[Progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy of foot and ankle].

Objective: To summarize the progress of clinical diagnosis and treatment of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNO) of foot and ankle to provide reference for clinical treatment. Methods: The research literature on diabetic CNO of foot and ankle at home and abroad was widely reviewed, and the stages and classification criteria of CNO were summarized, and the treatment methods at different stages of the disease course were summarized. Results: CNO is a rapidly destructive disease of bone and joint caused by peripheral neuropathy, which leads to the formation of local deformities and stress ulcers due to bone and joint destruction and protective sensory loss, which eventually leads to disability and even life-threatening. At present, the modified Eichenholtz stage is a commonly used staging criteria for CNO of foot and ankle, which is divided into 4 stages by clinical and imaging manifestations. The classification mainly adopts the modified Brodsky classification, which is divided into 6 types according to the anatomical structure. The treatment of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle needs to be considered in combination with disease stage, blood glucose, comorbidities, local soft tissue conditions, degree of bone and joint destruction, and whether ulcers and infections are present. Conservative treatment is mainly used in the active phase and surgery in the stable phase. Conclusion: The formulation of individualized and stepped treatment regimens can help improve the effectiveness of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle. However, there is still a lack of definitive clinical evidence to guide the treatment of active and stable phases, and further research is needed.

Therapeutics of osteoarthritis and pharmacological mechanisms: A focus on RANK/RANKL signaling.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease afflicting millions globally. Despite the development of numerous pharmacological treatments for OA, a substantial unmet need for effective therapies persists. The RANK/RANKL signaling pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for OA, owing to its pivotal role in regulating osteoclast differentiation and activity. In this comprehensive review, we aim to elucidate the relevant mechanisms of OA mediated by RANK/RANKL signaling, including bone remodeling, inflammation, cartilage degradation, osteophyte formation, and pain sensitization. Furthermore, we discuss and summarize the cutting-edge strategies targeting RANK/RANKL signaling for OA therapy, encompassing approaches such as gene-based interventions and biomaterials-aided pharmacotherapy. In addition, we highlight the prevailing challenges associated with pharmacological OA treatments and explore potential future directions, approached through a clinical-translational lens.

[Effectiveness and risk factors of supramalleolar osteotomy in treatment of varus-type ankle arthritis].

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) as a therapeutic intervention for varus-type ankle arthritis, while also examining the associated risk factors that may contribute to treatment failure. Methods: The clinical data of 82 patients (89 feet) diagnosed with varus-type ankle arthritis and treated with SMOT between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patient cohort consisted of 34 males with 38 feet and 48 females with 51 feet, with the mean age of 54.3 years (range, 43-72 years). The average body mass index was 24.43 kg/m 2 (range, 20.43-30.15 kg/m 2). The preoperative tibial anterior surface angle (TAS) ranged from 77.6° to 88.4°, with a mean of 84.4°. The modified Takakura stage was used to classify the severity of the condition, with 9 feet in stage Ⅱ, 41 feet in stage Ⅲa, and 39 feet in stage Ⅲb. Clinical functional assessment was conducted using the Maryland sore, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and psychological and physical scores in Health Survey 12-item Short From (SF-12). Radiology evaluations include TAS, talar tilt (TT), tibiocrural angle (TC), tibial medial malleolars (TMM), tibiocrural distance (TCD), tibial lateral surface angle (TLS), and hindfoot alignment angle (HAA). The results of clinical failure, functional failure, and radiology failure were statistically analyzed, and the related risk factors were analyzed. Results: The operation time ranged from 45 to 88 minutes, with an average of 62.2 minutes. No complication such as fractures and neurovascular injuries was found during operation. There were 7 feet of poor healing of the medial incision; 9 pin tract infections occurred in 6 feet using external fixator; there were 20 cases of allograft and 3 cases of autograft with radiographic bone resorption. Except for 1 foot of severe infection treated with bone cement, the remaining 88 feet were primary healing, and the healing area was more than 80%. All patients were followed up 24-82 months, with an average of 50.2 months. Maryland score, VAS score, SF-12 psychological and physiological scores, and TAS, TC, TLS, TCD, TT, TMM, HAA, and Takakura stage were significantly improved at last follow-up ( P<0.05). Postoperative clinical failure occurred in 13 feet, functional failure in 15 feet, and radiology failure in 23 feet. Univariate analysis showed that obesity, TT>10°, and Takakura stage Ⅲb were risk factors for clinical failure, HAA≥15° and Takakura stage Ⅲb were risk factors for functional failure, and TT>10° was risk factor for radiographic failure ( P<0.05). Further logistic regression analysis showed that TT>10°, HAA≥15°, and TT>10° were risk factors for clinical failure, functional failure, and radiographic failure, respectively ( P<0.05). Conclusion: SMOT is effective in the mid- and long-term in the treatment of varus-type ankle arthritis, but it should be used with caution in patients with obesity, severe hindfoot varus, severe talus tilt, and preoperative Takakura stage Ⅲb.

Cartilage Damage Pathological Characteristics of Diabetic Neuropathic Osteoarthropathy.

Background: Diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy (DNOAP) is a rare and easily missed complication for diabetes that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. DNOAP is characterized by progressive destruction of bone and joint, but its pathogenesis remains elusive. We herein aimed to investigate the pathological features and pathogenesis of the cartilages damage in DNOAP patients. Methods: The articular cartilages of eight patients with DNOAP and eight normal controls were included. Masson staining and safranine O/fixed green staining (S-O) were used to observe the histopathological characteristics of cartilage. The ultrastructure and morphology of chondrocytes were detected by electron microscopy and toluidine blue staining. Chondrocytes were isolated from DNOAP group and control group. The expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Aggrecan protein was evaluated by western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry (FCM). The chondrocytes were cultured with different glucose concentrations to observe the expression of RANKL and OPG. Results: Compared with the control group, the DNOAP group showed fewer chondrocytes, subchondral bone hyperplasia, and structural disorder, and a large number of osteoclasts formed in the subchondral bone area. Moreover, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum swellings were observed in the DNOAP chondrocytes. The chromatin was partially broken and concentrated at the edge of nuclear membrane. The ROS fluorescence intensity of chondrocyte in DNOAP group was higher than that in normal control group (28.1 ± 2.3 vs. 11.9 ± 0.7; P < 0.05). The expression of RANKL, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 protein in DNOAP group was higher than that in normal control group, whereas OPG and Aggrecan protein were lower than that in normal control group (both P < 0.05). FCM showed that the apoptotic rate of chondrocyte in DNOAP group was higher than that in normal control group (P < 0.05). The RANKL/OPG ratio showed significant upward trend when the concentration of glucose was over than 15 mM. Conclusions: DNOAP patients tend to have severe destruction of articular cartilage and collapse of organelle structure including mitochondrion and endoplasm reticulum. Indicators of bone metabolism (RANKL and OPG) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) play an important role in promoting the pathogenesis of DNOAP. The glucose concentration higher than 15 mM made the RANKL/OPG ratio change rapidly.

Y-shape osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis for calcaneus malunion: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to introduce a novel method for simultaneous Y-shape osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis for calcaneus malunion and to evaluate the feasibility of this method. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the clinical and imaging data of 11 patients with calcaneus malunion treated using Y-shape osteotomy and subtalar arthrodesis who were admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to October 2020. The patients included 9 males and 2 females aged from 24 to 69 years old, with an average age of 42.18 years. The clinical and radiological results were assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score. In addition, functional recovery and general quality of life were evaluated using the 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12). RESULTS: All radiological parameters were significantly improved at the last follow-up, with increases of 14.37°, 9.18°, and 4.51 mm in the Böhler's angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and talocalcaneal height, respectively, and decreases of 6.39 mm and 6.18° in the calcaneal width and Hindfoot alignment angle (p < 0.05). The mean AOFAS and VAS scores at the last follow-up improved compared with those preoperatively, from 34.18 ± 9.53 to 84.18 ± 11.59 and from 6.90 ± 1.22 to 1.90 ± 1.13, respectively (p < 0.05). The SF-12 physical and mental health scores were 49.65 ± 6.84 and 52.68 ± 7.88, respectively. Furthermore, the early postoperative complications included skin necrosis in one and sural neuralgia in one patient, and the late postoperative complication included ankle pain in one patient. No other complications, such as implant discomforts, malunion, nonunion and re-fracture, were presented. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Y-shape osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis is an effective new method for the treatment of calcaneal malunion. Advantages include improvement of the anatomic shape of the calcaneus and union rates for subtalar arthrodesis.

Supramalleolar Osteotomy vs Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Takakura 3B Ankle Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical/functional outcomes of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) and ankle arthrodesis (AA) for the treatment of modified Takakura stage 3B ankle osteoarthritis. METHODS: Outcomes of 28 SMOT patients and 30 AA patients were reviewed at an average of 50 and 51 months, respectively. The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. The preoperative tibial articular surface angle and talar tilt angle in the SMOT group were 82.6 and 10 degrees and in the AA group, 83.9 and 9.1 degrees, respectively. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) scores, range of motion (ROM), radiologic parameters, and complications were compared. RESULTS: The AOFAS, VAS, and SF-12 MCS and PCS scores improved significantly postoperatively in both groups (P < .001). The VAS and SF-12 PCS scores indicate marginally better improvement in the AA group (P < .05). The patient satisfaction value (P = .028) and the possibility of repeated surgery value (P = .012) were also significantly higher in the AA group. The early (P = .905) and late (P = .181) complications did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. The reoperation rate was significantly higher in the SMOT group (P = .038). CONCLUSION: Both SMOT and AA showed improvements in function, pain, alignment, and quality of life after surgery. Patients in the AA group reported better pain relief, had a lower reoperation rate, and better hindfoot alignment during a short- to mid-term follow-up time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The RANK/RANKL/OPG system and tumor bone metastasis: Potential mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

With the markedly increased diagnosis and incidence of cancer in the population, tumor bone metastasis has become a frequent event in tumor patients. Healthy bone integrity is maintained by a delicate balance between bone formation and bone resorption. Unfortunately, many tumors, such as prostate and breast, often metastasize to the bone, and the alterations to the bone homeostasis can particularly favor tumor homing and consequent osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are involved in the regulation of the activation, differentiation, and survival of osteoclasts, which play critical roles in bone metastasis formation. High rates of osteoclastic bone resorption significantly increase fracture risk, cause severe bone pain, and contribute to homing tumor cells in bone and bone marrow. Consequently, suppression of the RANK/RANKL/OPG system and osteoclastic activity can not only ameliorate bone resorption but may also prevent tumor bone metastases. This review summarizes the important role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG system and osteoclasts in bone homeostasis and its effect on tumor bone metastasis and discusses therapeutic strategies based on RANKL inhibition.

Fibular osteotomy is helpful for talar reduction in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis with supramalleolar osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: There have been debates on the necessity of fibular osteotomy (FO) in supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) for the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis. The purpose of the current study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between SMOT with and without FO in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis. METHODS: The SMOT group included 39 patients, and the SMOT with FO group included 24 patients. The basic information reached no significant difference between groups. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), modified Takakura stage and range of motion (ROM) were used for the functional evaluation. The radiologic parameters were assessed at the last follow-up to compare the degree of talar reduction between the two groups. RESULTS: Both groups achieved significant improvements in AOFAS scores, modified Takakura stage, as well as AOS pain and functional scores (P < 0.001). The ROM of the ankle joint in the SMOT group was significantly decreased (P = 0.022). In both groups, all of the radiological parameters were significantly improved (P < 0.01). The tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) was significantly widened in the SMOT group (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups according to the functional outcomes. However, the talar tilt angle (TT) and hindfoot alignment angle (HFA) in the SMOT with FO group were significantly smaller than those in the SMOT group (P < 0.05). The TFCS was significantly widened in the SMOT group (P = 0.001). The medial displacement of the talus (MDT) was better reduced in the SMOT with FO group (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: SMOT is a promising procedure for functional improvement and malalignment correction in varus ankle osteoarthritis but reduces ankle range of motion. If SMOT is combined with FO, talar tilt and medial displacement will be better reduced.

Ilizarov Gradual Distraction Correction for Distal Tibial Severe Varus Deformity Resulting from Epiphyseal Fracture: Case Report and Literature Review.

We present a case of a 13-year-old female with severe varus deformity and limb discrepancy resulting from epiphyseal fracture. The preoperative tibial articular surface angle was 64.1°, and the affected tibia was 14 mm shorter than the contralateral tibia. She underwent a medial open osteotomy and fibular osteotomy with gradual distraction correction using Ilizarov fixator. The deformity was corrected at 3 months, and the external fixator was removed when bony union was achieved 6 months postoperatively. At 9 months after surgery, the patient could play basketball without feeling pain. At the last follow-up, namely 36 months after the operation, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot-ankle score was improved from 58 to 90, the patient was pain free, and the radiological measurements were nearly normal. Ilizarov fixator gradual distraction correction for distal tibial severe varus deformity is a safe and cost-effective method that can yield excellent radiological and clinical outcomes.

The Effect of Common Variants in SLC44A2 on the Contribution to the Risk of Deep Cein Thrombosis after Orthopedic Surgery.

AIM: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication of orthopedic surgery. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that genetic factors play an important role in the development of DVT following orthopedic surgery (DVTFOS). Recent evidence suggested that the solute carrier family 44 member 2 (SLC44A) gene may contribute to the risk of DVT. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations of SLC44A2 and DVTFOS in Chinese Han individuals. METHODS: In the study, 2,655 subjects, including 689 DVTFOS patients and 1,966 controls, were recruited. Eighteen SNPs were genotyped in the study. Genetic association analyses were performed at both the single marker and haplotype levels. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to predict the functional consequences of significant SNPs. RESULTS: SNP rs2288904 of SLC44A2 was identified as being significantly associated with DVTFOS (P = 0.0003, OR [95%CI] = 1.28[1.12-1.46]). Allelic analyses showed that the G allele of this SNP significantly elevated the risks of DVTFOS, which was replicated in the genotypic association analyses. Moreover, a two-SNP haplotype, including rs2288904, was found to be strongly correlated with the risk of DVTFOS (P = 4.15×10－11). Widespread effects in the expression quantitative trait loci were identified for rs2288904 in multiple tissues. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results provide further supportive evidence of the association of SLC44A2 with the risk of DVTFOS, which also provide clues for understanding the important roles of the SLC44A2 gene in the pathogenesis of DVTFOS and in the development of preventive strategies.

Osteotomies combined with soft tissue procedures for symptomatic flexible flatfoot deformity in children.

BACKGROUND: The indications for surgery, timing, and procedure in children with flexible flatfoot deformity remain controversial. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of osteotomies combined with soft tissue procedures in children with flexible flatfoot aged 9-14 years. METHODS: Twenty-eight children (47 feet) with flexible flatfoot who underwent osteotomy combined with soft tissue surgery between July 2014 and October 2017 were included in this study. The main observational indexes included the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), talo-navicular coverage angle (TNCA), talar-first metatarsal angle (T1MA) on the foot anteroposterior (AP) view, calcaneal pitch angle and Meary's angle on the foot lateral view, and calcaneus valgus angle (CVA) on the Saltzman view. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Patient's satisfaction was assessed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for an average duration of 29.7±8.6 months. The results showed that the mean AOFAS and FAOS had improved significantly from 56.6±8.0 and 47.4±9.5 preoperatively to 88.4±3.9 and 83.2±6.8 at final follow-up (P<0.001), respectively. There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative scores in all FAOS subscales (P<0.001). Radiographic parameters, such as TNCA (P<0.001) and T1MT (P<0.001) on foot AP views, calcaneal pitch angle (P=0.014) and Meary's angle (P<0.001) on foot lateral views, and CVA (P<0.001) on Saltzman views, had improved significantly. We observed overall substantial to perfect intra- and inter-observer agreements for all radiographic measurements preoperatively and final follow-up. All patients and their parents were satisfied with the functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Osteotomies combined with soft tissue procedures is an effective strategy for flexible flatfoot deformity in children, as it results in favorable radiographic and functional outcomes.

[Effectiveness of tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. METHODS: The clinical data of 21 patients with unilateral foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy between October 2009 and September 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 9 females with an average age of 32.1 years (range, 23-47 years). The causes of peroneal nerve injury were iatrogenic injury in 7 cases, tibiofibular fractures combined with compartment syndrome in 5 cases, nerve exploration surgery after stab or cut injury in 3 cases, direct violence in 4 cases, and the fibular head fracture in 2 cases. The average time from injury to operation was 5.6 years (range, 2-8 years). There was 1 case of hallux valgus and 5 cases of toe flexion contracture. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, range of motion (ROM), and dorsiflexion strength of ankle joint were used to evaluated the ankle function. Radiographic evaluation for the changes of postoperative foot alignment included Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and hindfoot alignment angle. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 18-42 months (mean, 30.2 months). The dorsiflexion strength of ankle joint recovered from grade 0 to grade 3-4 after operation. There was no patient with a postoperative flat foot deformity and claw toe during follow-up. There was no significant difference in Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and hindfoot alignment angle between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). The AOFAS score, FAAM score, and ROM of dorsiflexion significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative values ( P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in ROM of plantar-flexion between pre- and post-operation ( t=4.239, P=0.158). There were significant differences in AOFAS score, FAAM score, and ROM of dorsiflexion between affected and healthy sides ( P<0.05); but no significant difference in ROM of plantar-flexion was found ( t=2.319, P=0.538). CONCLUSION: Tibialis posterior tendon transfer is an effective surgical option for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. And no postoperative flat foot deformity occurred at short-term follow-up.

[Comparison of bioabsorbable screw and metallic screw for Maisonneuve fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of bioabsorbable screw and metallic screw for Maisonneuve fracture. METHODS: The clinical data of 68 patients of Maisonneuve fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation between October 2012 and October 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Metallic screw fixation was used in 37 cases (group A) and absorbable screw fixation was used in 31 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, weight, operated side, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, and complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the tibiafibular clear space (TFCS), tibiafibular overlap (TFO), medial clear space (MCS), and syndesmotic malreduction rate were recorded. And the dorsiflexion and plantar-flexion range of motion, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, ankle and hind foot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Olerud-Molander (OM) score were recorded. RESULTS: All patients were followed up 25-43 months, with an average of 32.3 months. There was no significant difference in the operation time between the two groups ( t=1.229, P=0.282). All the fractures healed, and there was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( t=1.367, P=0.413). At last follow-up, the syndesmotic malreduction rate of group A was 16.2% (6/37), showing no significant difference when compared with group B [6.2% (2/31)] ( χ 2=1.549, P=0.213). There were 3 complications in group A, 1 was superficial wound infection, 1 was local heterotopic ossification due to failure to remove the screws in time, 1 was local heterotopic ossification of the screws; and there were 2 complications in group B, 1 was rejection and 1 was local heterotopic ossification of the screws. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( χ 2=0.068, P=0.794). There was no significant difference in TFCS, MCS, TFO, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar-flexion range of motion, AOFAS score, OM score, and VAS score between the two groups at last follow-up ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with metallic screw, absorbable screws provide adequate fixation and functional recovery with avoiding screw removal and lower syndesmotic malreduction.

[Application of modified internal fixation and fusion for type â ¡ painful accessory navicular in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of modified internal fixation and fusion in treatment of type Ⅱ painful accessory navicular (PAN) in adults. METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2017, 29 patients (37 feet) with type Ⅱ PAN were treated with modified internal fixation and fusion. There were 12 males and 17 females with an average age of 41.4 years (range, 18-50 years). The injury caused by sprain in 24 cases and no obvious inducement occurred in 5 cases. All patients received conservative treatment for more than 6 months with no significant improvement. The effectiveness was evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score before operation and at last follow-up. The inclination angle of calcaneus, the first metatarsal angle of talus, the inclusion angle of talonavicular joint, and the second metatarsal angle of talus were measured on X-ray films. RESULTS: Superficial infection of incision occurred in 1 case after operation, and the incision healed after enhanced dressing change. The incisons of the other patients healed by first intention. There was no deep infection or osteomyelitis. All patients were followed up 12-33 months (mean, 25.1 months). X-ray films showed that the articular surfaces healed at 2-5 months after operation, with an average of 3.4 months. No loosening or rupture of internal fixator was found during the follow-up. At last follow-up, the pain, function, alignment scores, and total score of AOFAS were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The inclusion angle of talonavicular joint, the first metatarsal angle of talus, and the second metatarsal angle of talus were also significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in the inclination angle of calcaneus between pre- and post-operation (t=1.097, P=0.276). CONCLUSION: Modified internal fixation and fusion in treatment of type Ⅱ PAN can effectively relieve the symptoms and obtain good recovery of feet function with less complications.

Supramalleolar osteotomy with medial distraction arthroplasty for ankle osteoarthritis with talar tilt.

BACKGROUND: An increased preoperative talar tilt (TT) angle was reported to be positively correlated with treatment failure after supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) for varus ankle osteoarthritis. Distraction arthroplasty was reported to have the ability to correct increased TT angles. The purpose of the current study was to compare the outcomes between SMOT with and without medial distraction arthroplasty (MDA) in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis with increased TT angles. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the functional outcomes and radiological findings of 34 patients who underwent SMOT with or without MDA for varus ankle osteoarthritis with increased TT angles. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores were used for functional evaluation. The tibial anterior surface (TAS) angle, talar tilt (TT) angle, tibial medial malleolar (TMM) angle, talocrural (TC) angle, tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle, and hindfoot alignment (HFA) angle were evaluated preoperatively and at the time of the last follow-up. RESULTS: In the SMOT group, the AOFAS score and AOS pain and function scores were significantly improved (P < 0.01 for each) at a mean follow-up of 61 months. The TAS, TT, TC, TLS, and HFA angles were all significantly improved (P < 0.01 for each). Similarly, in the SMOT with MDA group, the AOFAS score, AOS pain and function scores, and the TAS, TT, TC, TLS, and HFA angles were all significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.01 for each). When comparing the two groups, the postoperative TT angle was significantly smaller in the SMOT with MDA group (P = 0.023) than in the SMOT group. In addition, the failure rate of TT angle correction was significantly higher in the SMOT group (P = 0.016) than in the SMOT with MDA group. CONCLUSION: SMOT is a promising procedure for functional improvement and malalignment correction for varus ankle osteoarthritis, even in patients with increased talar tilt. If SMOT is combined with MDA, there can be an improvement in the correction of the increased talar tilt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, a retrospective comparative study.