Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Plantar Plate Repair.

Lesser toe plantar plate injuries at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint are a common source of metatarsalgia. Chronic pain with weight-bearing is the common presentation of lesser toe instability. Deformity occurs when the plantar plate is torn or attenuated. Crossover toe and MTP instability often occur with multiplane deformity, most commonly with dorsal contracture of the second toe and medial drift over the Hallux. In this article, the authors present a comprehensive stepwise approach to diagnosing and treating plantar plate injuries using both dorsal and plantar approach techniques.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty Survivorship, Complication, and Revision Rates in Patients Younger Than 55 Years.

Total ankle replacement has become a viable alternative to ankle arthrodesis in the surgical management of advanced ankle arthritis. Total ankle replacement has generally been reserved for patients who are older and for those who will have a lower demand on the replacement. The purpose of the current study is to review patient outcomes, complications, and implant survival in patients younger than 55 years who underwent total ankle replacement at a single institution. A single-center chart and radiographic review was performed of consecutive patients who underwent total ankle replacement for treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. All surgeries were performed by 1 of 5 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons at a single institution. A total of 51 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 31.2 months (SD = 16.2). Implant survival was 94%, There were 7 major complications (13%) requiring an unplanned return to the operating room and 8 minor complications (15%) that resolved with conservative care. The results of this study show that total ankle replacement is a viable treatment option for patients younger than 55 years.Levels of Evidence: A retrospective case series.

Accuracy of Weightbearing CT Scans for Patient-Specific Instrumentation in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a popular and viable option for end-stage ankle arthritis. Posttraumatic arthritis is the most common etiology of ankle arthritis, which creates the additional challenge of osseus deformity. Accuracy and reproducibility in placing the implant on the mechanical axis has been shown to be paramount in all joint arthroplasty including total ankle replacement. Patient-specific preoperative navigation is a relatively new technology for TAA, and up until this past year has been based off of nonweightbearing (NWBCT) or simulated weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). Our institution has created a protocol to use WBCT in the preoperative patient-specific navigation for TAA using the Prophecy system. The purpose of our study was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of implant alignment and size using WBCT vs prior studies using NWBCT for the Prophecy reports. METHODS: All patients from July 2019 through October 2020 who underwent TAA were evaluated. Inclusion criteria consisted of primary TAA using patient-specific preoperative navigation who had postoperative radiographs in the 4-6-week time frame. Prophecy predictions and measurements were then compared to actual implant placement and size. RESULTS: Ten patients met our inclusion criteria of WBCT Prophecy preoperative planning using 2 different implant systems. Preoperative deformities in this cohort were small. The average postoperative coronal alignment was 0.84 degrees, range 0.19 to 2.4 degrees. Average postoperative sagittal plane deformity was 1.9 degrees, range 0.33 to 5.05 degrees. Tibial component size was properly predicted in all patients, talar component in 9 of 10. CONCLUSION: This initial report supports accuracy and reproducibility in preoperative patient-specific navigation when using WBCT for TAA with these implants. All TAAs were within the intended target of less than 5 degrees varus or valgus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative analysis.

Short- to Midterm Follow-up of Cemented Total Ankle Replacement Using the INBONE II: A Retrospective Chart Review.

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty is a viable option for the treatment of end stage ankle arthritis. The purpose of this study is to report on the mid-term results with a cemented total ankle prosthesis, the Inbone™ II implant over a 5 year period. Methods: A retrospective, single-center chart and radiographic review of all patients with end stage ankle arthritis treated with Inbone™ II TAR) as the primary index procedure from 12/1/2012 to 3/1/2017. Clinical data were evaluated at 3 month, 6 month, 1 year and subsequent intervals for the study period. Preoperative diagnosis, pertinent patient demographics adjunctive procedures, implant associated complications, subsequent surgeries, and revisions were recorded. Results: 121 total ankles met our inclusion criteria. Patients had an INBONE™ II TAR implant placed with bone cement with a minimum of a 12 months follow up. Average age was 62.88 (range, 32-87) years, average body mass index was 32.74 (range, 21.8-56.04) kg/m2 and average follow up was 28.51(range, 12-69) months. Using the COFAS complication classification there were 14 minor, 11 moderate, and 5 major complications. 6/121 (5.0%) revisions which included: polyethylene exchange, device explant/fusion, and antibiotic spacer in situ. No complications over the course of this study ended in amputation. Conclusion: Total Ankle Arthroplasty utilizing the cemented INBONE™ II yielded good midterm results with regards to minor, moderate, and major complications. Rate of revision 6/121 (5.0%) was within the reported range with only 5 patients converted to fusion during the study period resulting in a 95% survivability at mid-term follow up.Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series.

Safety Profile Associated With Calcaneal Autograft Harvesting Using a Reaming Graft Harvester.

BACKGROUND: Foot and ankle surgery often requires bone healing, whether in elective arthrodesis or trauma. While primary bone healing is possible, the rate of nonunion in foot and ankle surgery remains variable. The addition of autogenous bone graft can allow for higher union rates by adding to the biology at the site of bone healing. Harvesting autogenous bone graft from the calcaneus for foot and ankle surgery can be done quickly and efficiently and allow for an adequate amount of graft. METHODS: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed for 1438 patients at a single center between August 1, 2015, and December 15, 2018, who underwent calcaneal autograft harvesting using a power-driven reaming graft harvester. RESULTS: In total, 966 patients were included and evaluated for the safety and complication rate associated with the procedure. Only 1 patient (0.1%) had a major complication, and there were 14 minor complications (1.4%). CONCLUSION: The safety profile and low complication rate of this case series demonstrate that this simple and efficient calcaneal autograft harvest technique can be considered when a small to moderate amount of autogenous bone graft is required to augment bone healing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level IV, case series.

Internal Amputation in Charcot Neuroarthropathy Complicated by Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis.

Studies have demonstrated the importance of preserving plantar surface area, lever arm length, and plantar soft tissues in affording patients a plantigrade, stable, and functional limb. We describe a case of a patient who underwent internal pedal amputation that was amenable to functional bracing. The purpose of this case study is to present internal pedal amputation as a viable option to eradicate infection and produce a plantigrade, stable foot that is amenable to custom bracing.

Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With Bone Block Allograft:Long-Term Follow-Up of Two Cases.

The treatment of neglected or chronically ruptured Achilles tendon is challenging. Various treatments for large defects associated with chronic Achilles ruptures have been described. Many surgeons recommend the use of a tendon transfer, turndown rotational flap, advancement flap, or reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft with calcaneal bone block. Long-term outcomes of these procedures are unknown. We present 2 cases with the use of an Achilles tendon with calcaneus bone block allograft. At >8-year follow-up duration, both patients are afforded satisfactory levels of activity and are without pain or gait disturbance. This procedure is a viable option for Achilles ruptures with large defects, ruptures with small intact distal tendon portions, or re-ruptures of previously repaired Achilles tendons. The long-term outcomes of these case reports suggest that Achilles tendon reconstruction with bone block allograft is a viable option.

Fifth Metatarsal Osteotomies.

A tailor's bunion or bunionette deformity is a combination of osseous and soft tissue bursitis on the lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head. This article discusses 7 corrective measures: medial oblique sliding osteotomy with fixation, medial oblique slide osteotomy-minimal incision procedure without fixation, SERI (simple, effective, rapid, inexpensive) with fixation, chevron with or without fixation, closing, lateral wedge osteotomy at the metatarsal neck or proximal diaphysis, Weil osteotomy, and scarfette. These evidence-based techniques can be used by practitioners for medical management of their patients through evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis. Complications are also addressed.