Enhancing precision in osteochondral lesions of the talus measurements and improving agreement in surgical decision-making using weight-bearing computed tomography and distance mapping.

PURPOSE: Weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) enables the creation of a three-dimensional (3D) model that represents the ankle morphology in a standing position. Distance mapping (DM) is a complementary feature that uses color coding to represent the relative intraarticular distance and can be used to outline intraarticular defects. Consequently, DM offers a novel approach to delineating osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), allowing for the quantification of its surface, volume and depth. The reliability of DM for OLT measurements has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. This study primarily aims to determine the reliability of DM in measuring the surface, depth and volume of OLT. A secondary objective is to ascertain whether measurements obtained through DM, when integrated with a predefined treatment algorithm, can facilitate consensus among surgeons regarding the optimal surgical intervention. METHODS: This cohort comprised 36 patients with 40 OLTs evaluated using WBCT and DM. Two raters used DM to determine the lesion boundary (LB) and lesion fundus (LF) and calculate the lesion depth, surface and volume. The raters were asked to choose between bone marrow stimulation, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis and osteochondral transposition based on the measurement. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement was measured. RESULTS: Interclass correlation of the lesion's depth surface produced an excellent inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of 0.90-0.94 p < 0.001. Cohen's κ agreement analysis of the preferable preoperative plan produced a κ = 0.834, p < 0.001, indicating a near-perfect agreement. CONCLUSION: WBCT-based 3D modules and DM can be used to measure the lesion's surface, depth and volume with excellent inter-rater and inter-rater agreement; using this measurement and a predetermined treatment algorithm, a near-perfect inter-rater agreement for the preoperative planning was reached. WBCT in conjunction with AI capabilities could help determine the type of surgery needed preoperatively, evaluate the hindfoot alignment and assess if additional surgeries are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Axial rotation analysis in total ankle arthroplasty using weight-bearing computer tomography and three-dimensional modeling.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative alignment is the most critical indicator for a successful total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Total ankle malrotation is associated with an increased risk for polyethylene wear and medial gutter pain. Currently, there is no consensus on the correct way to measure the alignment of the tibial and talar component rotations in the axial plane. In the current study, the post-operative analysis system was assessed using weight-bearing computer tomography and a three-dimensional (3D) model. The purpose of the study was to assess the inter-observer and intra-observer agreement of this system. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four angles were measured by two raters independently in two separate readings: posterior tibial component rotation angle (PTIRA), posterior talar component rotation angle (PTARA), tibia talar component axial angle (TTAM), and tibial component to the second metatarsal angle (TMRA). Agreement analysis was quantified according to the interclass coefficient. RESULTS: Sixty TAAs across 60 patients were evaluated. A good inter-observer agreement and intra-observer agreement when measuring the PTIRA, PTARA, and TTAM angles was observed along with an excellent inter-observer agreement and intra-observer agreement when measuring the TMRA angle. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current 3D model-based measurement system demonstrates good to excellent inter and intra-agreement. According to these results, 3D modelling can be reliably used to measure and assess the axial rotation of TAA components. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 retrospective study.

Previous Surgery and the Temporal Evolution of Functional Outcomes and Complication Rates in Total Ankle Replacement.

Given that most ankle replacements are post-traumatic in origin, it is important to investigate if prior interventions affect a patient's functional outcomes or increase the possibility of complications. Prior ankle surgeries create scar tissue and zones of impaired vascularity which could ultimately interfere with surgical healing. The purpose of this study is to assess the pain and functional temporal outcomes of patients with and without prior surgeries in the ipsilateral ankle. We retrospectively identified a consecutive series of 100 primary total ankle replacements (TARs) who were followed for a minimum of 3 years, with follow-up time points of 0, 6, 12, and 36 months. We documented prior surgical interventions and several patient-reported outcomes. Outcomes were measured using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 12-Item Short Form Study (SF-12), and range of motion scores. The 2 groups showed no difference on the temporal evolution of outcomes. An irrigation and debridement of previous open fractures was the only presurgical intervention that showed a statistically significant difference in temporal evolution of functional and pain outcomes between intervention and nonintervention groups. No significant correlations were found between all outcomes and the time between the last intervention and ankle replacement surgery. A preoperative discussion should center on potential complications and predicted functional outcomes. The presence, type, and timing of an intervention prior to an ankle replacement do not strongly affect the temporal outcomes of pain and functional outcome scores. Furthermore, the complication rate is not affected by prior surgeries.

Reconstruction of a missing or insufficient distal fibula in the setting of a total ankle replacement: The Milanese technique.

BACKGROUND: The presence of an intact distal fibula is reported as a prerequisite when considering total ankle replacement and its lack is usually considered a contraindication. The purpose of the study was to describe the results of a surgical technique to reconstruct the distal fibula (Milanese fibular reconstruction technique) in the setting of a total ankle replacement and insufficient fibula. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 15 patients (15 ankles) who underwent rotational fibular reconstruction technique with minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up with AOFAS Ankle and Hindfoot score, VAS pain scale, SF-12 and range of motion. Standard weightbearing radiographs were used for radiographic assessment. RESULTS: The average of all clinical scores significantly improved (P<.001). The average radiographic parameters showed a neutral alignment. No cases of reabsorption of the new lateral malleolus were observed even in cases with complications that accounted for 2 superficial wound infection and 2 deep infections. CONCLUSIONS: The Milanese fibular reconstruction technique can successfully reestablish a lateral strut and in the setting of an ankle prosthesis in patients with an insufficient fibula.

Learning curve assessment for total ankle replacement using the transfibular approach.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty is an increasingly effective option for the treatment of end-stage arthritis. One recent innovation utilizes a transfibular, lateral approach. Like any new system, there is likely a learning curve associated with its use. We analyzed a series of patients who received a total ankle arthroplasty via a transfibular approach to state if it is possible to identify and to evaluate effects of a learning curve in the use of this novel total ankle replacement system. METHODS: 76 consecutive patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a minimum of 24 months of follow-up. Intraoperative parameters, preoperative and postoperative subjective outcome scores, radiographic parameters, and complications were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: There were significant learning curve effects on various surgical and postoperative parameters. Surgical time decreased with the curve stabilizing after the 16th patient. With regard to patient outcomes, a learning curve was identified for the VAS, AOFAS, and SF-12 MCS scores. The number of patients required to stabilize these curves were 21, 13, and 16, respectively. Alignment as measured by alpha and gamma angles also improved with experience, with the curves stabilizing at 18 and 15 patients, respectively. There was a larger number cases required for complication rates, with the curve stabilizing after the 39th patient. No significant learning curve was found for ankle ROM, SF-12 PCS, beta angle, tibio-talar ratio (TTR), or tibio-talar surface angle (TTS). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant learning curve with respect to operative time, patient outcomes, and radiographic parameters. Extrapolating this information, we urge surgeons to adequately familiarize themselves with any new implant through a training program in a high-volume center. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Precision of Bone Mineral Density Measurements Around Total Ankle Replacement Using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry.

INTRODUCTION: Joint prosthesis survival is associated with the quality of surrounding bone. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is capable to evaluate areal bone mineral density (BMD) around different prosthetic implants, but no studies evaluated periprosthetic bone around total ankle replacement (TAR). Our aim is to determine the precision of the DXA periprosthetic BMD around TAR. METHODOLOGY: Short-term precision was evaluated on 15 consecutive patients. Each ankle was scanned 3 times both in the posteroanterior (PA) and lateral views with a dedicated patient positioning protocol. Up to four squared regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the periprosthetic bone around tibial and talar implants, with an additional ROI to include the calcaneal body in the lateral scan. Coefficient of variation (CV%) and least significant change were calculated according to the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. RESULTS: The lateral projection showed lower mean CV values compared to the PA projection, with an average precision error of 2.21% (lateral scan) compared to 3.34% (PA scans). Overall, the lowest precision error was found at both "global" ROIs (CV = 1.25% on PA and CV = 1.3% on lateral). The highest CV value on PA was found at the medial aspect of talar side (ROI 3; CV = 4.89%), while on the lateral scan the highest CV value was found on the posterior aspect of talar side (ROI 2; CV = 2.99%). CONCLUSIONS: We found very good reproducibility BMD values of periprosthetic bone around TAR, that were comparable or even better compared to other studies that evaluated periprosthetic BMD around different prosthetic implants. DXA can be used to precisely monitor bone density around ankle prostheses, despite further long-term longitudinal studies are required to assess the clinical utility of such measurements.

Effectiveness of subtalar arthroereisis with endorthesis for pediatric flexible flat foot: a retrospective cross-sectional study with final follow up at skeletal maturity.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric flexible flatfoot is sometimes asymptomatic but it can rarely cause physical impairment, pain, and difficulty walking. We evaluated the radiographic effectiveness of intervention of subtalar arthroereisis with endorthesis for pediatric flexible flatfoot with final follow-up at skeletal maturity. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. 56 consecutive patients (112 feet) who underwent surgical treatment with subtalar arthroereisis for pediatric flexible flatfoot (mean age at final follow-up 15.5±1.2 years, 39.3% female) were enrolled. All the radiographic studies were performed in the hospital. Radiographs (standard weight-bearing radiographs of the foot with anteroposterior and lateral view) were used to measure lateral talocalcaneal angle (LTC), calcaneal pitch angle (CP), Meary's angle (MA), anteroposterior talonavicular angle (APTN), talonavicular uncoverage percent (TNU). Minimum follow-up was 18 months. Measures were assessed pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. Clinical and functional parameters were assessed at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Children who underwent surgical treatment with subtalar arthroereisis for pediatric flexible flatfoot exhibited a statistically significant improvement in all radiographic measurement parameters at the last follow-up at skeletal maturity (all, p<0.004). Mean follow-up was 40.1±23.6months. Clinical parameters were not correlated with the foot radiographic parameters at follow up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that endorthesis in pediatric flexible flatfoot was effective for improving radiographic parameters at skeletal maturity. The amount of the morphologic correction at the end of the skeletal growth should be expected mainly for lateral tarso-metatarsal alignment and talo-navicular congruency (MA, APTN, TNU). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective study.

Infections in primary total ankle replacement: Anterior approach versus lateral transfibular approach.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacement (TAR) represents an alternative to fusion for the treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively assess the frequency of infections between TARs with anterior and lateral transfibular approach at 12-months follow-up. METHODS: 81 TARs through an anterior approach and 69 TARs through a lateral approach were performed between May 2011 and July 2015. We compared surgical time and tourniquet time, as well as superficial and deep infections frequency during the first 12 postoperative months. RESULTS: In the anterior approach group, there were 3 (3.7%) deep infections and 4 (4.9%) superficial wound infections. In the lateral approach group, there were 1 (1.4%) deep infection and 2 superficial wound infections (2.9%). There were not statistically significant differences between the groups. There was a significant difference between anterior approach (115minutes) and lateral approach group (179minutes) in terms of surgical time (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of superficial and deep periprosthetic infections during the first postoperative year was not significantly different in the lateral approach group compared to the anterior approach group, despite the significantly longer surgical time in the lateral transfibular approach group.

All-arthroscopic AMIC® (AT-AMIC®) technique with autologous bone graft for talar osteochondral defects: clinical and radiological results.

PURPOSE: Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC®) is known to provide satisfactory clinical results for the treatment of knee, hip, and ankle cartilage lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated with a new all-arthroscopic AMIC® (AT-AMIC®) technique with autologous bone graft for talar osteochondral defects at a follow-up of 24 months. METHODS: Twenty patients underwent the AT-AMIC® procedure and autologous bone graft for type III and IV talar osteochondral lesions. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months post-operatively using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the visual analog scale, and the SF-12 (Short Form-12). Radiological assessment included computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART). RESULTS: All scores significantly improved (p < 0.05) with respect to pre-operative values after 6 months. Further improvements were detected at 24 months (AOFAS, from 57.1 ± 14.9 before surgery to 86.6 ± 10.9 after 24 months; VAS, from 8.1 ± 1.4 to 2.5 ± 2.2; SF-12, from 29.9 ± 4.1 to 48.5 ± 6.9 and from 43.8 ± 2.9 to 53.1 ± 3.9, respectively, for Physical and Mental component score). Lesion area significantly reduced from 111.1 ± 43.2 mm2 pre-operatively to 76.9 ± 38.1 mm2 (p < 0.05) at final follow-up as assessed by CT, and from 154.1 ± 93.6 to 94.3 ± 61.3 mm2 (p < 0.05) as assessed by MRI. The mean MOCART score was 42.8 ± 23.5 points and 50.9 ± 24.9 points, respectively, at 12 and 24 months after surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AT-AMIC® with autologous bone grafting has proven to be a safe and effective minimal invasive technique, able to rapidly and significantly improve pain, function, and radiological healing of osteochondral talar lesions, with progressive further improvements up to 24 months. Orthopedic surgeons specialized in foot and ankle surgery should adopt the AT-AMIC® technique for the treatment of osteochondral talar lesions, which proved to be effective and minimally invasive, avoiding malleolar osteotomy with a low risk of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Intratendinous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injection provides a safe, efficacious treatment for Achilles tendinopathy: results of a randomized controlled clinical trial at a 6-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has shown controversial results for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, it remains the most used biological treatment. Recent findings seem to demonstrate that the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) within adipose tissue may counteract the impaired tendon homeostasis. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the efficacy of PRP and SVF injection for the treatment of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: Fourty-four patients were recruited in the study; 23 of them were assigned to the PRP group whereas 21 to the SVF group, treated unilaterally or bilaterally for a total of 28 tendons per group. All patients (age 18-55 years) were clinically assessed pre-operatively and at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 days from treatment, using the VAS pain scale, the VISA-A, the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score and the SF-36 form. The patients were also evaluated by ultrasound and magnetic resonance before treatment and after 4 (US only) and 6 months. RESULTS: Both treatments allowed for a significant improvement with respect to baseline. Comparing the two groups, VAS, AOFAS and VISA-A scored significantly better at 15 and 30 days in the SVF in comparison to PRP group (p < 0.05). At the following time points the scores were not significantly different between the two groups. No correlation has been found between clinical and radiological findings. CONCLUSIONS: Both PRP and SVF were safe, effective treatments for recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy. The patients treated with SVF obtained faster results, thus suggesting that such a treatment should be taken into consideration for those patients who require an earlier return to daily activities or sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, Level 1.

Relationship between symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus and quality of life, body mass index, age, size and anatomic location.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and age, body mass index (BMI), quality of life (QOL), size and anatomic location. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with chronic OLTs were analyzed including BMI, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12 divided into Mental (MCS) and Physical (PCS) score) and the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Every patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) examinations. We carried out a sub-analysis by dividing the talus into 6 areas, 3 vertical (medial, central and lateral group) and 3 horizontal (anterior, middle and posterior group). RESULTS: There were 31 (60%) male and 21 (40%) female patients. Mean MCS and PCS resulted respectively 43.9 and 35.2. OLTs were located as follows: medial 20 (38.50%); central 13 (24.0%); and lateral 19 (36.50%); anterior 24 (46.15%); middle 16 (30.77%); and posterior 12 (23.08%). No significant differences were found among different groups with the exception of the anterior and posterior group for MCS (p=0.021). In the central group we identified a negative correlation (R=-0.672) between aging and AOFAS and a positive correlation between BMI and lesion size. We found a positive correlation between CT and MRI in each group. CONCLUSIONS: OLTs impact patients' quality of life particularly in the physical component. Additionally, in patients with central lesions we found a positive linear correlation between lesion size and BMI and a worsening of the ankle with increasing age.

The role of bone marrow edema on osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND: To assess the functional and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic talus autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AT-AMIC®) in 2 groups: patients with and without bone marrow edema (BME). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients of which 24 without edema (GNE) and 13 with edema (GE) were evaluated. All patients were treated with AT-AMIC® repair for symptomatic osteochondral talar lesion. Clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated with VAS score for pain, AOFAS and SF-12 at T0 (preoperatively), T1 (6 months), T2 (12 months), T3 (24 months) and MRI and CT-scan at T0, T1, T2 and T3. RESULTS: No patients were lost to the final follow-up. In both groups we found a significant difference for clinical and radiological parameters with ANOVA for repeated measures through four time points (p<0.001). In GNE, AOFAS improved significantly at each follow-up (p<0.05); while CT and MRI showed a significant reduction in lesion size between T1 and T2 and T2 and T3 (p<0.05). In GE, AOFAS improved significantly between T0 and T1 and T2 and T3 (p<0.05); lesion size, measured with CT, decreased between T1 and T2 (p<0.05), while with MRI the lesion showed a reduction at each follow-up (p<0.05). Lesion size was significantly higher both in MRI and CT in GE compared to GNE (p<0.05). In GNE no patients presented edema at T3, while in GE only 23.08% of the patients presented edema at T3. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that osteochondral lesions of the talus were characterized by bigger size both in MRI and CT in patients with edema. We conclude that AT-AMIC® can be considered a safe and reliable procedure that allows effective healing, regardless of edema and more than half of patients did not present edema six months after surgery.

Adipose-derived stem cells in orthopaedic pathologies.

INTRODUCTION: To examine the current literature regarding the clinical application of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for the management of orthopaedic pathologies. SOURCES OF DATA: MEDLINE,SCOPUS, CINAHL and EMBASE (1950 to April 14, 2017) were searched by two independent investigators for articles published in English. Reviews, meta-analyses, expert opinions, case reports, mini case series and editorials were excluded. Furthermore, we excluded animal studies, cadaveric studies and in vitro studies. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: ADSCs seem to produce excellent clinical results. However, the length and modalities of follow-up in the different conditions are extremely variable. Nevertheless, it appears that the use of adipose-derived stem cells is associated with subjective and objective clinical improvements and minimal complication rates. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: None of the studies identified is a randomized double-blinded trial, and most of the selected studies present major limitations, and different methods, confounding the results of our review. GROWING POINTS: It is necessary to conduct more and better studies to ascertain whether ADSCs really play a role in orthopaedic surgery with particular attention to ADSCs harvesting method, type of administration and the conditions treated. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: The current literature regarding the use of ADSCs for orthopaedic pathologies is limited. At present, long-term safety is the biggest challenge of ADSCs based regenerative medicine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Study of Level I, II, III, IV.

Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus and Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis: Is Age a Negative Predictor Outcome?

PURPOSE: To assess and evaluate healing and functional outcomes after arthroscopic talus autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AT-AMIC) in 2 age groups: patients older than 33 years versus patients 33 years or younger. METHODS: A total of 31 patients, of whom 17 were 33 years or younger (G1) and 14 older than 33 years (G2), were evaluated. All patients were treated with AT-AMIC repair for osteochondral talar lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)-scan evaluations, as well as clinical evaluations measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle and Hindfoot score (AOFAS), and Short Form-12, were performed preoperatively (T0) and at 6 (T1), 12 (T2), and 24 (T3) months postoperatively. RESULTS: G1 consisted of 17 patients (mean age: 25 years, standard deviation: ±5), whereas G2 consisted of 14 patients (mean age: 47 years, standard deviation: ±9). In both groups, we found a significant difference for clinical and radiological parameters with the analysis of variance for repeated measures through 4 time points (P < .001). In G1, AOFAS improved significantly between T0 and T1 (P = .025) and T1 and T2 (P = .011); CT showed a significant decrease between T1 and T2 (P = .003) and T2 and T3 (P < .0001), whereas MRI reduced significantly at each follow-up. In G2, AOFAS improved between T0 and T1 (P = .011) and T2 and T3 (P = .018); CT decreased between T1 and T2 (P = .025), whereas MRI showed a reduction between T1 and T2 (P = .029) and T2 and T3 (P = .006). AOFAS in G1 was significantly higher at T0 (P = .017), T2 (P = .036), and T3 (P = .039) compared with G2. A negative linear correlation between AOFAS and VAS at T1 (R = -0.756), T2 (R = -0.637), and T3 (R = -0.728) was found in G1, whereas in G2, AOFAS was negatively correlated with VAS at T1 (R = -0.702). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that osteochondral lesions of the talus were characterized by similar sizes and features, both in young and old patients. We conclude that AT-AMIC can be considered a safe and reliable procedure that allows effective healing, regardless of age, with a significant clinical improvement; in particular, clinical results are related to starting conditions of the ankle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Bone-block arthrodesis procedure in failures of first metatarsophalangeal joint replacement.

BACKGROUND: The treatment for the failure of a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1) prosthesis can be complex. There is no consensus regarding the ideal treatment. One of the main issues is the available bone stock after prosthesis removal. The aim of the study was to report the clinical and radiographic results for MTP1 arthrodesis with autologous calcaneus bone graft (bone-block fusion) as a revision procedure of a previous MTP1 implant failure. METHODS: This study included 12 patients diagnosed with failure of a MTP1 prosthesis. All patients were treated with MTP1 arthrodesis using ipsilateral calcaneal bone graft. Patients were evaluated with the Foot Ankle Disability Index (FADI), the visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal scoring system (AOFAS-HMI), weight-bearing radiograph of the foot, and a computed tomography scan. The 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus angle, and first ray length were measured before surgery and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Complications included 3 cases of arthrodesis nonunion, (1 symptomatic, 2 asymptomatic) with 2 of the 3 patients experiencing hardware failure and 1 superficial wound infection. The average FADI improved from 41.8 preoperatively to 84.6 at final follow-up (p<0.05); the average VAS improved from 8.5 preoperatively to 2 at final follow-up (p<0,05); the average AOFAS-HMI significantly improved from 50.7 preoperatively to 73.8 at final follow-up (p<0.05). The average length of the bone-block used was 14.3mm (range 11-19mm). The 1-2 intermetatarsal angle decreased from 9.5° preoperatively to 8.4° at final follow-up (p<0.05); hallux valgus angle improved from 19.7° preoperatively to 14.3° at final follow-up (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The management of a failed first metatarsophalangeal joint prosthesis remains controversial. Bone-block arthrodesis using ipsilateral calcaneal autograft appears to be a viable option restoring the bone loss, and avoiding hallux shortening. Nonunion is the most frequent complication with 25% of patients affected, but only 1/3 of patients with nonunion were symptomatic and required revision.

Identifying the learning curve for total ankle replacement using a mobile bearing prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty remains a technically demanding surgery highly influenced by the operator experience. However, no consensus exists regarding the ideal number of cases that need to be performed before a surgeon is considered proficient. The aim of this study was to identify the learning curve of a specific replacement system with regards to intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: The first 31 patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty were examined. No additional procedures were performed at the time of the TAA. Intraoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, as well as clinical and radiologic outcomes were assessed with 24-month follow-up. Learning curves, examining the relationship between surgeon experience and patient outcomes, were determined using the Moving Average Method. RESULTS: The operatory time, and the risk of intraoperative fractures decreased with increasing surgeon experience with the learning curve stabilizing after the 14th and 24th patient, respectively. Furthermore, there appeared to be a learning curve associated with most of the important clinical and radiological outcomes. The number of patients required to stabilize the learning curve for the VAS, ROM, and AOFAS was 11, 14 and 28, respectively. Radiographically, there appeared to be a learning curve of 22 patients required to stabilize the tibio-talar ratio. There was no learning curve associated with the SF-12 PCS and MCS as well as the α-, ß-, and γ-angle. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a surgical learning curve does indeed exist when performing TAA. Most of the operative variables as well as clinical and radiological outcomes stabilize after a surgeon has performed 28 cases.

Tibial slope in total ankle arthroplasty: Anterior or lateral approach.

BACKGROUND: A new total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) system performed through a lateral approach provides direct visualization of the centre of rotation, allowing for accurate reconstruction of the joint alignment and less bone resection. Radiographic references are needed to describe deformities and plan the surgical procedures. The tibial slope is an important factor when treating malalignment. The aim of this study is to show if there is any difference regarding the post-operative tibial slope (ß angle) measurement comparing a fixed-bearing TAA through a lateral approach and a mobile-bearing TAA through an anterior approach. METHODS: The study included 217 ankles. Between May 2011 and April 2015, 77 patients underwent a TAA with a mobile-bearing implant through an anterior approach and 45 with a fixed-bearing implant through a lateral approach: in these patients the ß angle was measured 2 and 12 months postoperatively. 95 subjects with unilateral post-traumatic ankle arthritis composed the control group: in these patients we measured the anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA) of the controlateral, non arthritic tibiotalar joint. RESULTS: In the mobile-bearing group, the mean ß angle at 2 and 12 months postoperatively was 86.4±3.1 and 86.8±3.1 (p-value=0.12). In the fixed-bearing group, the mean ß angle at 2 and 12 months postoperatively was 83.1±5.4 and 83.9±6.5 (p-value=0.26). A statistically significant difference was found between the ß angle of the two groups. In the control group the mean ADTA was 84.9±2.5. A non-statistically significant difference was observed only between ß angle of the fixed-bearing group and the ADTA of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the tibial slope, fixed-bearing TAA through a lateral approach showed a more anatomic placement. In contrast, ß angle in mobile-bearing group appeared more reproducible than fixed-bearing group.

Sagittal tibiotalar translation and clinical outcomes in mobile and fixed-bearing total ankle replacement.

BACKGROUND: Sagittal implant malalignment after total ankle replacement (TAR) has been considered to be a possible cause for premature implant failure. In a prior study, the change over time of the tibiotalar ratio (T-T ratio), which is the ratio between the posterior longitudinal talar length and the full longitudinal talar length, was assessed in 66 TARs where an unconstrained, mobile-bearing implant was implanted. The analysis documented an increase in the T-T ratio between 2 and 6 months post-surgery (on average from 34.6% to 37.2%). We hypothesized that this change might have been related to the presence of a mobile-bearing insert. In order to test our hypothesis, we designed a study to compare the translation of the talus in TARs performed with an unconstrained, mobile-bearing implant (designated the "Mobile ankle") and those performed with a semi-constrained, fixed-bearing implant (designated the "Fixed ankle"). METHODS: The study included 71 consecutive patients (71 ankles) who underwent TAR with the Mobile ankle and 24 consecutive patients (24 ankles) who received the Fixed ankle from May 2011 to December 2014. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically preoperatively (T0), at 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) post-surgery. There was also a radiological assessment at 2 months post-surgery (T1). RESULTS: The comparison of the T-T ratio between the two implant groups and over time indicated an interaction between time and group, therefore the changes of the T-T ratio over time were affected by the implant type factor (P<0.001). The changes of the postoperative T-T ratio over time were not significant in the Fixed ankle group (35.7±6.7% at T1, T2, and T3; P=1.0 for each pairwise comparison). In the Mobile ankle group, the T-T ratio at 2 months (34.4±5.5%) was significantly different to the T-T ratio at 6 months (37.0±5.8%; P<0.001; i.e. there was a significant posterior translation of the talus). The AOFAS score increased from preop to 12 months post-surgery in both the Mobile ankle (72.7±12.8 at 12 months; P<0.001) and the Fixed ankle (85.0±9.7 at 12 months; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The significant posterior translation of the talus from 2 to 6 months documented only in the Mobile ankle group may have been associated with the presence of the mobile bearing interface.

Regeneration: AT-AMIC Technique: Limits and Indication.

Osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) is a commune cause of chronic ankle pain. Symptomatic lesions require surgical treatment. Currently, lesions with diameter less than 107.4 mm2 are treated with bone marrow stimulating technique with notable success rate. However, more extensive lesions show less predictable surgical results. Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis has proven to provide satisfactory medium and long-term results on OLTs. In the current review, we describe an all-arthroscopic technique and the Milan-Tel Aviv lesion assessment protocol.

Outcomes of Lateral Transfibular Approach for Total Ankle Replacement.

Total ankle replacement through a lateral transfibular approach with trabecular metal implants was introduced in 2012 and originally was advertised as a safer approach in terms of wound healing issues. Further studies showed no significant difference comparing anterior and lateral approach for infections and would healing issues, whereas the main advantage is deformity correction, acting on coronal, sagittal, and rotational deformities and on fibular length issues. It showed a survival rate of 97.7% at 5 years follow-up.