Reconstruction with double pedicel fibular graft and ankle arthrodesis for aggressive chondroblastoma in the distal tibia.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive chondroblastoma of the distal tibia is rare, and below-knee amputation had been the standard surgical procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported an additional case and reviewed the existing literature. A 20-year-old man with a 2-month history of right ankle pain and swelling underwent distal tibia wide resection, double pedicle fibular, autogenous iliac bone graft, and ankle arthrodesis. He had no pain, no limitation in daily activities, and no evidence of local recurrence and infection; the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS) is 86% at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Double pedicel fibular graft and ankle arthrodesis may be an effective and economical alternative method for aggressive chondroblastoma in the distal tibia.

Repair of the acute deltoid ligament complex rupture associated with ankle fractures: a multicenter clinical study.

Controversy exists concerning the need for operative repair of the deltoid ligament during management of acute ankle fractures. The purpose of our report was to identify the indications for surgical intervention for deltoid ligament injury in the setting of ankle fractures. Furthermore, we aimed to elucidate the clinical outcomes after deltoid ligament repair in this setting. This was a multicenter study, involving 4 clinical institutions. From January 2006 to December 2011, 1533 ankle fractures underwent surgical intervention. Of this group, 131 deltoid ligament ruptures (8.55%) were identified and repaired operatively. Of the 131 patients, 74 were male (56.5%) and 57 were female (43.5%), with a mean age of 33.2 (range 16 to 63) years. The outcome measures included the clinical examination findings, radiographic findings, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item questionnaire scores. All incisions healed primarily. A total of 106 patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 (range 12 to 72) months, with an average follow-up period of 27 months. The mean interval to fracture union was 14.5 (range 9 to 16) weeks. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score at the latest follow-up visit was 91.4 (range 83 to 100) points. The mean visual analog scale score was 1.2 (range 0 to 6) points. The mean Short Form-36 score was 91.2 (range 80 to 96) points. Compared with the preoperative scores, all the 3 outcome measures had improved significantly postoperatively (p < .05). The postoperative stress radiographs did not reveal any ankle instability. None had evidence of post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle from the clinical examination and radiographs. A reasonable clinical evaluation and surgical repair was executed, with an appropriate repair technique chosen according to the site of deltoid ligament rupture. The results of the present multicenter study have shown that deltoid ligament rupture can be repaired in patients with an unstable medial ankle after fracture fixation and prevent ankle stabilization-related complications.

Biomechanical analysis of the calcaneocuboid joint pressure after sequential lengthening of the lateral column.

BACKGROUND: Lengthening of the lateral column by means of the Evans osteotomy is commonly used for reconstruction of adult and pediatric flatfoot. However, some reports have shown that the Evans osteotomy is linked with increased calcaneocuboid joint pressures and an increased risk of arthritis in the joint. The purpose of this study was to measure the pressure across the calcaneocuboid joint and demonstrate the changing trends of the pressure within the calcaneocuboid joint after sequential lengthening of the lateral column. METHODS: Six cadaver specimens were physiologically loaded and the peak pressure of the calcaneocuboid joint was measured under the following conditions: (1) normal foot, (2) flatfoot, and (3) sequential lengthening of the lateral column by means of the Evans procedure (from 4 mm to 12 mm, in 2 mm increments). RESULTS: Peak pressures across the joint increased significantly from baseline in the flatfoot (P < .05). In the corrected foot, with the increment of the graft, the peak pressure decreased initially and then increased. The pressure reached its minimum value (11.04 ± 1.15 kg/cm(2)) with 8 mm lengthening of the lateral column. The differences were significant compared to the flatfoot (P < .05) and corrected foot with the other sizes of grafts (P < .05), but differences were not significant compared to the intact foot (P = .143). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral column lengthening within a certain extent will decrease the pressure in calcaneocuboid joint with a flatfoot deformity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Performing the procedure with an 8 mm lengthening may reduce the risk of the secondary calcaneocuboid osteoarthritis.

Reconstruction of calcaneal fracture malunion with osteotomy and subtalar joint salvage: technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to discuss the outcomes of treating calcaneal fracture malunion by restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy. METHODS: From May 2005 to November 2008, 24 patients (26 feet) with calcaneal malunions after a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture were treated by osteotomy and autogenous bone graft. The subtalar joint was preserved. The mean time from initial injury to reconstructive operation was 5.7 months (95% confidence interval, 4.5-8.8 months). The displaced posterior facet was restored through a reconstructive osteotomy, whereas the bone defect in the calcaneus after reduction was filled with the exostosis that had been removed; iliac bone graft was used if necessary. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 24 months. Twenty patients (21 feet) were followed for a mean of 34.2 months (29.0-39.4 months). RESULTS: According to American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, the average score was 85.9 points (95% confidence interval, 81.5-90.4 points), which was significantly higher than the preoperative assessment. Radiographs showed that Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle, talus declination angle, and width and height of calcaneus were improved to a great extent. Six patients had wound edge necrosis, and 2 had superficial infection. One patient required a subtalar fusion for subtalar arthritis at 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy and autogenous bone graft was an effective treatment method for selected calcaneal fracture malunions. It reconstructed calcaneal morphology and preserved the subtalar joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

The injuries to the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joints: A review of the surgical management by internal fixation, arthrodesis and arthroplasty.

The surgical management to the injuries of the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints is controversial. We briefly review the anatomical characteristics to the injuries, the diagnosis, as well as the individualized treatment of the injuries of the fourth and fifth TMT joints by open reduction and internal fixation, TMT arthrodesis and arthroplasty. We conclude that open reduction and internal fixation is the recommended option for acute injuries, while arthrodesis can be used in cases of malunion of the fourth and fifth TMT joints with gross pain or arthritic changes and obvious structural deformity. Arthroplasty is an effective salvage operation mainly used in high-demand patients with severe TMT arthritis. Finally, we propose a recommended treatment algorithm (based on the literature and our experience), taking into account the specific indications for internal fixation, TMT arthrodesis and arthroplasty to optimize the individualized treatment. Data sources/Study selection Data from survey reports, descriptive, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies published from 2002 to 2012 on the topic of the injuries to the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joint on human and radiography studies were included. Data Extraction The data was extracted from online resources of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, US National Library of Medicine, The MEDLINE. Conclusion It is important to comprehend the specific anatomical characteristics and grasp the strict indications, advantages and disadvantages of the ORIF, TMT arthrodesis and arthroplasty to optimize the individualized treatment of the fourth and fifth TMT joints injuries in a maximum extent.

Anteromedial coronoid facet fractures.

The anteromedial coronoid facet and the medial lip of trochlea represent one of the most important stabilizing columns of the elbow to prevent posterior dislocation of the elbow. But on average, 58 % of the anteromedial facet extends from the proximal ulnar without sufficient support by the proximal ulnar metaphysic. Some important soft tissue structures insert on the coronoid process. The fracture of anteromedial coronoid facet was recognized recently in clinic as a distinct type of the coronoid fracture. The special injury mechanism is varus posteromedial rotational injury force. This mechanism results in fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process most often associated with injury of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and either subluxation or complete dislocation of the elbow. But the anterior band of the medial collateral ligament is likely to be intact in the complex pattern injury. Standard radiographic evaluation of the fracture includes AP and lateral views of the elbow. Computed tomography, particularly 3D reconstruction, is particularly useful to diagnose the injury. But the LCL injury is easy to be missed, resulting in an earlier traumatic arthrosis. So, it is very important to increase recognition to the pattern injury. If the single distinct converse triangular fragment be found from the film, the surgeon should take care highly, and varus stress x-ray should be necessary to evaluate the LCL injury. Early experience suggests that the injuries should benefit from operative treatment. All injured structures should be repaired to restore the stability of the elbow. Intraoperative testing of the elbow stability is very important.

[Surgical treatment for Müller-Weiss disease].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss operative methods and effects for Müller-Weiss disease. METHODS: From March 2005 to May 2011, 15 patients were operated. There were 2 males and 13 females, with an average age of 51.8 years (range, 26 to 62 years). The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was (42 ± 13) points. According to the Maceira Staging system, 1 foot was grade 2, 6 feet were grade 3, 4 feet were grade 4, and 4 feet were grade 5. The technique consisted of arthrodesis of the talonaviculocuneiform joints with plate, arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint and arthrorisis of naviculocuneiform joint with plate, or triple arthrodesis with screws, according to the preoperative evaluation. RESULTS: Ten feet were treated with arthrodesis of the talonaviculocuneiform joints, 3 feet were treated with arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint and arthrorisis of naviculocuneiform joint and 2 feet were treated with triple arthrodesis. Two patients were lost to follow-up. The average follow-up after operation was 19.2 months (range, 9 to 38 months). All feet were solid fusion and the average duration of union was 13.3 weeks (range, 12-16 weeks). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up was (83 ± 6) points. Two feet were excellent, 10 feet were good, and 1 foot was fair. The length of feet was (14.2 ± 1.0) cm before surgery and (15.7 ± 0.9) cm at the last follow-up (t = 11.570, P < 0.05). The Meary's angle was -6.1° ± 13.1°before surgery and 1.1° ± 3.0° at the last follow-up (t = 2.248, P < 0.05). The talocalcaneal angle was 4.5° ± 2.2° before surgery and 18.0° ± 4.0° at the last follow-up (t = 11.700, P < 0.05). One foot had breakage of the plate and screws at arthrorisis of naviculocuneiform joint and none had complications related to the incision. CONCLUSION: Operations for Müller-Weiss disease, according to concrete conditions using different therapeutic program, may achieve a satisfactory outcome.

[Comparison of minimally invasive and traditional Chevron osteotomy in treating patients with mild to moderate hallux valgus].

OBJECTIVE: To compare minimally invasive and traditional Chevron osteotomy in treating patients with mild to moderate hallux valgus. METHODS: Clinical data of 36 patients (36 feet) with mild to moderate hallux valgus from January 2019 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and divided into minimally invasive osteotomy(minimally invasive group) and traditional Chevron osteotomy(traditional group). There were 16 patients in minimally invasive group, including 1 male and 15 females, aged from 36 to 60 years old with an average of(49.0±9.5) years old;9 were mild and 7 were moderate according to Mann classification;treated with minimally invasive osteotomy with hollow screw fixation. There were 20 patients(20 feet) in traditional group, including 2 males and 18 females, aged from 38 to 65 years old with an average of(50.0±9.2) years old;11 were mild and 9 were moderate according to Mann classification;treated with traditional Chevron osteotomy. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) before and after operation at 12 months bewteen two groups were observed and compared, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after operation at 6 weeks and 12 months between two groups were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-six patiens were followed up from 14 to 30 months with an average of (21.00±5.77) months. All incisions were healed well at stageⅠwithout infection. There were no significant differences in HVA, IMA, AOFAS forefoot scores and VAS before and after operation at 12 months between two groups(P>0.05). However, AOFAS forefoot scores and VAS of minimally invasive group was significantly better than that of traditionl group at 6 weeks after operation (P<0.05). Postoperative HVA, IMA, AOFAS forefoot scores and VAS at 12 months bewteen two groups were improved better than that of preoperation(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional Chevron osteotomy, minimally invasive osteotomy has less trauma and quicker recovery. Both of them has similar clinical effects, and could receive satisfactory clinical effects, while treatment of minimally invasive osteotomy should pain attention to learning curve.

[Complications in total ankle arthroplasty: a meta analysis].

OBJECTIVES: To provide a cumulative data about the complications of second or third generation ankle prostheses in the literature, and to provide a summary high-grade complications associated with implant failure. METHODS: A comprehensive search for all relevant articles published in English from January 1995 to December 2010 was conducted. Two reviewers evaluated each study to determine whether it was eligible for inclusion and collected the data of interest. Meta-analytic pooling of results across studies was performed for the complications and failure rate. RESULTS: Thirty-five primary studies with 4395 implants were identified. The three highest complications of total ankle arthroplasty were aseptic loosening (12.51%), intra-operative bone fracture (11.97%) and bony impingement (11.27%). The three high-grade complications associated with implant failure were aseptic loosening (45.00%), infection (33.00%) and malalignment (29.00%). The pooled mean failure rate was 10.98% (95%CI: 8.80% - 13.16%), and the pooled mean failure rate of STAR implant was 14.20% (95%CI: 10.64% - 17.76%). CONCLUSIONS: It is found that aseptic loosening, infection and malalignment are high-grade complications associated with implant failure in total ankle arthroplasty. The orthopaedic surgeons should be more careful in the operation, and the patients should coordinate with the post-operative rehabilitation plan.

Venous drainage in retrograde island flap: an experimental study using fluorescence tracing technique.

The pathway of venous drainage in retrograde island flaps was investigated by fluorescence tracing technique using the saphenous fasciocutaneous flap in New Zealand White rabbits. Forty animals were allocated into four groups according to the different times at 30 minutes (I), 24 hours (II), 72 hours (III), and 7 days (IV) after the operation. According to the different routes to give tracer, each group was further allocated into two subgroups of the artery injection and vein injection. For each animal, one hindlimb was assigned as the experimental side, the contralateral side as control without giving tracer. The erythrocytes were separated, labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), detected, and injected into the artery or vein. Subsequently, the flaps were harvested 5 seconds after injection and immediately frozen, sectioned, and observed under microscope. In group I and II, the fluorescence was observed mainly around the vessel adventitia of the vein and artery and tunica intima of the artery. In group III, there was weak fluorescence observed in the lumen of vein. In group IV, fluorescence was distributed principally in the lumen of the vein. In addition, fluorescence was not observed in the saphenous nerve in group I and there was mild fluorescence in the saphenous nerve in groups II, III, and IV. These findings suggest that the venous return is through "bypass route" in earlier period. In later period, the venous retrograde return is through "bypass route" and "incompetent valves route;" however, "incompetent valves route" becomes the main route.

Direct repair of spondylolysis by TSRH's hook plus screw fixation and bone grafting: biomechanical study and clinical report.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical performance and clinical results of TSRH's Hook plus screw fixation after direct repair of spondylolysis defects in the pars interarticularis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biomechanical testing of eight calf cadaver lumbar spines were used to provide comparative biomechanical data on TSRH's Hook plus screw fixation, and for the intact and the destabilized spondylolytic spines, modified Scott's fixation, screw-rod construct and Buck's fixation were used. Eleven patients with bilateral spondylolysis were treated with segmental TSRH's Hook plus screw fixation and autogenous bone graft; after an average follow-up period of 28 months, the patients were reviewed. Conventional tomography and computed tomography scans were taken to assess the condition of the fixation and the healing of the bony defect separately. MR images were performed to assess the adjacent disk conditions. MacNab criteria were used to assess their pre- and postoperative status. RESULTS: Each fixation technique significantly increased stiffness and returned the intervertebral rotation stiffness nearly to intact levels. TSRH's Hook plus screw technique and screw-rod construct provided more rotational stability than the other two techniques. TSRH's Hook plus screw, pedicle rod construct and Buck's technique also provided more flexion/extension stability than the modified Scott's technique. Neither complications nor instrumentation failure was observed. Retrospective follow-up of patients showed complete radiographic healing but unilateral nonunion in one on CT scans and pain relief in all patients. MR images of lumbar spine showed no significant change of disk before and after the surgery. Excellent or good results were obtained in ten cases according to MacNab criteria, but fair results were obtained in case of unilateral nonunion. CONCLUSION: Biomechanical evaluation of the TSRH's Hook plus screw fixation showed excellent stability of the lumbar vertebrae. Excellent clinical results show direct repair of spondylolysis by TSRH's Hook plus screw fixation and bone grafting would be the alternative for treating patients with persistent back pain after 6 months of conservative treatment.

[Surgical treatment of flatfoot resulting from calcaneal fractures malunion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the operative approach and efficacy of flatfoot after calcaneal fractures malunion. METHODS: A total of 116 flatfoot patients after old calcaneal fractures were treated from January 1998 to January 2008. There were 94 males and 22 females with an average age of 33.5 years old (range: 16 - 46). They included unilateral flatfoot after old calcaneal fractures (n = 110) and bilateral flatfoot after old calcaneal fractures (n = 6). The surgical treatments included open reduction, calcaneal osteotomy without subtalar fusion or a reconstruction of calcaneal thalamus and subtalar arthrodesis. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were followed up for an average of 14 months (range: 12 - 24). No wound healing problem or infection was observed. Solid union was obtained without redislocation in all patients. The mean time of bone union was 12 weeks (range: 10 - 14). The mean time of complete weight loading was 13 weeks (range: 11 - 15 weeks). The height of foot arch increased from 4.2 mm ± 1.7 mm to 14.1 mm ± 4.1 mm (P < 0.05). Calcaneal inclination angle increased from 11.2° ± 2.5° to 19.1° ± 4.4° (P < 0.05). Bohler angle increased from 5.4° ± 3.5° to 25.8° ± 5.2° (P < 0.05). Meary angle recovered from 22.2° ± 4.4° to 5.1° ± 3.2° (P < 0.05). The mean AOFAS Ankle and Hindfoot score increased from 33.4 (range: 27 - 43) to 85.8 (range: 78 - 98). CONCLUSION: As to flatfoot after old calcaneal fractures, surgical treatment has a favorable efficacy. A customized operative approach may achieve a satisfactory outcome.

[Study of the morphology of heel spur and clinical significance: base on three-dimensional computed tomography].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristic morphology of heel spur, and to investigate the relationship of heel spur and plantar heel pain. METHODS: From June 2005 to April 2009, 210 cases (254 feet) with heel spur (according to Denis Pain Scale) were divided into cases group 1 (P2, n = 46), 2 (P3, n = 44), 3 (P4, n = 42), 4 (P5, n = 36) and controls group (P1, n = 42). Three-dimensional reconstruction of heel spur was performed in all groups using volume rendering based on multi-slice CT data by Super Image orthopedics edition 1.0. The characteristic morphology of heel spur was observed and the data were measured and analyzed, involving the width of basilar part, the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur. RESULTS: Parts of cases groups displayed coarse arcuate edge and undersurface with one or more little heel spurs adhere to heel spur, of which the numbers were greater than controls group, especially in cases group 4. No significant difference of the width of basilar part of heel spur was found among 5 groups (F = 2.32, P > 0.05). However, obvious difference was found in the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur (F = 8.23, 6.82, 5.87, P < 0.05). Compared with the controls group, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis of cases groups had higher degrees, but the difference of the other data presented irregular. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic morphology of heel spur varies in patients associated with plantar heel pain. No correlation is found between the severity and the morphological data, including the width of basilar part, the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur.

[Characteristics and surgical treatment of combined calcaneal fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the characteristics and experience for surgical treatment of combined calcaneal fracture. METHODS: Between February 2004 and September 2007, 17 feet of 13 patients with combined calcaneal fractures underwent surgical operations. Among 17 calcaneal fractures, 8 combined with ipsilateral talus fractures, 5 combined with trimalleolar fractures, 4 combined with Pilon fractures. Firstly, fractures of hinder foot were treatment with open reduction and internal fixation according to the principle. Of all, 15 fractures were treated with screws or titanic plate plus open reduction and internal fixation, the rest 2 fractures were treated with subtalar arthrodesis. Postoperative X-ray assessed the internal fixation and union of fractures. The foot function was evaluated by the Maryland Foot Score. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were all followed up for 16.0 - 33.0 months (average 26.5 months), superficial infection was found in a patient with open wound 10 d after surgery. All the bone fractures united after surgery from 4 to 6 months. Morphous improvement of the calcaneal were proved by X-ray films and there here was no plates and screws' breakage, loosening. Mild osteoarthritis in Subtalar and ankle joints were found by X-ray after surgery from 9 months to last follow-up. Cystic degeneration and necrosis were found in 5 and 2 cases of talus fractures respectively. According to Maryland Foot Score, excellent was in 3 feet, good in 6 feet, fare in 5 feet and poor in 3 feet, with excellence rate of 52.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Combined calcaneal is a calcaneus-based concomitant ankle and foot fractures after a high-energy injury. Good deal of soft tissue and correct design of operation pre-operatively, restoration of form and power lines of calcaneal, effective bone graft, right place of simple internal fixation or subtalar arthrodesis and good reduction and internal fixation of other fracture in hinder feet intra-operatively and correct function postoperatively are key points to have a relatively satisfied treating effect of combined calcaneal fractures.

[Surgical treatment of malunited or nonunited talus fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the operative methods of malunited or nonunited talus fractures. METHODS: Twenty-two patients of malunions or nonunions after displaced talar fractures were treated from January 2000 to January 2008. There were 17 males and 5 females with an average age of 34 years (ranged from 15 to 52 years). According to classification of posttraumatic talar deformities (Zwipp 2003), there were 10 cases of type I (malunion and/or joint displacement), 8 cases of type II (nonunion with joint displacement), 4 cases of type III (type I/II with partial AVN). The surgical treatments included open reduction, osteotomy, correction and internal fixation with plate, screw or K-wire, or the ankle, subtalar arthrodesis. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were followed up for 14 months in average (ranged from 12 to 24 months). No wound healing problems or infections were observed. Solid union was obtained without redislocation in all patients. The mean time of bone union was 14 weeks (ranged from 12 to 18 weeks). The mean time of completely weight loading was 14 weeks (ranged from 12 to 18 weeks). The mean AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score increased from 35.4 (ranged from 28.0 to 41.0) to 86.6 (ranged from 78.0 to 98.0). CONCLUSIONS: As to posttraumatic talar deformities, surgical treatment can lead to a favorable outcome. According to concrete status of malunions or nonunions after displaced talar fractures, suitable surgical treatment should be applied to obtain satisfactory outcome.

Distally based sural fasciomyocutaneous flap: anatomic study and modified technique for complicated wounds of the lower third leg and weight bearing heel.

The reconstruction of the distal third leg and weight-bearing heel, especially when complicated with infection and/or dead space, remains a challenge in reconstructive surgery. The distally based sural neurofasciomyocutaneous flap has been proved a valuable tool in repair of the soft tissue defects of those areas. In this report, we present the results of the anatomical study on vascular communication between the suprafascial sural neurovascular axis and the deep gastrocnemius muscle and a modified technique in clinical applications for reconstruction of the soft tissue defects in the distal lower leg and heel. Six lower limbs of fresh cadavers were injected with red gelatin and dissected. A constant vascular connection with average four musculo-fasciocutaneous perforators with diameter 0.2-0.5 mm was identified in the overlapping area between the suprafascial sural neurovascular axis and the deep gastrocnemius muscle. Based on these findings, a modified distally based sural neurofasciomyocutaneous flap including the distal gastrocnemius muscle component was designed and used for repairs of the soft tissue defects in the distal lower limb and plantar heel pad in six patients. The blood supplies of flaps comprised either the peroneal perforator and adipofascial pedicle or the peroneal perforator only. The average size of the fasciocutaneous flap was 51 cm(2), and the muscle component 17.7 cm(2). All flaps survived uneventfully. Our results suggest that this technical modification could provide wider range for applications of the distally based sural neurofasciomyocutaneous flap in repair of the soft tissue defects of the lower extremity and heel.

Treatment of isolated posterior coronal fracture of the lateral tibial plateau through posterolateral approach for direct exposure and buttress plate fixation.

PURPOSE: To present a case series of patients with isolated posterior coronal fractures of lateral tibial plateau treated by direct exposure and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. METHODS: Between May 2007 and April of 2008, eight middle aged patients were identified that had isolated posterior coronal fractures of the lateral tibial plateau. All eight patients underwent direct fracture exposure, reduction under visualization, and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. RESULTS: There were 1 case of split, two cases of pure depression and five cases of split-depression fractures. Four were associated fibular head split fractures without common peroneal nerve injuries. Five patients were injured from a simple fall on riding electrical bicycle while the knee was relaxed in 90 degrees position The articular displacement (8 cases) measured in CT scan was 10.5 mm in average (range 8-15 mm). The cortical split length (from the articular rim to the distal tip, 6 cases) was 2.8 cm in average (range 2.4-3.5 cm). The articular reduction was perfect in seven (absolutely no step-off) and imperfect in 1(<2 mm step-off) as measured by X-ray. With a mean follow-up of 10 months (6 cases > 12 months), the average range of motion arc was 119 degrees , four patients have flexion lag 10 degrees -20 degrees . The average SMFA dysfunction score was 15.8, and average HSS score was 98. All eight patients stated they were highly satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Direct posterolateral approach by dividing lateral border of soleus muscle, provides excellent fracture reduction under visualization and internal buttress plate fixation for posterior coronal fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. Good functional results and recovery can be expected.

Motion of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis under different loading patterns: A biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is an important structure for ankle stability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the motion of the syndesmosis under different loading patterns and determine the characteristics of the syndesmotic motion. METHODS: Six fresh cadaveric lower extremity specimens with the knee reserved were tested in this study. The skin and muscles were removed with all ligaments around the syndesmosis and knee and ankle joint intact. An axial load of 600 N was applied to the specimens with the ankle joint in 10° dorsiflexion, neutral position, and 15° plantar flexion using a universal material testing machine. Then, with the ankle joint positioned neutrally, a combination of 600-N axial and 5-Nm torsional external rotation loading was applied to the specimens. The medial-lateral and anterior-posterior displacement and rotation of the distal fibula relative to the distal tibia were measured. RESULTS: Under the axial loading, the distal fibula tended to move medially and anteriorly and rotate internally with the ankle positioned from the neutral position to 15° plantar flexion. Meanwhile, when the ankle was positioned from the neutral position to 10° dorsiflexion, the distal fibula tended to move laterally and posteriorly and rotate externally. Under the combined loading, with respect to the isolated axial loading, the distal fibula tended to move medially and posteriorly, and rotate externally relative to the distal tibia. CONCLUSION: Micro motion existed in the syndesmosis. The relative motion of the syndesmosis was correlated to the ankle position and loading patterns.

Assessment of subtalar joint neutral position: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Subtalar joint (STJ) neutral position is the position typically used by clinicians to obtain a cast representation of a patient's foot before fabrication of biomechanical functional orthosis. But no method for measuring STJ neutral position has been proven accurate and reproducible by different testers. This study was conducted to investigate the STJ neutral position in normal feet in cadavers. METHODS: Twelve fresh-frozen specimens of amputated lower legs were used. Pressure-sensitive films were inserted into the anterior and posterior articulation of STJ. The contact areas for various foot positions and under axial loads of 600 N were determined based on the gray level of the digitized film. The STJ neutral positions were determined as the ankle-foot position where the maximum contact area was achieved, because the neutral position of a joint was defined as the position where the concave and convex surfaces were completely congruous. RESULTS: In ankle-foot neutral position, the contact area of STJ was (2.79 +/- 0.24) cm(2). In the range of motion of adduction-abduction (ADD-ABD), the maximum contact area was (3.00 +/- 0.26) cm(2) when the foot was positioned 10 degrees of ABD (F = 221.361, P < 0.05). In the range of motion of dorsiflexion-plantarflexion (DF-PF), the maximum contact area was (3.61 +/- 0.25) cm(2) when the foot was positioned 20 degrees of DF (F = 121.067, P < 0.05). In the range of motion of inversion-eversion (INV-EV), the maximum contact area was (3.14 +/- 0.26) cm(2) when the foot was positioned 10 degrees of EV (F = 256.252, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Joints, such as STJ, therefore, are not necessarily in neutral position when the ankle-foot is placed in the traditional concept of neutral position. The results demonstrate that the most approximate STJ neutral position was in the foot position of 10 degrees of abduction, 20 degrees of dorsiflexion and 10 degrees of eversion.