ACFAS Clinical Consensus Statements: Hallux Rigidus.

The following are clinical consensus statements (CCS) on the topic of hallux rigidus sponsored by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. A core panel synthesized the data and divided the topic in to twelve sections, each section contained a variable number of consensus statements, based upon complexity. Overall there were 24 consensus statements synthesized for this subject matter. The 24 statements were provided to the expert panel with all available evidence to come to a consensus utilizing all available evidence.

An Analysis of 50 Consecutive Total Ankle Replacements Undergoing Preoperative Computerized Tomography Scan-Based, Engineer-Provided Planning From a Single Noninventor, Nonconsultant Surgeon.

Preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scan-based, engineer-provided alignment plans and patient-specific pinning blocks for total ankle replacement (TAR) are available for use in the United States. However, nonbiased studies that justify the additional expense associated with this technology through support of the marketed benefits of less procedural complexity, less intraoperative radiation and reduced surgical time, are lacking. Therefore, to verify the manufacturer's proposed benefits, we sought to investigate our experience with this preoperative CT scan-based, engineer-provided plan and patient-specific pinning blocks during primary TAR. In review of our 50 TAR patients, we found that "perfect" radiographic alignment was not consistently achieved and the accuracy of component prediction was modest. Furthermore, the preoperative plans and patient-specific pinning blocks did not simplify the complexity of our operations since the operative time, intraoperative image intensification time and radiation dose per case all exceeded published historical TAR controls. Interestingly, we identified a significant difference in placement accuracy between the arced and flat-top talar component types that were implanted with the arced being more frequently malaligned. We did not find associations between preoperative deformity severity and accuracy of postoperative alignment. These findings suggest that it is imperative to have surgeons continue to rely on their own surgical planning and experience to achieve optimum radiographic alignment rather than depending on engineer-based recommendations or "surface matched" pinning blocks. Ultimately, we were unable to support the purported benefits of this CT scan-based, engineer-provided alignment plan and patient-specific pinning blocks for this manufacturer's primary TAR systems.

Sagittal Ankle and Midfoot Range of Motion Before and After Revision Total Ankle Replacement: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis.

The most common reason for a revision total ankle replacement procedure is a painful, stiff ankle even after the initial surgery. Limited and conflicting data are available regarding the change in sagittal foot and ankle range of motion after revision total ankle replacement surgery. We sought to determine whether revision total ankle replacements would reduce compensatory midfoot range of motion. In determining this, a novel radiographic measurement system with stable osseous landmarks is used. A retrospective medical record review of patients who had undergone revision total ankle replacement from January 2009 to June 2016 was performed. Thirty-three patients (33 ankles) underwent revision total ankle replacement surgery and met the inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up period of 28.39 ± 14.68 (range 2 to 59) months. Investigation of preoperative and postoperative weightbearing lateral radiographic images was performed to determine the global foot and ankle, isolated ankle, and isolated midfoot sagittal ranges of motion. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in ankle range of motion (p = .046) and a significant decrease in midfoot range of motion (p < .001) from preoperatively to postoperatively. The change in global foot and ankle range of motion was not significant (p = .53). For this patient population, the increased ankle range of motion effectively resulted in less compensatory midfoot range of motion.

Endoscopic Approach for the Excision of Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath Involving the Hindfoot: A Case Report.

Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCT-TS) is an often benign neoplasm that is relatively uncommon in the foot and ankle when compared to the upper extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging aids in characterizing the lesion, but diagnosis is confirmed with biopsy. Surgical excision is the preferred treatment. There is a lack of studies examining the long-term outcomes of endoscopic excision of GCT-TS, especially lesions found in the foot and ankle. The present study describes a case of a 42-year-old male with GCT-TS of the hindfoot treated with an endoscopic excision through a sinus tarsi approach. The patient was asymptomatic with no local signs of recurrence at the 67-month follow-up visit.

Mobility of the First Ray in Patients With or Without Hallux Valgus Deformity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The hypermobility theory of the first ray is the reason for the popularization of procedures such as the modified Lapidus procedure involving arthrodesis of the first tarsal-metatarsal joint for correction of hallux valgus deformity. Although many studies have involved motion of the first ray in hallux valgus patients, the presence and clinical significance of hypermobility in the first ray remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the difference in the first ray range of motion between patients with or without hallux valgus deformity. The databases used for the present review included Ovid EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Database. We searched for comparative studies that had evaluated the motion of the first ray in patients with or without hallux valgus. After screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 3 studies that were relevant to our study question. All 3 studies showed more first ray motion in the hallux valgus group. Our quantitative synthesis showed a mean difference in the range of motion of the first ray of 3.62 mm (95% confidence interval 2.26 to 4.98) between those with and without hallux valgus deformity. Thus, we found statistically significantly increased first ray motion in patients with hallux valgus deformity compared with those without hallux valgus deformity. However, the clinical significance of this small amount of increased sagittal plane motion as a response to or a cause of hallux valgus remains unanswered.

Vascularized Pedicled Fibula Onlay Bone Graft Augmentation for Complicated Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Retrograde Intramedullary Nail Fixation: A Case Series.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis stabilized with retrograde intramedullary nail fixation is associated with a high incidence of complications. This is especially true when performed with a bulk structural allograft and poor soft tissue quality. In select high-risk limb salvage cases, we have augmented tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis procedures stabilized using retrograde intramedullary nail fixation with a vascularized pedicled fibular onlay bone graft. We present the data from 10 such procedures with a mean follow-up period of 10.9 ± 5.4 (range 6 to 20) months involving 10 patients (9 males and 1 female). The etiology was avascular osteonecrosis of the talus and/or distal tibia and a resultant large volume cavitary bone defect (8 ankles), severe equinocavovarus contracture (1 ankle), and failed total ankle replacement (1 ankle). A frozen femoral head bulk allograft was used twice, a whole frozen talus allograft once, and a freeze-dried calcaneal allograft once. The fibula was mobilized with intact musculoperiosteal perforating branches of the peroneal artery as a vascularized pedicle onlay bone graft fixated with a screw and washer construct. The mean fibular graft length was 10.2 ± 2.3 cm. The mean interval to radiographic fusion was 2.6 ± 0.6 months and to weightbearing was 3.1 ± 1.4 months. Two stable bulk allograft-host bone and fibular graft-host bone nonunions occurred after intramedullary nail hardware failure. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis augmented by vascularized pedicled fibular graft stabilized with retrograde compression intramedullary nail fixation offers a reliable option for complex salvage situations when few other options exist.

Intraoperative Radiation Exposure During Revision Total Ankle Replacement.

Intraoperative C-arm image intensification is required for primary total ankle replacement implantation. Significant radiation exposure has been linked to these procedures; however, the radiation exposure during revision total ankle replacement remains unknown. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the radiation exposure encountered during revision total ankle replacement. The data from 41 patients were retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database: 19 Agility(™) to Agility(™); 4 Agility(™) to Custom Agility(™); 9 Agility(™) to INBONE(®) II; 5 Agility(™) to Salto Talaris(®) XT; 2 Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement Prosthesis to Salto Talaris(®) XT; and 2 INBONE(®) I to INBONE(®) II revision total ankle replacements were performed. Two broad categories were identified: partial revision (Agility(™) to Agility(™), Agility(™) to Custom Agility(™), INBONE(®) I to INBONE(®) II) and complete conversion (Agility(™) to INBONE(®) II, Agility(™) to Salto Talaris(®) XT, Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement Prosthesis to Salto Talaris(®) XT). The mean radiation exposure per case was significant at 3.49 ± 2.21 mGy. Complete conversions, specifically Agility(™) to INBONE(®) II, exhibited the greatest radiation exposure and C-arm time. Revision implant selection and revision type (complete or partial) directly contributed to radiation exposure. Accordingly, revision systems requiring less radiation exposure are preferable. Surgeons should strive to minimize intraoperative complications and limit additional procedures to those necessary, because both lead to additional radiation exposure.

Peroneal Tendon Reconstruction and Coverage for Treatment of Septic Peroneal Tenosynovitis: A Devastating Complication of Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction With a Tendon Allograft.

Septic peroneal tenosynovitis is a rare and significant challenge. A search of peer-reviewed published studies revealed only 5 case reports to guide treatment, none of which resulted in significant loss of both peroneal tendons necessitating reconstruction. No clear guidance is available regarding how to provide reliable reconstruction of both peroneal tendons after a significant loss secondary to septic tenosynovitis. In the present report, we describe the case of a young, active-duty soldier who underwent lateral ankle ligament reconstruction with a tendon allograft whose postoperative course was complicated by septic peroneal tenosynovitis resulting in significant loss of both peroneal tendons. Reconstruction was achieved in a staged fashion with the use of silicone rods and external fixation to maintain physiologic tension and preserve peroneal tendon function, followed by reconstruction of both peroneal tendons and the superior peroneal retinaculum with a tensor fascia lata autograft. Soft tissue coverage was obtained with an anterolateral thigh free tissue transfer and a split-thickness skin graft. The patient returned to full activity as an active-duty soldier with minimal pain and no instability of the right lower extremity. The muscle strength of both peroneal tendons remained at 5 of 5, and no objective findings of ankle instability were seen at 3.5 years postoperatively.

A Prospective Comparison of Clinical, Radiographic, and Intraoperative Features of Hallux Rigidus: Long-Term Follow-Up and Analysis.

Forty-seven patients (50 feet) underwent surgical intervention for symptomatic hallux rigidus from February 1998 to April 1999. Thirty-eight patients (41 feet) returned at 1 year for a follow-up evaluation. Of these 38 patients, 20 (21 feet) returned for the 15-year follow-up evaluation. Subjective evaluations were performed using the modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal 100-point scale. Long-term postoperative objective physical examination and radiographic analysis were performed. These data were compared with the preoperative and short-term follow-up data. The subjective evaluation showed a statistically significant differing over the long term, with a mean increase of 27.6 points. The results of the physical examination and radiographic measurements were mixed. The long-term dorsal range of motion was not significant across surgery type. Radiographically, the procedure types resulted in similar changes, suggesting that neither joint preservation nor joint destructive procedures were more stable over time. Plantar transposition of the capital fragment, offsetting the longitudinal shortening of the first metatarsal, was not significant, confirming the short-term findings. For this patient population, the long-term results of surgical intervention for hallux rigidus, regardless of procedure type, provided subjective patient improvement but no statistically significant increase in first metatarsophalangeal joint function or dorsal range of motion.

Incidence of revision after primary implantation of the Salto ® mobile version and Salto Talaris ™ total ankle prostheses: a systematic review.

The incidence of revision of total ankle replacement prostheses remains unclear. We undertook a systematic review to identify the material relating to the incidence of revision after implantation of the Salto(®) mobile version and Salto Talaris™ total ankle prostheses. Studies were eligible for inclusion only if they had involved primary total ankle replacement with these prostheses and had included the incidence of revision. Eight studies involving 1,209 Salto(®) mobile version prostheses, with a weighted mean follow-up period of 55.2 months, and 5 studies involving 212 Salto Talaris™ total ankle prostheses, with a weighted mean follow-up period of 34.9 months, were included. Forty-eight patients with Salto(®) mobile version prostheses (4%) underwent revision, of whom 24 (70.5%) underwent ankle arthrodesis, 9 (26.5%) metallic component replacement, and 1 (3%) below-the-knee amputation. Five (2.4%) Salto Talaris™ total ankle prostheses underwent revision (3 metallic component replacement and 2 ankle arthrodeses). Restricting the data to the inventor, design team, or disclosed consultants, the incidence of revision was 5.2% for the Salto(®) mobile version and 2.6% for the Salto Talaris™ total ankle prostheses. In contrast, data that excluded these individuals had an incidence of revision of 2.8% for the Salto(®) mobile version and 2.0% for the Salto Talaris™ total ankle prostheses. We could not identify any obvious difference in the etiology responsible for the incidence of revision between these mobile- and fixed-bearing prostheses. The incidence of revision for the Salto(®) mobile version and Salto Talaris™ total ankle prostheses was lower than those reported through systematic review for the Agility™ and Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement™ systems without obvious selection (inventor) or publication (conflict of interest) bias.

Is the internet a reliable source of information for patients seeking total ankle replacement?

The modern patient population relies on the Internet to provide knowledge about medical procedures. However, a gap between established medical guidelines and the information provided on the Internet exists. Because of the general poor quality of the medical information available on the Internet and the increasing popularity of total ankle replacement (TAR) with its known potential serious complications, we undertook the present study to evaluate the information on TAR available to the general public through the Internet and to determine the quality of information according to authorship type and site certification status. Three common search engines were used to identify a total of 105 websites. The TAR information quality was rated as "excellent," "high," "moderate," "low," or "unacceptable." The sites were evaluated for authorship or sponsorship, content, and other criteria. The data were analyzed as a complete set, as a comparison among authorship types (academic, private, industry, or other), and by certification status. Websites with scores of excellent or high were 35% of the sites reviewed, and 48% were ranked as poor or unacceptable. Of the authorship types, the highest quality authorship was for the industry and other sites, which rated high or excellent 46% of the time. Eight percent of the sites evaluated were certified; however, certification status was not associated with improved information quality. Our study has demonstrated a low quality of TAR information available across all website types, regardless of authorship type. We suggest a partnership between professional organizations and physicians to ensure that provider websites reflect the current indications and contraindications of TAR to enhance patient education.

Safety of ankle arthroscopy for the treatment of anterolateral soft-tissue impingement.

PURPOSE: To quantify the overall incidence of complications related to arthroscopic treatment of anterolateral soft-tissue ankle impingement. METHODS: Electronic databases and relevant peer-reviewed sources, including OvidSP/Medline (http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com) and Google Scholar, were systematically searched for the terms "anterolateral" AND "ankle" AND "impingement" OR "soft-tissue impingement" AND "arthroscopy." In addition, we manually searched common American and European (including British) orthopaedic and podiatric scientific literature for relevant articles. Studies were eligible for inclusion only if they included the following: a standard 2-portal anterior arthroscopic approach, a minimum mean follow-up of 12 months, and detailed descriptions of all complications encountered. RESULTS: After we considered all the potentially eligible articles, 15 (28.8%) met our inclusion criteria for the study. There were a total of 396 patients (397 ankles), with 16 total complications (4%), 3 (0.8%) of which were major. The weighted mean patient age was 31.2 years, and the weighted mean follow-up was 33.7 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review showed an overall incidence of complications of 4%. The complications were categorically divided into major and minor complications, with a very low incidence of major complications (0.8%) and an acceptably low incidence of minor complications (3.3%). On the basis of these findings, arthroscopic treatment of anterolateral ankle soft-tissue impingement is a very safe procedure when indicated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Management of extensive tibial osteolysis with the Agility™ total ankle replacement systems using geometric metal-reinforced polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation.

Although total ankle replacement has endured improvement in implant design since its conception, failure requiring revision remains a known endpoint. We describe a technique for management of extensive tibial osteolysis for failed Agility™ total ankle replacement systems using geometric metal-reinforced polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation. This technique provides immediate component stability and is a cost-effective alternate to impaction bone grafting. With this technique, the complications we have experienced have been limited to minor delayed incisional healing, and all patients have resumed meaningful weightbearing activities with stable integration of the tibial component.

Reverse Evans peroneus brevis medial ankle stabilization for balancing valgus ankle contracture during total ankle replacement.

Medial ankle instability secondary to deltoid ligament insufficiency is frequently encountered when performing total ankle replacement and remains a challenge. In the present techniques report, we describe a "reverse" Evans peroneus brevis tendon nonanatomic deltoid ligament reconstruction for medial ankle stabilization harvested through limited incisions using simple topographic anatomic landmarks. The harvested peroneus brevis tendon is brought through a drill hole in the talus from laterally to medially, aiming for the junction of the talar neck and body plantar to the midline. The tendon is the brought superiorly and obliquely to the anterior medial aspect of the distal tibia where it is secured under a plate and screw construct. This modified Evans peroneus brevis tendon nonanatomic deltoid ligament reconstruction is useful in providing medial ankle stability during or after primary and revision total ankle replacement.

Arthroscopic synovectomy, irrigation, and debridement for treatment of septic ankle arthrosis: a systematic review and case series.

Septic arthrosis of the ankle is a rare, often devastating, infection, with a high potential for morbidity and mortality. Delay in treatment can lead to cartilage erosion, painful synovitis, and osteomyelitis. Septic ankle arthrosis deserves prompt recognition and intervention. However, quality, sound, protocol-directed arthroscopic treatment of septic ankle arthrosis of the ankle has not yet been reported. We performed a systematic review of the electronic databases and other relevant peer-reviewed sources to determine the outcomes and treatment protocols associated with septic ankle arthrosis treated with arthroscopic synovectomy, irrigation, and debridement. Nine studies, involving a total of 15 ankles, met our inclusion criteria. In addition, we present the short-term outcomes of a protocol-driven arthroscopic synovial biopsy, deep culture procurement, synovectomy, irrigation, and debridement approach for 8 ankles (8 patients). To our knowledge, this would be the largest individual case series specific to arthroscopic treatment of septic ankle arthrosis. The most common infectious organism reported in the systematic review and in our case series was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Arthroscopic synovectomy, irrigation, and debridement represents an acceptable treatment method for septic ankle arthrosis and demonstrated outcomes similar to the more traditional open approach, with fewer complications. Additional, appropriately weighted, randomized controlled studies with long-term follow-up are warranted.

Management of extensive talar osteolysis with Agility™ total ankle replacement systems using geometric metal-reinforced polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation.

The Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System, almost exclusively without polymethylmethacrylate cement fixation, was the most commonly used implant in the United States from 1998 to 2007. Much attention has been given to the intraoperative complications and incision healing-related problems. However, it is the intermediate- and long-term complications, specifically, aseptic osteolysis, talar component loosening, subsidence, and progressive malalignment, that require careful consideration, because the revision options are limited. We describe a technique for management of extensive talar aseptic osteolysis for revision of Agility™ total ankle replacement systems with use of geometric metal-reinforced polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation. This technique preserves the subtalar joint, provides immediate component stability and restoration of component alignment and height, and is a cost-effective alternative to other available options and still allows for additional revision should late failure occur.

Incidence of complications after Achillon® mini-open suture system for repair of acute midsubstance achilles tendon ruptures: a systematic review.

The most appropriate operative treatment of acute midsubstance Achilles tendon ruptures is controversial. One approach uses a mini-open, device-assisted suture system (Achillon(®) System(™), Integra LifeSciences Corp, Plainsboro, NJ) that has been generally available since 2002. To date, the incidence of complications with this system has not yet been evaluated. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of electronic databases and relevant peer-reviewed sources as outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the preparation of systematic reviews. Studies that reported acute (injury to surgery interval ≤ 10 days) midsubstance Achilles tendon ruptures repaired with the Achillon(®) mini-open suture system, provided a detailed description of all complications encountered, and a mean follow-up period of 12 months or more and 15 repairs or more were included. A total of 33 studies were identified, of which 8 (24%) met our inclusion criteria involving 253 repairs. Four studies were prospective and involved 169 repairs. The weighted mean age for the entire cohort was 39.5 (range 22 to 82) years, and the weighted mean follow-up period was 19.2 (range 5 to 44) months. The incidence of complications was 8.3% (21 of 253) and included 8 (3.2%) repeat ruptures, 5 (2%) incision problems, 3 (1.2%) sural nerve injuries, 3 (1.2%) suture reactions or irritations, and 2 (0.8%) infections. Our systematic review revealed that this mini-open, device-assisted suture system provides a safe and reproducible technique to repair acute midsubstance Achilles tendon ruptures with an acceptable incidence of complications.

Effective Case Reports and Small Case Series.

Once the mainstay of scientific journals, in the age of evidence-based medicine, case reports and small series are now considered to represent a lower hierarchy in the medical decision-making process. However, case reports and small series represent the culmination of the time-honored traditional medical education teaching method with the descriptive case presentation. Despite being infrequently cited as references, case reports and small series still offer important contributions to patient care. The authors present a review of the strengths and weaknesses of case reports and small series and discuss ways to incorporate this form of literature into structured medical education.

The incidence of complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the incidence of complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy. METHODS: Ovid/Medline and Google Scholar were systematically searched for pertinent references to be included. In addition, we hand-searched common American and European orthopaedic and podiatric surgical journals for relevant articles. Articles considered for inclusion were published in peer-reviewed journals, described complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy using a standard 2-portal technique, and involved 25 or more patients treated. RESULTS: We identified 335 potentially relevant publications, of which 5 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 452 ankles (452 patients) were included in this study. Overall, 17 complications (3.8%) occurred, with only 8 (1.8%) requiring additional treatment or operative intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic approach for the treatment of hindfoot and ankle pathology is safe with a low incidence of complications. However, additional studies with prospective designs should be undertaken to determine the long-term patient outcomes using validated scoring systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Incidence of nonunion after isolated arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of nonunion after isolated arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. METHODS: Electronic databases and relevant peer-reviewed sources, including OvidSP/Medline (http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com) and Google, were systematically searched for the terms "arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis" AND "nonunion". Additionally, we manually searched common American, British, and European orthopaedic and podiatric scientific literature for relevant articles. Studies were eligible for inclusion only if they included the following: isolated ankle arthrodesis, greater than 20 ankles, minimum mean follow-up of 12-months, a 2-portal anterior arthroscopic approach, fixation with 2 or 3 large-diameter cannulated cancellous screws, and the nonunion rate with no restriction on cause. RESULTS: After considering all the potentially eligible articles, 7 (25.9%) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 244 patients (244 ankles)-148 (60.7%) male and 96 (39.3%) female patients, with a weighted mean age of 49.2 years-were included. For those studies that specified the exact follow-up, the weighted mean was 24.1 months. A total of 21 nonunions (8.6%) were reported, with 14 (66.7%) being symptomatic and requiring further intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review reveal an acceptable incidence of nonunion of 8.6%. However it is important to recognize that of these nonunions, 66.7% were symptomatic. This supports the belief that regardless of approach, nonunion of an ankle arthrodesis is problematic. In light of this finding, additional prospective studies are warranted to compare directly the incidence of nonunion between open, minimum incision, and arthroscopic approaches with a variety of fixation constructs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of level IV studies.