Posterior ankle and hind foot arthroscopy - how do you responsibly learn this new technique?

Posterior ankle and hind foot arthroscopy has become an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool when dealing with ankle pathology. Although not yet widely adopted it is gaining popularity and there have been various descriptions of the technique [1] and its outcomes [2,3]. With posterior arthroscopy there are well-documented risks of injury to the sural nerve and medial neurovascular bundle in particular [7-9]. These risks need to be carefully considered, particularly by surgeons early in the learning curve of what is undoubtedly a challenging technique. In an ideal world there should be scope for regular simulation to be integrated into a consultant's working week and this would allow them to be prepared for untoward incidences and also learn new techniques such as hind-foot arthroscopy in a safe environment prior to introduction into clinical practice.

Fractures of the talus

The talus is the most proximal bone of the hindfoot that couples the foot to the leg. It is the second most common fracture of the tarsal bones, second in frequency to the calcaneous. However, overall injuries to the talus are relatively rare, and most surgeons have little experience in managing them. This article discusses fractures of the talus, including injuries to the talar neck, body, head, and processes. Although subtalar dislocations and osteochondral injuries are important topics, they are not addressed in this article.

Pre-requisites for optimum centering of a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis nail

BACKGROUND

Purpose of study was to compare nail alignment, incidence of stress riser and fracture with straight and curved nails of different lengths.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive, initially 13 straight and subsequently 15 curved nails implanted in 17 men and 11 women. Angles of incidence and reflection subtended by nail tip with inner tibial cortex were measured. Cortical hypertrophy was assessed on follow-up radiographs.

RESULTS

Angles of incidence and reflection were greater with short straight nails, less with long straight nails and stayed close to zero with long curved nails. Stress fractures occurred in 2 patients with straight nails at the level of the proximalmost tibial screw. Cortical hypertrophy was present in 7 patients with straight nails and in only 1 patient with a curved nail (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both nail length and inbuilt valgus contribute to better central positioning within the tibia. However, cortical stress reactions occur less frequently with curved nails.

Delayed debridement of an open total talar dislocation reimplanted in the emergency room

Open total talar dislocation is a rare but well known injury. Its management is controversial and fraught with complications such as infection, avascular necrosis, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. We report the case of a woman sustaining a pure open talar dislocation reduced in the emergency room. Debridement was done three days after the injury in the operating room. There was no infection. One year after surgery she complained of occasional pain. Ambulation was normal. She wore regular shoes. The overall alignment of the ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot was normal. Movements of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints were not impaired. She has resumed her regular activities. Radiographs showed no signs of avascular necrosis. All components of the treatment strategy of open total dislocation should be carried out in emergency. This results in environment close to the original biological state. Good results can be achieved if infection is avoided.

Non-irradiated frozen structural allograft in reconstructive surgeries of the hindfoot and midfoot

BACKGROUND

A few studies investigating the use of structural allograft in foot and ankle surgery are available. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical, functional and radiological results of patients treated with non-irradiated frozen structural bone allograft.

METHODS

We analyzed 20 reconstructive surgeries of the hindfoot and midfoot performed between April 2004 and April 2010. The mean follow up period was 45.4 months. The results were evaluated according to AOFAS score, X-ray (allograft consolidation, alignment preservation, and allograft collapse or re-absorption), and complications.

RESULTS

We observed a 48-point mean improvement of AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score (17 cases), and a 53-point mean improvement of AOFAS midfoot score (3 cases). The mean bone consolidation time was 75 days. No graft fracture and no cases of non-union were seen.

CONCLUSION

This treatment is a good option to treat severe defects or fill sequelae deformities.

Sonographic evaluation of hindfoot disorders

Foot pain is a common orthopedic condition that can have an impact on health-related quality of life. The evaluation of plantar hindfoot pain begins with history and physical examination. Imaging modalities, standard radiographs, sonography, MR, CT are often utilized to clarify the diagnosis. The article is a detailed description of the sonographic evaluation of the plantar fascia and its disorders as well as the common etiologies in the differential diagnosis of plantar fasciopathy.

The recovery position for posterior surgery of the ankle and hindfoot

Most posterior hindfoot procedures have been described with the patient positioned prone. This affords excellent access to posterior hindfoot structures but has several disadvantages for the management of the airway, the requirement for an endotracheal tube in all patients, difficulty with ventilation and an increased risk of pressure injuries, especially with regard to reduced ocular perfusion. We describe use of the 'recovery position', which affords equivalent access to the posterior aspect of the ankle and hindfoot without the morbidity associated with the prone position. A laryngeal mask rather than endotracheal tube may be used in most patients. In this annotation we describe this technique, which offers a safe and simple alternative method of positioning patients for posterior hindfoot and ankle surgery.

Isolated calcaneocuboid joint tuberculosis: a rare case report

Tubercular arthritis affecting the foot is uncommon. Isolated calcaneocuboid joint tuberculosis has never been reported in the literature. Herein we report a case of 43-year-old male who presented with insidious onset pain in hindfoot of 4 months duration. Radiograph revealed destruction of calcaneocuboid joint along with cuboid. Computed Tomography scan further consolidated the findings. Diagnosis was confirmed from aspiration from joint with culture of mycobacterium tuberculosis. Anti-tubercular chemotherapy was started and good clinical response was noted. We reported this case because of its rarity to involve calcaneocuboid joint and the excellent outcome with medical treatment.