Stabilizing effect of total ankle arthroplasty by distal translation and lateralization of talus in varus ankle deformity.

BACKGROUND: In end-stage arthritis indicated for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), full-thickness cartilage damage, subchondral bone defect/shaving, and fluttering of the talar dome occur, shortening the distance between the tibial and talar insertions of ligaments and leading to laxity of ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Under such conditions, medial ligaments (including the deltoid ligament) would not be expected to function properly. To stabilize the ankle joint during the stance phase, medial ligament function under tension is important. This study therefore examined whether TAA contributes to lengthening of the medial tibio-talar joint as evaluated radiographically, as a preferable method for achieving tensile effects on medial ligaments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four feet with end-stage varus deformity of the ankle joint that underwent TAA were retrospectively investigated, excluding cases with any malleolar osteotomy or fracture. Distance between proximal and distal insertions of medial ligaments, lateralization of the talus, and talar tilt angle under valgus/varus stress condition were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Distance between proximal and distal insertions of medial ligaments was significantly elongated after TAA. At the same time, the talus showed significant lateralization. Furthermore, talar tilt under valgus/varus stress conditions was also significantly reduced after TAA. CONCLUSION: TAA affects distal translation and lateralization of the talus in cases of varus ankle deformity. These effects might contribute to re-providing tensile force on lax medial ligaments, improving ligament function.

Surgical correction of cubitus varus in children with a lateral closing-wedge osteotomy: a comparison between two different techniques.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the present study is to compare the radiographic outcomes and complications of two different techniques for lateral closing-wedge osteotomy in pediatric patients with cubitus varus. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients treated at five tertiary care institutions: 17 underwent the Kirschner-wire (KW) technique, and 15 patients were treated with the mini external fixator (MEF) technique. Demographic data, previous treatment, pre- and postoperative carrying angle (CA), complications and additional procedures were recorded. Radiographic evaluation included assessment of the humerus-elbow-wrist angle (HEW), and the lateral prominence index (LPI). RESULTS: Patients treated with both KW and MEF achieved significant improvements in clinical alignment (mean pre-op CA -16 ± 6.1 degrees to mean post-op 8.9 ± 5.3 degrees, P < 0.001). There were no differences in final radiographic alignment or radiographic union time; however, time to achieve full elbow motion was faster in the MEF group (13.6 versus 34.3 weeks, P = 0.4547). Two patients (11.8%) in the KW group experienced complications, including one superficial infection and one failed correction that required unplanned revision surgery. Eleven patients in the MEF group underwent a planned second surgical procedure for hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: Both fixation techniques are effective at correcting cubitus varus in the pediatric population. The MEF technique may have the advantage of shorter recovery of elbow range of motion but may require sedation for hardware removal. The KW technique may present a slightly higher complication rate.

Comparative evaluation of pinning and cast fixation vs. external fixation after lateral closing-wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus in children.

BACKGROUND: Cubitus varus has been regarded as a poor functional and cosmetic consequence of supracondylar humerus fracture in children. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes of cubitus varus treatments based on fixation methods: Kirschner (K)-wire and cast fixation or external fixation. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with cubitus varus secondary to supracondylar fractures were retrospectively enrolled between October 2015 and December 2018. Following lateral closing-wedge osteotomy, those undergoing K-wire and cast fixation were included in group A (n = 21) and those who were treated with external fixation comprised group B (n = 19). We measured the bony union, elbow joint range of motion, and carrying angle. The clinical and radiographic results were assessed according to the Bellemore criteria. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of age, gender, operation duration, union time, and postoperative elbow range of motion (P > .05). A significant difference was noted, however, in postoperative carrying angle and results according to Bellemore criteria in group B (P < .05). No nonunion, myositis ossificans, or neurovascular injury was found at follow-up in the 2 groups. In group A, revision surgery was needed for residual varus in 1 patient and lateral condylar prominence was found in 2 patients. In group B, a superficial pin-site infection occurred in 2 patients, who were treated successfully with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Both K-wire and external fixation after lateral closing-wedge osteotomy are reliable and effective for the treatment of cubitus varus in children. Compared with the K-wire method, external fixation achieves better functional and cosmetic results with a shorter learning curve.

Loss of correction in cubitus varus deformity after osteotomy.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to investigate the rate of loss of correction and the factors thereof in pediatric patients undergoing osteotomy for treatment of cubitus varus deformity.Between July 2008 and July 2017, we treated 30 patients who underwent osteotomy for cubital varus. We compared the preoperative and postoperative clinical and imaging findings, including the H-Cobb and Baumman angles, in all patients. Postoperative evaluation was performed by telephonic interviews.Our patients consisted of 17 males and 13 females. The mean age was 75 months. At the first follow-up, approximately 80% of patients had experienced a loss of correction of the humerus-cobb angle (H-Cobb angle); at the second follow-up, the incidence was 83%. Meanwhile, 57% and 43% of patients experienced a loss of correction of the Baumman angle at the first and second follow-ups, respectively. The average interval between the first and second follow-ups was 24 days, and the mean loss in the H-Cobb angle was 2.4°. There was a significant difference between the H-Cobb angles as measured before and after surgery (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the H-Cobb angles of the affected side and the contralateral healthy elbow at the third postoperative follow-up; however, there was a significant difference between the Baumman angle between before and after surgery (P < .05). The Baumman angles as measured at the second and third postoperative follow-ups differed significantly from those of the contralateral healthy elbow joint. According to the survival curve analysis, the median survival times of the H-Cobb and Baumman angles were 27 and 34 months, respectively.The postoperative loss of the 2 angles occurred mainly during the first and second follow-up periods. Therefore, patient follow-up is particularly important in the period directly following the operation. Additional measures may be necessary to avoid rapid angle loss.

Closed arthrodesis in infected neuropathic ankles using Ilizarov ring fixation.

AIMS: Infected and deformed neuropathic feet and ankles are serious challenges for surgical management. In this study we present our experience in performing ankle arthrodesis in a closed manner, without surgical preparation of the joint surfaces by cartilaginous debridement, but instead using an Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) for deformity correction and facilitating fusion, in arthritic neuropathic ankles with associated osteomyelitis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent closed ankle arthrodesis (CAA) in Ilizarov Scientific Centre from 2013 to 2018 (Group A) and compared them with a similar group of patients (Group B) who underwent open ankle arthrodesis (OAA). We then divided the neuropathic patients into three arthritic subgroups: Charcot joint, Charcot-Maire-Tooth disease, and post-traumatic arthritis. All arthrodeses were performed by using an Ilizarov ring fixator. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a minimum of 12 months to assess union and function. RESULTS: The union rate for Group A was 81% (17/21) while it was 84.6% (33/39) for Group B. All the nonunions in Group A underwent revision with an open technique and achieved 100% union. Mean duration of IRF was 71.5 days (59 to 82) in Group A and 69 days (64.8 to 77.7) in Group B. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was similar in both groups. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in Group A (21 days (SD 8)) than Group B (28 days (SD 9)). In the latter Group there were more problems with wound healing and greater requirement for antibiotic treatment. The mean operating time was 40 minutes (SD 9) in Group A compared to 80 minutes (SD 13) in Group B. Recurrence of infection occurred in 19% (4/21) and 15.5% (6/39) for Group A and Group B respectively. CONCLUSION: We found CAA using an IRF to be an effective method for ankle arthrodesis in infected neuropathic foot and ankle cases and afforded comparable results to open methods. Due to its great advantages, Ilizarov method of CAA should always be considered for neuropathic ankles in suitable patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):470-477.

Forearm Deformity and Radial Head Dislocation in Pediatric Patients with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses: A Prospective Study Using Proportional Ulnar Length as a Scale to Lengthen the Shortened Ulna.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar lengthening is a consensus treatment for hereditary multiple exostoses with radial head dislocation in pediatric patients; however, the optimal amount of ulnar lengthening remains unclear. It is necessary to look for a parameter to decide the amount of ulnar lengthening that will avoid recurrence and complications. The purpose of the present study was to confirm that proportional ulnar length (ulnar length/radial length) can be used as a scale for ulnar lengthening in pediatric patients. METHODS: The normal lengths of the ulna and radius in the pediatric population were measured in different age groups. The proportional ulnar length was calculated as ulnar length/radial length in each group. Thirty forearms in 26 patients with radial head dislocation were treated with ulnar lengthening and deformity correction. The goal of ulnar lengthening was to recover the normal proportional ulnar length. The function of the forearm was evaluated at the time of the latest follow-up. The preoperative and postoperative values for radial bowing, radioarticular angle, ulnar variance, and carpal slip were also compared. RESULTS: The value of proportional ulnar length in the normal population consistently averaged approximately 1.1. In all cases, proportional ulnar length recovered to the normal value of 1.1. Reduction of the dislocated radial head was achieved in 28 forearms (93%); in 16 of these forearms, good-quality reduction was achieved and no recurrence of radial head dislocation was observed during follow-up. The function of the forearm improved markedly (p < 0.001). Ulnar variance improved from 2.51 to -0.79 cm (p < 0.001). Radial deformities improved according to measurements of radial bowing and the radioarticular angle (p < 0.001). All parents were satisfied with the postoperative appearance and function of the forearm. CONCLUSIONS: Proportional ulnar length could be used as a scale to decide the amount of ulnar lengthening for radial head dislocation in pediatric patients with hereditary multiple exostoses. Ulnar lengthening according to proportional ulnar length and deformity correction can prevent recurrence of ulnar variance and avoid impingement of the wrist. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Medial Open-wedge Osteotomy with Double-plate Fixation for Varus Malunion of the Distal Femur.

OBJECTIVE: To present our clinical experience of treating varus malunion of the distal femur through a medial open-wedge osteotomy with double-plate fixation. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed. From January 2005 to February 2015, 15 consecutive patients with varus malunion following distal femur fractures were surgically treated at a single level I trauma center. The coronal and sagittal deformity were corrected by a medial open-wedge osteotomy of the distal femur. A medial buttress plate was used to maintain the realignment. A lateral locking plate was additionally used as a protection plate. The mean age of patients at the time of the surgery was 35.5 years (range, 22-58 years). The radiographical evaluation included the mechanical femorotibial angle, the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, the anatomic posterior distal femoral angle, and the leg length discrepancy. Clinical outcome evaluation consisted of the range of motion (ROM) and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 7.4 years (range, 4-11.5 years). Varus and flexion malalignment and limb discrepancy were adequately corrected in all patients. The mechanical femorotibial angle, the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, and the anatomic posterior distal femoral angle were restored from 17.5° (range, 13°-25°) to 2.3° (range, - 2°-7°), 102.3° (range, 95°-112°) to 85.2° (range, 81°-92°), and 77.1° (range, 65°-87°) to 82.7° (range, 76°-88°), respectively. The leg length discrepancy was diminished from 3.4 cm (range, 2.4-4.5 cm) to 0.8 cm (range, 0-1.7 cm). The average bone healing time was 4.1 months (range, 2.5-6 months). The average ROM of the affected knees at 24-month follow-up was 3.4°-112.55°. The score of HSS at 4-years follow-up was 76.1 (range, 64-88). No internal fixation failure or secondary operation was noted until the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Medial open-wedge osteotomy can adequately correct the posttraumatic varus malunion of the distal femur. With fixation of the double plate, non-displaced bone healing and good functional outcome are expected.

Pelvic obliquity and measurement of hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy.

Background and purpose - Pelvic obliquity, common in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), changes the muscle force vector on the hip joint and probably affects the risk of hip dislocation. We evaluated a new method for measurement of hip displacement in CP that takes the pelvic obliquity into account: the pelvic adjusted migration percentage (PAMP). Children and methods - From the Swedish surveillance program for cerebral palsy (CPUP), the first pelvic radiograph of 268 children <18 years in southern Sweden during a 3-year period were evaluated. Pelvic obliquity, PAMP, and the migration percentage (MP) were measured. 50 radiographs were randomly selected for analysis of interrater reliability by three raters using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The correlations between PAMP/MP and pelvic obliquity were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficients. Results - The interrater reliability for all 3 measurements was high (ICCs 0.88-0.97). The correlation between the high side of the pelvic obliquity and the difference between right and left hip displacement was higher for PAMP (r = 0.70) than for MP (r = 0.41). Interpretation - The new PAMP measurement showed high interrater reliability and a higher correlation with pelvic obliquity than MP. We suggest the use of PAMP at least in hips with a pelvic obliquity exceeding 5°.

Missed Monteggia fracture dislocations treated by open reduction of the radial head.

Aims: Delayed diagnosis is a well-known complication of a Monteggia fracture-dislocation. If left untreated, the dislocated radial head later becomes symptomatic. The purposes of this study were firstly, to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of open reduction of the radial head and secondly, to identify the factors that may affect the outcome of this procedure. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 30 children with a chronic Monteggia lesion. There were 18 boys and 12 girls with a mean age of 7.4 years (4 to 13) at the time of open reduction. The mean interval to surgery, after the initial fracture, was 23.4 months (6 to 120). Clinical grading used a Kim modified elbow score: radiological outcome was recorded. The effect of the patient's age, gender, duration from initial injury, Bado classification, and annular ligament reconstruction were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 42.2 months (15 to 20). Results: The Kim elbow scores evaluated at the last clinic visit were excellent in 23 patients, good in three, fair in two, and poor in two. A majority of the patients were found to have significant improvement of elbow flexion (p < 0.001). Six met the criteria of a fair radiological outcome; four of these were operated on more than 24 months after the initial injury, and three had surgery after the age of 11. Univariate analysis failed to find any factor that was significantly associated with a fair or poor outcome. Conclusion: Good clinical and radiological outcomes can be expected in most patients. Osteoarthritic changes were associated with age > 11 years and/or a delay of treatment of > 24 months. However, no statistically significant factor could be identified which correlated with an unfavourable outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1117-24.

Primary total knee arthroplasty using constrained condylar knee design for severe deformity and stiffness of knee secondary to post-traumatic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Key to a successful outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to attain optimum alignment, adequate balance, and deformity correction. In primary TKA, this can be achieved efficiently by posterior stabilized (PS) design with or without the sub-periosteal release. However, certain circumstances such as post-traumatic arthritis are often associated with severe deformities with a significant bone defect, stiffness, and instability. Such deformities are extremely difficult to balance with soft tissue release only and require additionally constrained prostheses even in primary TKA. In such situation, constrained condylar knee (CCK) design is the ultimate choice. This study primarily aimed to report on clinical outcome, regain of function, and complication of patients who underwent primary CCK-TKA for severe deformity of the knee secondary to post-traumatic arthritis. The secondary aim was to find out the mid-term prostheses survival. METHODS: Between February 2007 and November 2013, 38 consecutive patients with post-traumatic arthritis of the knee received cemented primary CCK-TKA. Thirty-four patients (21 men and 13 women) who had a minimum of 3 years follow-up were included in this retrospective study. We used Knee Society Score (KSS), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and roentgenographic evaluation form to assess the patients. Prostheses survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier's survival analysis. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for an average duration of 6.47 years. KSS knee score improved from 44 points (23-68) pre-operatively to 91 points (76-100) post-operatively [P < 0.001]. The average KSS functional score improved from 49 points (20-75) pre-operatively to 91 points (65-100) post-operatively [P < 0.001]. The average HSS score improved from 51 points (27-83) pre-operatively to 91 points (75-100) post-operatively [P < 0.001]. Similarly, the average ROM improved from 68.09° ± 35.99° (0°-120°) to 113.68° ± 8.90° (100°-130°) post-operatively [P < 0.001]. The average hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was 176.88° ± 14.48° (135°-199°) pre-operatively and 180.24° ± 1.77° (175°-184°) post-operatively. Radiolucencies were evident in 13 knees, mostly on the tibial side. Prostheses survival was 94.7% at a mean follow-up of 6.47 years. CONCLUSION: Despite severe deformity, instability, and stiffness at a relatively young age, mid-term follow-up of primary CCK-TKA in post-traumatic arthritis provides satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes with 94.7% prostheses survival. However, it is not without complication.

Analysis of Radiographic Parameters of the Forearm in Traumatic Radial Head Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Various deformities can occur in the forearm bones when the traumatically dislocated radial head is untreated for a long period. Without correction of all deformities, reduction of the dislocated radial head is difficult to maintain, and forearm and elbow motion will deteriorate after reduction. We evaluated radiographic parameters of forearms with traumatically dislocated radial heads (and of the normal sides) to understand the resulting deformities and the effectiveness of surgical treatment. METHODS: We analyzed pre- and postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of 22 forearms (22 patients) with traumatic radial head dislocation. We divided the forearm into three equal parts and measured various morphological parameters. All patients underwent surgical treatment and evaluation of radial head reduction and range of motion pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Before treatment, the middle of the ulna was significantly different from the unaffected side in both anteroposterior and lateral views. After surgery, the proximal ulna was significantly different from the unaffected side and the abnormal proximal radial neck angle persisted. The radial head was successfully reduced in 20 of 22 cases. Overall, the mean range of motion decreased after surgery, except for increased flexion-extension. CONCLUSIONS: Complicated deformities developing during long-term remodeling after injury indicate that stable reduction is difficult to achieve with conventional one-bone osteotomy. Even after successful reduction, secondary deformity in the proximal ulna and/or remaining deformity in the proximal radius can hinder forearm rotation.

The Effect of Scapular Position on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements of Glenohumeral Dysplasia Caused by Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy.

PURPOSE: Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) frequently causes glenohumeral dysplasia. Quantification of this dysplasia on magnetic resonance imaging can determine the need for and the success of nonsurgical or surgical intervention. However, we hypothesize that the variable position of the scapula on the thorax between affected and unaffected shoulders affects dysplasia measurements. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging studies were analyzed from 19 NBPP patients (ages 0.8-18 years; median, 2.4 years) without prior shoulder surgery. Three reviewers measured the glenoid version angle (GVA) and percentage of humeral head anterior to the midscapular line (PHHA) on standard axial images ("thoracic axial") and on reformatted axial images aligned perpendicular to the scapular plane ("scapular axial"), which corrects for scapulothoracic position. Scapular tilt and protraction were measured to assess their impact on the difference between thoracic and scapular GVA and PHHA measurements. Intra- and interrater reliability were calculated for GVA and PHHA on both views. RESULTS: The GVA of the affected shoulder was significantly greater on thoracic than on scapular images, by an average of 5° and as much as 34°. The PHHA was significantly less in the affected shoulders on thoracic than on scapular images, by an average of 5% and as much as 33% of humeral head width. The difference in GVA, but not PHHA, between thoracic and scapular axial images in the affected shoulder correlated with scapular tilt. Unaffected shoulders showed no significant difference in GVA or PHHA between thoracic and scapular axial images. Interrater reliability ranged from fair to substantial and did not differ between thoracic and scapular images. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic axial images overestimate the severity of glenohumeral dysplasia in NBPP, owing at least in part to the variable position of the scapula on the thorax. This confounding effect must be considered in interpretation of axial quantitative measures of glenohumeral dysplasia in NBPP. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.

[The basics of knee osteotomy : Clinical examination, analysis of the deformity and correction planning]. / Grundlagen der knienahen Osteotomie : Klinische Untersuchung, Analyse der Fehlstellung, Korrekturplanung.

Clinical results of knee osteotomies are good. A precise preoperative analysis of the deformity in three dimensions and accurate planning of the correction osteotomy is essential. All pathologies of the knee and the surrounding joints must be considered. The opening wedge technique and locking plate systems have improved accuracy and reliability. An analysis of deformities and the planning of their correction is presented in this article. Access to the extent of the correction according to the level of degeneration has proven useful in clinical praxis. Digital storage of the planning is recommended for legal reasons.

Supramalleolar Osteotomy With Distraction Arthroplasty in Treatment of Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis With Large Talar Tilt Angle: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We treated a 57-year-old female with modified Takakura stage 3B varus ankle osteoarthritis. Her preoperative talar tilt angle was 21.3°. The patient wished to avoid ankle joint arthrodesis or replacement. Therefore, medial opening wedge supramalleolar osteotomy with fibular osteotomy was used for her varus ankle osteoarthritis. Also, fixed medial distraction arthroplasty was performed to improve her talar tilt. After 3 months, the external device was removed, and the patient was allowed partial weightbearing and began full weightbearing 4 months postoperatively after the osteotomy site had reached bony union radiographically. At the 3-year follow-up visit, a radiograph showed the medial ankle joint space enlargement had been maintained. The talar tilt angle had decreased to 3.3°, and the modified Takakura stage had improved to stage 1. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale score had improved from 26 points preoperatively to 85 points at 3 years postoperatively. Our findings suggested that good clinical and radiologic results can be achieved with supramalleolar osteotomy combined with distraction arthroplasty in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis with a large talar tilt angle.

Ball and Socket Ankle: Mechanism and Computational Evidence of Concept.

The ball and socket ankle joint is a morphologically abnormal joint characterized by rounding of the articular surface of the talus. Other than anecdotal observation, little evidence has been presented to describe the development of this deformity. The purpose of the present study was to review ankle and subtalar joint mechanics and to kinematically examine the functional combination of these joints as a mechanism of the ball and socket ankle deformity. We reviewed functional representations of the ankle joint, subtalar joint, and ball and socket ankle deformity. A computational study of joint kinematics was then performed using a 3-dimensional model derived from a computed tomography scan of a ball and socket deformity. The joint kinematics were captured by creating a "virtual map" of the combined kinematics of the ankle and subtalar joints in the respective models. The ball and socket ankle deformity produces functionally similar kinematics to a combination of the ankle and subtalar joints. The findings of the present study support the notion that a possible cause of the ball and socket deformity is bony adaptation that compensates for a functional deficit of the ankle and subtalar joints.

Coronal alignment predicts the use of semi-constrained implants in contemporary total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Semi-constrained, or varus-valgus constrained, implants are occasionally necessary to achieve stability in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, outcomes with these implants are largely unknown. Therefore, the primary goals of this study were to determine 1) can we identify preoperatively which patients might require a semi-constrained implant and 2) are there any clinical and or radiographic differences for those that require a semi-constrained implant? METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was performed to retrospectively review patients that had a Stryker Triathlon (Kalamazoo, MI) TKA with a Total Stabilized (TS) tibial insert (n=75). This TS cohort was subsequently matched 1:1 based on age, gender, and BMI to a cohort of patients with the same primary TKA design with a PS insert (n=75). Preoperative and postoperative radiographic and clinical data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the TS cohort had significantly greater varus (9.72 vs. 3.48; p=0.0001) and valgus (14.1 vs. 7.57; p=0.0001) deformity. Post-operatively, there were no statistically significant differences in revisions (p=1), reoperations (p=1), or complications (p=1). Mean clinical and radiographic follow-ups were equivalent between groups (25.5 vs. 25.8months, p=0.8851). CONCLUSION: As suspected, use of a semi-constrained insert to achieve intraoperative coronal stability was most predicted by preoperative coronal deformity (either varus or valgus). Longer follow-up and larger patient cohorts are necessary to determine.

Joint-Preserving Surgery for Talar Malunions or Nonuions.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and analyze the outcomes of joint-preserving surgical treatments which included anatomical reconstruction or alignment correction for talar malunions or nonunions, and avoid development of degenerative changes in the adjacent joints. METHODS: Eight patients who had painful talar malunions or nonunions treated between 2009 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. The mean age of the patients was 35.6 years, with patients aged from 18 to 58 years. Two patients had talar neck fractures and six had talar body fractures. According to a classification of post-traumatic talar deformities, five patients were classified as type I (malunion and/or residual joint displacement), two as type II (nonunion with displacement), and one as type III (malunion with partial avascular necrosis [AVN]). Of these patients, six cases were treated with an osteotomy through the malunited fracture or removal of the pseudarthrosis, and two cases were corrected by supramalleolar or calcaneal osteotomies owing to complete disappearance of the former fracture lines. The follow-up evaluation methods included the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, range of motion (ROM), and radiological analysis. The differences between postoperative scores and preoperative scores were evaluated statistically with the paired Student's t-test. Significance was assumed at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 25.6 months. No wound healing problems or infections were observed. Solid union was obtained without redislocation in all cases, and with no signs of development or progression of AVN. At a mean of 25.6 months (range, 16-36 months) after reconstruction, all patients were satisfied with the result. The mean AOFAS score increased from 30.0 ± 7.0 pre-operatively to 86.5 ± 7.8 post-operatively (P < 0.001), the mean SF-36 score increased from 38.8 ± 4.1 to 81.4 ± 7.7 (P < 0.001), and the average ROM (tibiotalar joint) increased from 40.5° ± 8.7° to 43.9° ± 7.2° (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Joint-preserving procedures for talar malunions or nonunions can bring about satisfactory outcomes, and the appropriate procedure should be adopted according to different types of post-traumatic deformities.

Realignment Surgery for Malunited Ankle Fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and the results of realignment surgery for the treatment of malunited ankle fracture. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with malunited fractures of the ankle who underwent reconstructive surgery at our hospital from January 2010 to January 2014 were reviewed. The tibial anterior surface angle (TAS), the tibiotalar tilt angle (TTA), the malleolar angle (MA), and the tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) were measured. Clinical assessment was performed with use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and the osteoarthritis stage was determined radiographically with the modified Takakura classification system. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs test was used to analyze the difference between the preoperative and the postoperative data. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 20-60 months). The mean age at the time of realignment surgery was 37.1 years (range, 18-62 years). Compared with preoperation, the TAS at the last follow-up showed a significant increase (88.50° ± 4.47° vs. 90.80° ± 3.49°, P = 0.0035); similar results were observed in TTA (1.62° ± 1.66° vs. 0.83° ± 0.90°, P < 0.01) and MA (82.30° ± 8.03° vs. 78.70° ± 4.76°, P = 0.005). At the last follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was significantly increased compared with the score at preoperation (44.5 ± 13.7 vs. 78.0 ± 8.9, P < 0.01). Significant differences in VAS scores were found at the last follow-up (6.76 ± 1.03 vs. 2.03 ± 1.21, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the Takakura grade between the preoperation and the last follow-up. One patient had increased talar tilt postsurgery; the postoperative talar tilt angle of this patient was 20°. One patient had progressive ankle osteoarthritis, and was treated by ankle joint distraction. CONCLUSIONS: Realignment surgery for a malunited ankle fracture can reduce pain, improve function, and delay ankle arthrodesis or total ankle replacement. Postoperative large talar tilt and advanced stages of ankle arthritis are the risk factors for the surgery.