Salvage of Chronic Syndesmosis Instability: A Retrospective Review With Mid-Term Follow-Up.

Malreduced syndesmotic injuries lead to poor outcomes. No consensus exists regarding preferred surgical treatment. This study aims to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing distal tibiofibular arthrodesis or stabilization. Retrospective review identified patients undergoing distal tibiofibular arthrodesis or stabilization between 2003 and 2019. Surgical factors, revision surgeries, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score ankle-hindfoot scores were collected. Radiographs were independently evaluated by 4 surgeons. Seventy patients were included. Mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score scores (n = 33) improved from 48 ± 16 preoperatively to 85 ± 14 (p < .001) at a median follow-up of 31.1 months. Mean Kellgren scores (n = 47) increased from 2.1 ± 1 to 2.5 ± 1 (p < .001) and the mean medial clear space decreased from 3.2 mm ± 0.8 mm to 2.8 mm ± 0.8 mm (p <.001) with no differences between the arthrodesis and stabilization groups. Zero patients progressed to arthroplasty or fusion. Patients demonstrated significant functional improvement after distal tibiofibular arthrodesis and stabilization. Progression of arthritis, while statistically significant, was not clinically significant.

BMP-14 gene therapy increases tendon tensile strength in a rat model of Achilles tendon injury.

BACKGROUND: Molecular and cellular-based enhancements of healing combined with conventional methods may yield better outcomes after the surgical management of tendon injury. We examined the histological and biomechanical effects of adenovirus-mediated transgene expression of bone morphogenetic protein-14 (BMP-14) on healing in a rat Achilles tendon laceration model. Specifically, we hypothesized that this delivery system for gene therapy would hasten the restoration of the normal histological appearance and tensile strength of a surgically repaired tendon. METHODS: The right Achilles tendon of ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats was transected, repaired, and immediately infected with adenovirus expressing either the gene for green fluorescent protein (AdGFP) or the gene for human BMP-14 and green fluorescent protein (AdBMP-14). A sham control group received no viral-mediated infection after repair. Animals from each of the three groups were killed at one, two, and three weeks after surgery. The retrieved tendons were inspected, examined under light and fluorescent microscopy, and tested to determine their tensile strength. RESULTS: Tendons transduced with BMP-14 exhibited less visible gapping, a greater number of neotenocytes at the site of healing, and 70% greater tensile strength than did either those transduced with GFP or the sham controls at two weeks after repair. Histological examination revealed no inflammatory response to the adenovirus in tendons transduced with BMP-14 or GFP. No ectopic bone or cartilage formed in the tendons transduced with BMP-14. CONCLUSIONS: Adenovirus-mediated gene therapy with BMP-14 expedites tendon-healing in this animal model. No adverse immunological response to the adenoviral vector was detected in the host tissue, and the local production of BMP-14 did not induce unwelcome bone or cartilage formation within the healing tendon. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this animal study suggest that gene therapy with BMPs may improve the capacity of injured musculoskeletal tissue to heal.

A comparison of lateral column lengthening and medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus for the reconstruction of adult acquired flatfoot.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the effects of lateral column lengthening and medial translational calcaneal osteotomy on pedal realignment and degeneration of adjacent hindfoot joints noted on radiographs. METHODS: Forty patients who had either a lateral column lengthening (25 feet) or calcaneal osteotomy (17 feet) to reconstruct a flatfoot were retrospectively reviewed as two groups. Six parameters of foot alignment were measured from weightbearing preoperative, early postoperative, and latest followup radiographs. The magnitude of realignment achieved initially and preserved at latest followup was determined for each group. The talonavicular and subtalar joints were graded for radiographic evidence of arthritis before the reconstruction and at latest followup. Demographic information, complication rate, and reoperation associated with each group also were determined by chart review. RESULTS: The group that received a lateral column lengthening demonstrated a greater initial realignment than the group treated with a calcaneal osteotomy. The lengthening group also demonstrated greater realignment than the osteotomized group when they were compared at their respective latest followup. The lengthening group had a higher number of adjacent joints with progression of arthritis. The rate of nonunion was higher with a lateral column lengthening; however, the rate of reoperation after an osteotomy was more than twice that observed after a lateral column lengthening. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral column lengthening group achieved greater realignment initially and maintained correction better over time than the calcaneal osteotomy group while having a lower reoperation rate despite a higher incidence of nonunion and radiographic progression of adjacent joint arthritis.

Effects of a UCBL orthosis and a calcaneal osteotomy on tibiotalar contact characteristics in a cadaver flatfoot model.

BACKGROUND: A flatfoot deformity alters the contact characteristics of the ankle joint, shifting the location of articulation posterolaterally, increasing pressure, and decreasing the contact area within the ankle. These changes may explain the pattern of articular degeneration and subsequent angulation observed in a long-standing adult acquired flatfoot. Corrective orthoses and surgical reconstruction have been used to realign pes planovalgus feet, but the effects of these treatments on tibiotalar contact characteristics are unknown. We hypothesized that realignment of a flatfoot with either corrective orthosis or surgical reconstruction would restore the contact characteristics of the ankle to the intact state. METHODS: The mean value of the contact area, contact pressure, peak contact pressure, and the relative locations of the global contact area and peak pressure within the ankle joint were determined from imprints created on pressure sensitive film for a series of cadaver lower limbs subjected to a weightbearing load in simulated midstance phase of gait. Each limb was loaded sequentially under four conditions: intact, flatfoot, flatfoot realigned with UCBL orthosis, and flatfoot realigned with a medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus. RESULTS: The use of the UCBL orthosis and calcaneal osteotomy altered the contact characteristics of the ankle when compared with the flatfoot condition. Both interventions significantly decreased the mean global contact pressure from the flatfoot value, with the orthosis, demonstrating a significantly greater correction than the osteotomy. The orthosis also significantly reduced the peak contact pressure from the flatfoot value. Both interventions significantly corrected the lateral shift of the center of the peak contact pressure from the flatfoot value. The shift in the center of the global contact area approached significance when the orthosis was compared with the flatfoot. CONCLUSIONS: The changes observed in the magnitude and location of the mean and peak pressures indicate that the UCBL orthosis and calcaneal osteotomy altered hindfoot alignment to significantly influence tibiotalar contact characteristics. The results further suggest that the UCBL orthosis corrected ankle malalignment better than the calcaneal osteotomy in an adult acquired flatfoot. This study provides biomechanical data to support the clinical impression that realignment of the hindfoot corrects the pathologic tibiotalar contact characteristics associated with an adult acquired flatfoot. The results support the conclusion that the clinical management of a pes planovalgus foot with a UCBL orthosis or a medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus may avert the onset of pantalar disease seen with late-stage posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Effect of diabetes mellitus on perioperative complications and hospital outcomes after ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to analyze a nationally representative admissions database to evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus on the rate of perioperative complications and hospitalization outcomes after ankle arthrodesis (AAD) and total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 12 122 patients who underwent AAD and 2973 patients who underwent TAA were identified from 2002 to 2011 based on ICD-9 procedure codes. The perioperative complications and hospitalization outcomes were compared between diabetic and nondiabetic patients for each surgery during the index hospital stay. RESULTS: The overall complication rate in the AAD group was 16.4% in diabetic patients and 7.0% in nondiabetic patients (P < .001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes mellitus was independently associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (relative risk [RR] = 3.2, P = .008), urinary tract infection (RR = 4.6, P < .001), blood transfusion (RR = 3.0, P < .001), irrigation and debridement (RR = 1.9, P = .001), and overall complication rate (RR = 2.7, P < .001). Diabetes was also independently associated with a statistically significant increase in length of hospital stay (difference = 0.35 days, P < .001), more frequent nonhome discharge (RR = 1.69, P < .001), and higher hospitalization charges (difference = $1908, P = .04). The overall complication rate in the TAA group was 7.8% in diabetic patients and 4.7% in nondiabetic patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes was independently associated with increased risk of blood transfusion (RR = 9.8, P = .03) and overall complication rate (RR = 4.1, P = .02). Diabetes was also independently associated with a statistically significant increase in length of stay (difference = 0.41 days, P < .001) and more frequent nonhome discharge (RR = 1.88, P < .001), but there was no significant difference in hospitalization charges (P = .64). CONCLUSION: After both AAD and TAA, diabetes mellitus was independently associated with a significantly increased risk of perioperative complications, nonhome discharge, and length of hospital stay during the index hospitalization.

Comparison of perioperative complications and hospitalization outcomes after ankle arthrodesis versus total ankle arthroplasty from 2002 to 2011.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze a validated, nationally representative admissions database in order to compare perioperative complications and hospitalization outcomes associated with ankle arthrodesis (AAD) versus ankle arthroplasty (TAA). METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2002 to 2011, 12 250 patients who underwent AAD and 3002 patients who underwent TAA were identified based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. The demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative outcomes during the index hospital stay were compared between patients who underwent AAD and TAA. Multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for differences in demographics and comorbidities between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis demonstrated that TAA was independently associated with a decreased risk of blood transfusion (relative risk [RR] = 0.53, P < .001), non-home discharge (RR = 0.70, P < .001), and overall complication (RR = 0.79, P = .03). There were similar rates of pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and mortality. TAA was independently associated with a significantly higher hospital charge (difference = $24 431, P < .001). There was no significant difference in the adjusted length of stay between the 2 groups (P = .13). CONCLUSION: TAA was independently associated with a lower risk of blood transfusion, non-home discharge, and overall complication when compared to AAD during the index hospitalization period. TAA was also independently associated with a higher hospitalization charge, but length of stay was similar between the 2 groups. Until long-term comparative studies are performed, the optimal treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis remains controversial, this study provides greater clarity with regard to hospitalization outcomes after the 2 procedures and shows no significant difference in risk for the majority of medical perioperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

Revision of failed triple arthrodesis with an opening-closing wedge osteotomy of the midfoot.

BACKGROUND: This investigation reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of a biplanar opening-closing wedge osteotomy of the midfoot to revise failed triple arthrodeses with severe rocker-bottom deformity. Five cases were reviewed to determine if this osteotomy corrects the rocker-bottom deformity, improves function and provides satisfaction to the patient. METHODS: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical ratings scores obtained before and after the procedure were compared to assess the functional outcome. The patients' satisfaction with their results of surgery was also determined. Three parameters of foot alignment were measured from preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior and lateral weightbearing radiographs to assess the correction of the rocker-bottom deformity and the effect of the osteotomy on valgus tilting of the talus was evaluated with weightbearing views of the ankle. RESULTS: All clinical and radiographic measures of outcome significantly improved at a mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 13-32 months). The mean clinical rating score increased from 33 +/- 14 points (range, 14-49 points) to 70 +/- 11 points (range, 62-87 points) after the surgery (p < or = .05). Every patient was satisfied with the result and would repeat the procedure under the same circumstances. All four measures of foot and ankle alignment demonstrated significant correction after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The osteotomy effectively realigned the rocker-bottom deformity. The procedure normalized the angular relationships of the foot by correction of the abduction and dorsiflexion deformities of the midfoot and valgus deformity of the hindfoot. The reduction in pain, increased functional capacity, and ability to wear conventional shoes, achieved without any major complication, account for the improved clinical rating scores and high rate of the satisfaction observed with this procedure.

Associated deformities and hypermobility in hallux valgus: an investigation with weightbearing radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus has been reported to recur after surgical correction in patients subsequently diagnosed with hypermobility of the first ray, pronation of the foot, and pes planovalgus. An objective means of assessing the foot for these deformities preoperatively may avert a poor outcome. This investigation evaluated the efficacy of full-length weightbearing radiographs to recognize associated deformities in patients with hallux valgus before surgery. METHODS: This study compared five parameters from anteroposterior and four parameters from lateral weightbearing pedal radiographs of patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus to a control group to identify differences in the alignment of the midfoot and the first metatarsal-medial cuneiform joint. An examination for clinical evidence of hypermobility was also performed on both groups. RESULTS: The hallux valgus group demonstrated increased abduction and dorsiflexion of the midfoot. The mean talonavicular coverage angle and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle of this group was greater than the mean values for the controls. Radiographic evaluation also revealed differences in the alignment of the first metatarsal-medial cuneiform joint in the sagittal plane. The hallux valgus group possessed a mean of 2 mm of dorsal translation and 2 degrees of dorsiflexion at this joint compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Weightbearing radiographs permit the recognition of associated malalignments of the foot in patients with hallux valgus. The comparisons performed in this study identified deformities consistent with pes planovalgus and hypermobility of the first ray in patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus. The results of our study support a recommendation for a thorough evaluation of full-length, biplanar weightbearing radiographs via the measurement of midfoot and first ray alignment for concomitant deformities of the foot in patients with hallux valgus.

The treatment of failed reconstruction for adult acquired flat foot deformity.

The successful salvage of a failed reconstruction for adult acquired flat foot deformity requires a thorough assessment of the alignment, healing, and function of the entire foot. The pain that is experienced by the patient often emanates from multiple sources. Once identified, the plan of treatment must provide an integrated and comprehensive approach to resolve the origins of pain to restore durable function to the foot. Often, these goals may be achieved through the use of orthotics, physical therapy, and other nonoperative means. Additional or revision surgical procedures may be necessary to complete or correct the previous attempts to reconstruct the foot.

Midfoot arthrodesis: challenges and treatment alternatives.

Arthrodesis and realignment of complex deformities of the midfoot requires thorough preoperative evaluation, exacting intraoperative technique, and vigilant postoperative management to achieve a successful functional outcome. An appreciation of the bony and soft-tissue factors contributing to the deformity facilitates a satisfactory functional outcome. Stable fixation in multiple planes with judicious bone grafting achieves union with the most complex deformities and severe bone loss.

Diagnosing chronic diastasis of the syndesmosis: a novel measurement using computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diastasis of the syndesmosis has been recognized as a cause of persistent pain and dysfunction after a rotational ankle injury. Recently, there has been an increased effort to define the use of computed tomography (CT) imaging in making this diagnosis; however, no clear consensus has been reached on the best way to assess the anatomical integrity of the syndesmosis. In this retrospective case series, we have evaluated the diagnostic capability of 2 novel CT-based measurements. METHODS: Fourteen patients with symptomatic syndesmotic instability received a bilateral ankle CT scan. Two measurements were performed. The first measurement was the angle subtended by 2 lines drawn tangent to the anterior and posterior surfaces of the distal tibia and lateral malleolus 1 cm above the talar dome. The second measurement was the area bound by these lines, the lateral tibia and the medial aspect of the lateral malleolus. The injured and contralateral sides were compared using a Wilcoxon rank sum test with a significance set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: When comparing the injured to the contralateral ankle, we found a significant decrease in the angular measurement of the syndesmosis (63.4 ± 6.1 degrees vs 68.4 ± 6.6 degrees; P = .018) and a significant increase in the area measurement (1.71 ± 0.44 cm(2) vs 1.21 ± 0.25 cm(2); P = .00003). Eleven of 14 patients had a smaller angular measurement, and all 14 had a larger area measurement in the injured ankle. All patients were confirmed to have instability via manual testing intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a comparison of angular and area measurements will help identify a diastasis of the syndesmosis in patients with persistent pain after a rotational ankle fracture. These measurements are straightforward to perform and rely on landmarks that are easy to identify. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic.

Salvage of chronic instability of the syndesmosis with distal tibiofibular arthrodesis: functional and radiographic results.

BACKGROUND: Failure to treat an injury of the syndesmosis after an ankle fracture can lead to a poor functional outcome and posttraumatic arthritis. The results after reconstruction of an ankle with an incongruous mortise, chronic diastasis of the syndesmosis, and arthritis remain unknown. The purpose of the present study was to review the radiographic and clinical results of salvaging this condition through reduction and arthrodesis of the distal tibiofibular articulation. METHODS: Ten patients (mean age, fifty-four years) with chronic syndesmotic instability who underwent salvage by a single surgeon were evaluated retrospectively. Five parameters of mortise and syndesmotic alignment were measured on weight-bearing radiographs that were made preoperatively and at the time of the latest follow-up. The extent of arthritis in the ankle was graded with use of an established classification system. Clinical rating scores that were recorded preoperatively and at the time of the latest follow-up were culled from the medical records and were compared. Each patient's stated satisfaction with the operation and willingness to undergo the operation again were retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS: After a mean duration of follow-up of forty-one months (minimum, two years), the medial clear space, talocrural angle, and talar tilt had improved. No ankle demonstrated progression of arthritis on the basis of the radiographic grade. The clinical rating score improved significantly because of improvements in the pain, activity, maximum walking distance, and gait subscales. Two patients had a total of three additional procedures. Both had prominent implants removed, and one subsequently underwent an ankle arthroscopy. All patients reported satisfaction with and a willingness to undergo the procedure again. At the time of the latest follow-up, no patient had undergone an ankle arthrodesis. CONCLUSIONS: The significant improvements in the radiographic and functional measures of outcome that were observed in this small cohort suggest that chronic syndesmotic instability after ankle fracture can be salvaged with reduction and arthrodesis of the distal tibiofibular articulation. Furthermore, the reconstruction of an incongruous and arthritic ankle is an alternative to and may postpone the subsequent need for ankle arthrodesis or arthroplasty.