewers independently filtered the studies, assessed quality, extracted data, and estimated the risk of bias. The pain score and functional assessment of the ankle were selected as the endpoints. The mean difference was calculated as the summary statistic for continuous data. Then, visual analog scale and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scale scores were collected and pooled. Five randomized controlled trials including 283 patients were identified for this study, revealing that there was no significant difference in pain scores between EWB and DWB following microfracture 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months postoperatively. Function assessment showed similar results. Comprehensive analysis of current evidence still suggests that EWB and DWB after microfracture of OLT produce comparable clinical outcomes in terms of pain and functional activity. Therefore, EWB is recommended to shorten the length of time before returning to work or sports after microfracture of OLT.

[Lateral ligament reconstruction with autogenous partial peroneus longus tendon for chronic lateral ankle instability].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of lateral ligament reconstruction with autogenous partial peroneus longus tendon for chronic lateral ankle instability. METHODS: Between September 2014 and November 2018, 32 patients (32 sides) with chronic lateral ankle instability were treated with lateral ankle ligament reconstruction by using autogenous anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon. There were 25 males and 7 females, with an average age of 28.5 years (range, 20-51 years). The disease duration was 6-41 months (mean, 8.9 months). The preoperative Karlsson-Peterson ankle score was 53.7±9.7. The talar tilt angle was (14.9±3.7)°, and the anterior talar translation was (8.2±2.8) mm. Six patients combined with osteochondral lesion of talus and 4 patients combined with bony impingement. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention postoperatively. All patients were followed up 12-53 months (mean, 22.7 months). At last follow-up, the Karlsson-Peterson ankle score was 85.2±9.6; the talar tilt angle was (4.3±1.4)°; the anterior talar translation was (3.5±1.1) mm. There were significant differences in all indexes between pre- and post-operation ( P<0.05). Seventeen patients were very satisfied with the results, 10 patients were satisfied, 4 patients were normal, and 1 patient was unsatisfied. After operation, the ankle sprain occurred in 7 cases, the tenderness around the compression screws at calcaneus in 5 cases, the anterolateral pain of ankle joint over 6 months in 4 cases. No patient had discomfort around the reciepient sites. At last follow-up, the ultrasonography examination showed that there was no significant difference in the density and diameter between bilateral peroneus longus tendons in 12 cases. CONCLUSION: For chronic lateral ankle instability, the lateral ankle ligament reconstruction with the autogenous partial peroneus longus tendon is a safe and effective surgical option.

Elastic Bandage Traction Technique for Reduction of Distal Tibial Fractures.

In the present technique report, we describe a useful noninvasive traction technique that uses a 6-inch elastic bandage that can be obtained in every operating room and can be easily applied around the patient's ankle and the surgeon's waist to offer a stable traction force during minimally invasive plate fixation of distal tibial fractures. This technique frees the surgeon's hands to focus on applying other forces, such as rotational, varus, or valgus forces, to reduce the fracture and stabilize the reduction and alignment during percutaneous insertion and fixation of the plate. This technique, although simplistic and old-fashioned, is also useful for the closed reduction of distal tibial physeal injuries in children, because it can provide a significant amount of traction force while allowing the surgeon to apply other forces for fracture reduction. This technique can be used in the emergency room, where an ankle distractor is not usually present, and in some cases could be useful during ankle arthroscopy.

Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the results of a novel surgical technique for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability with attenuated or deficient ligamentous tissue that the modified Broström procedure could not be performed. A lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon has been performed. METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive patients treated with lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon were enrolled. Median age at surgery was 24 years (range 19-46 years). The clinical and radiologic outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at a median of 21 months (range 12-51 months) follow-up. RESULTS: The Karlsson-Peterson ankle score significantly improved from 58.2 ± 10.9 points preoperatively to 83.9 ± 7.0 points at the last follow-up. Mechanical stability was achieved. The mean talar tilt angle significantly improved from 15.7° ± 3.5° preoperatively to 4.6° ± 1.7° at the last follow-up, and the mean anterior talar translation significantly improved from 7.3 ± 2.6 mm preoperatively to 4.1 ± 1.7 mm at the last follow-up. Fifteen patients (52%) were very satisfied with the results, nine patients (31%) were satisfied, four patients (14%) were fair, and one patient (3%) was dissatisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon can be a surgical option for chronic lateral ankle instability with attenuated or deficient ligaments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-series, Level IV.

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with intra-articular distraction.

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has shown high rates of union comparable to those with open arthrodesis but with substantially less postoperative morbidity, shorter operative times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. To easily perform arthroscopic resection of the articular cartilage, sufficient distraction of the joint is necessary to insert the arthroscope and instruments. However, sometimes, standard noninvasive ankle distraction will not be sufficient in post-traumatic ankle arthritis, with the development of arthrofibrosis and joint contracture after severe ankle trauma. In the present report, we describe a technique to distract the ankle joint by inserting a 4.6-mm stainless steel cannula with a blunt trocar inside the joint. The cannula allowed sufficient intra-articular distraction, and, at the same time, a 4.0-mm arthroscope can be inserted through the cannula to view the joint. Screws can be inserted to fix the joint under fluoroscopic guidance without changing the patient's position or removing the noninvasive distraction device and leg holder, which are often necessary during standard arthroscopic arthrodesis with noninvasive distraction.

Ankle arthroscopy in a hanging position combined with hindfoot endoscopy for the treatment of concurrent anterior and posterior impingement syndrome of the ankle.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic and endoscopic treatment of concurrent anterior and posterior ankle impingement with the patient in a prone position. From May 2009 to September 2010, 22 patients with simultaneously combined anterior and posterior ankle impingements underwent ankle arthroscopy in a prone position. Noninvasive ankle distraction was achieved by hanging the affected ankle on a shoulder-holding traction frame, followed by hindfoot endoscopy. The mean age at surgery was 22.6 (range 20 to 46) years. The mean follow-up duration was 15.4 (range 12 to 29) months. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores and Foot Function Index were checked preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased from 62.6 preoperatively to 86.0 at the final follow-up visit (p < .05). The Foot Function Index improved from 45.8 to 17.2 (p < .05). Of the 22 patients, 18 were very satisfied or satisfied with the results, 2 rated their results as fair, and 2 were dissatisfied. No complications related to ankle distraction in a hanging position occurred. Ankle arthroscopy with the patient in a prone position with the ankle hung on a shoulder-holding traction frame combined with hindfoot endoscopy provided a useful method for treating anterior and posterior ankle impingement that does not require changing the patient's position from supine to prone.