Anterior Ankle Incision Wound Complications Between Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Arthrodesis: A Matched Cohort Study.

The anterior incision is commonly used for total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis. Historically, the anterior incision has demonstrated a high incidence of complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anterior incisional healing and soft tissue complications between TAR and ankle arthrodesis with anterior plate fixation.This was an IRB-approved retrospective review of wound healing and other complications among 304 patients who underwent primary TAR (191 patients) or ankle arthrodesis (113 patients) via the anterior approach over a 4-year period. The operative approach, intraoperative soft tissue handling, and postoperative protocol for the first 30 days were the same between groups. The mean follow-up was 11.8 months. To diminish the effect of selection bias, a subgroup analysis was performed comparing 91 TAR patients matched to an equal number of demographically similar ankle arthrodesis patients. Overall, 19.7% of patients experienced delayed wound healing greater than 30 days. Although the TAR and arthrodesis subgroups had dissimilar demographics, there was no difference in outcomes. Between matched pairs, no statistically significant differences were observed; however, trends were identified with matched cohort groups when compared to the overall patient series. These trends toward statistically significant differences in delayed wound healing and incidence of wound care in the matched cohort groups warrants further investigation in larger series or multicenter study. Further work is needed to identify the modifiable risk factors associated with the anterior ankle incision.

Structures at Risk From an Intermetatarsal Screw for Lapidus Bunionectomy: A Cadaveric Study.

The Lapidus bunionectomy is performed to treat hallux valgus. Recurrence of the deformity remains a concern. A transverse intermetatarsal screw spanning the base of the first metatarsal to the base of the second can increase stability. The neurovascular bundle is located within the proximity of this screw. In this study, we assessed the structures at risks with the use of this technique. In 10 specimens, a guide wire was placed, and a 4.0-mm cannulated screw was inserted. The neurovascular bundle was dissected and inspected for direct trauma to the neurovascular bundle, and the proximity of the screw was measured using a digital caliper. Ten cadaveric specimens were used. The dorsalis pedis artery and deep peroneal nerve were free from injury in 9 of 10 specimens. In those 9 specimens, the neurovascular bundle was located dorsal in relation to the screw. The mean distance of the screw to the neurovascular bundle was 7.1 ± 3.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw to the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) was 14.7 ± 4.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw as it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 18.0 ± 7.2 mm. In 1 specimen, the screw was found to be traversing through the neurovascular bundle. The distance from the screw to the first TMTJ was 15.0 mm. The distance of the screw from where it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 24.0 mm. Although the intermetatarsal screw avoided the neurovascular cases in most instances, there is some anatomic risk to the neurovascular bundle. Further study is warranted to evaluate clinical results using the intermetatarsal screw for the modified Lapidus procedure.

Deformity Correction of the Midfoot/Hindfoot/Ankle.

The correction of the deformed arthritic foot and ankle is a complicated and somewhat controversial topic. After conservative methods fail, there is a wide range of possible bony procedures and arthrodesis that maybe performed. The appropriate work up and understanding of the pathomechanics is vital to the correct choice of procedures to correct these deformities. Once the work up and procedure selection is done, the operation must also be technically performed well and with efficiency, as most often the condition is corrected with a variety of procedures. This article discusses some of the most common procedures necessary to fully correct deformity of the midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle. This article will also discuss the authors' technique and pearls.

Effect of Blocking Screws on Union of Infraisthmal Femur Fractures Stabilized With a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of blocking screws (BS) on the union rate and stability of infraisthmal femur fractures treated with retrograde intramedullary nail (RIMN) insertion. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A single level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: All patients with an infraisthmal femur fracture treated with a RIMN from 2005 to 2012 were included. INTERVENTION: All fractures were treated with a RIMN. BS were used at the discretion of the treating surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: (1) Radiographic time to union, (2) initial postoperative sagittal and coronal angulation, and (3) final sagittal and coronal angulation. RESULTS: Neither the average time to union (BS 21.1 weeks vs. 21.8 weeks), nor union rates (BS 61% vs. 77%) were statistically different between BS and non-BS constructs. No significant alignment differences existed whether BS were used or not. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we were not able to verify our hypothesis. In fact, we did not find any significant advantages when BS were added to a RIMN construct for distal femur fractures with respect to union time, union rate, or improvements in alignment. Additional studies are needed to determine the actual benefit of BS in the treatment of infraisthmal femoral shaft fractures treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

First Metatarsal Head Osteochondral Defect Treatment With Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allograft Transplantation: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Focal damage to articular cartilage, also called an osteochondral defect (OCD), can be a cause of pain and decreased range of motion. Recent advancements have led to transplantation techniques using particulated juvenile articular cartilage allograft. This technique has been applied to the first metatarsal head to a very limited degree, with no published results to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to review the clinical results of patients who underwent particulated juvenile cartilage allograft implantation for first metatarsal head OCDs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective consecutive case series study. Nine patients, at an average age of 41 years, were treated for symptomatic focal osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal head with particulate cartilage grafting from 2010 to 2016. Patients were contacted by phone to assess interest in returning to the office for follow-up, where weightbearing radiographs of the foot were obtained and a foot examination was performed. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 3.3 years, 7 of 9 patients reported no pain with recreational activities and no patient required further operations. This patient cohort was physically active, with 6 of 9 listing running as a regular activity. The average overall American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale questionnaire score was 85 (maximum 100), AOFAS pain 35.6 (maximum 40), and AOFAS function 40.1 (maximum 45). Patient satisfaction surveys correlated with the AOFAS scores and revealed that 7 of 9 patients were very satisfied with their results, 1 was satisfied, and 1 patient was very dissatisfied. CONCLUSION: Particulated juvenile cartilage allograft transplantation is a promising treatment option for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal focal articular cartilage lesions. Further study is needed to demonstrate which lesions respond better to this type of cartilage graft versus traditional marrow-stimulating procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Medial Structure Injury During Suture Button Insertion Using the Center-Center Technique for Syndesmotic Stabilization.

BACKGROUND: The center-center technique for syndesmosis fixation has been described as an improved and reliable technique for proper reduction of the syndesmosis during ankle fracture repair. Concurrently, the use of flexible fixation with a suture button is becoming an established means of syndesmosis stabilization. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to assess for medial structure injury during the placement of a suture button using the center-center technique for ankle syndesmosis repair at 3 insertion intervals. METHODS: Simulated open syndesmosis repair was performed on 10 cadaveric specimens. Three intervals were measured at 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm proximal to the level of the distal tibial articular surface along the fibula. Proper longitudinal alignment of the center-center technique was completed under fluoroscopic guidance and was marked on the medial aspect of the tibia. The 3 intervals were drilled in the appropriate technique trajectory. The suture button was subsequently passed through each drill-hole interval. A single observer used a digital caliper to measure the distance from each suture button aperture with respect to the tibialis anterior tendon, tibialis posterior tendon, and greater saphenous vein and nerve. RESULTS: A total of 30 interval measurements (10 cadavers with 3 suture button segments each) were used for data analysis. Direct impingement on the greater saphenous vein was seen in 11 of 30 (36.6%) interval measurements. Six of the 11 (54.5%) observed saphenous structure impingement events occurred at the 10-mm drill hole. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that the use of the center-center technique for syndesmosis repair with suture button fixation risks preventable injury to the greater saphenous neurovasculature. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To understand the medial ankle anatomy, as it pertains to insertion of flexible syndesmotic fixation in a cadaveric model, to aid in prevention of clinical iatrogenic injury.

The Missed Achilles Tear: Now what?

Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures are debilitating injuries and are often associated with large tendon gaps that can be challenging for the foot and ankle surgeon to treat. Preoperative evaluation should include the patient's functional goals, medical comorbidities, MRI assessment of gastrocsoleus muscle viability, condition of adjacent flexor tendons, and size of the tendon defect. Although several surgical techniques have been described, the surgeon must formulate an individualized treatment plan for the patient. This article reviews the principles of diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical outcomes, and outlines the authors' preferred techniques.

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.