Factors Affecting the Outcomes of Uncomplicated Primary Open Ankle Arthrodesis

The Teramoto distal tibial oblique osteotomy (DTOO): surgical technique and applicability for ankle osteoarthritis with varus deformity

We have devised a medial peri-articular osteotomy, the distal tibial oblique osteotomy (DTOO), and have used this technique since 1994 for ankle osteoarthritis of advanced and late stages associated with varus inclination. This report describes the surgical technique and its applicability. DTOO can be used for cases of varus ankle osteoarthritis with a range of the ankle joint movement of at least 10° or more. The osteotomy is obliquely directed cut across the distal tibia from proximal-medial to distal lateral and is of an opening-wedge type with the centre of rotation coincident with the centre of the tibiofibular joint. A laminar spreader instrument is inserted in the osteotomy to open the wedge until the lateral surface of the talar body is seen on X-ray to be in contact and congruent with medial articular surface of the lateral malleolus. Common obstacles which may prevent this contact and congruency are bony spurs present on the anterior side of fibula or on the lateral side of the tibia; these require removal. The opening-wedge osteotomy is held in position by an Ilizarov external fixator or internally fixed with a plate. Bone graft is taken from the iliac crest and inserted into the open wedge. If, after completion of the osteotomy, the dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint does not exceed 0°, a Z-lengthening is performed of the Achilles tendon. In the DTOO for ankle osteoarthritis, the contact area of the ankle joint increases and decreases the load pressure per unit area. Furthermore, as the width of the ankle mortice is restored through the realignment of the body of the talus, instability at the ankle joint decreases. There is additional improvement with restoration of the inclination of the distal tibial articular surface as this directs the hindfoot valgus and corrects the alignment of the foot, with consequent improvement of ankle pain.

Open Ankle Arthrodesis

First described in 1879, ankle arthrodesis is a procedure that has undergone significant advancements not only in technique but also in technology and fixation. Surgeon preference has often dictated those changes with regard to incisional approaches, fixation methods, and use of bone graft and biologics but one constant has always remained: open ankle arthrodesis is a predictable, time-tested procedure with consistent results when performed in appropriate patients. This article highlights the changes that have occurred since the introduction of this procedure and provides a brief overview of the preferred technique.

Can a Three-Component Prosthesis be Used for Conversion of Painful Ankle Arthrodesis to Total Ankle Replacement?

BACKGROUND

In patients with painful ankle arthrodesis, the surgical treatment is challenging, and may include takedown of ankle arthrodesis and conversion to a total ankle replacement (TAR). This procedure is technically demanding given the altered anatomy after arthrodesis. Few studies have evaluated TAR in the setting of prior arthrodesis.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What intraoperative and perioperative complications were observed in patients who underwent conversion of an ankle arthrodesis to a TAR? (2) Was durable fixation achieved at short term, and what was the alignment of the components? (3) What subsequent surgical procedures were performed, including revisions? (4) What improvements were observed in pain, tibiotalar range of motion (ROM), and quality of life?

METHODS

Between January 2007 and December 2014, 18 patients with a painful ankle arthrodesis underwent conversion to TAR at our tertiary referral center. During this period, the indications for conversion of ankle arthrodesis to TAR were tibiotalar nonunion or malunion after attempted arthrodesis in patients who declined revision ankle arthrodesis. The goal of revision surgery was to help patients regain hindfoot mobility and to decrease pain. During the study period, all patients who met indications were treated with a conversion procedure. Of the 18 patients included, 14 were men and four were women. The mean age of the patients was 51 ± 7 years. The mean followup was 54 ± 27 months, with no loss to follow up observed. The initial ankle arthrodesis was performed 6 ± 3.5 years before conversion to TAR. In all patients, the conversion to TAR was performed using a nonconstrained cementless three-component prosthesis. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, revision procedures, and prosthesis component loosening were evaluated. Weightbearing radiographs were used to determine the angular alignment of the tibial and talar components using α/β/γ angles and to analyze the bone-implant interface. Osseointegration was defined as visible trabecular structures at the bone-implant interface without radiolucent lines. The criteria for radiographic loosening was defined as subsidence or migration of prosthesis components and/or a cystic lesion with a diameter at least 2 mm. Clinical assessment included pain evaluation, measurement of ankle ROM, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Two of the 18 patients sustained an intraoperative medial malleolar fracture. In three patients, delayed wound healing was observed. At latest followup, four patients had incomplete osseointegration (posterior quarter of the bone-prosthesis interface on the tibial side). None of the 18 patients had prosthesis loosening. In all patients, both components were neutrally aligned. Two patients had painful arthrofibrosis with reduced ROM, which we treated with an open arthrolysis and exchange of mobile-bearing inlay; one other patient is considering a revision for substantial tibial component medial tilt with collapse of the medial arch. At the latest followup, the mean dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were 8.5° ± 3° and 15° ± 5°, respectively. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score decreased from 9 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001). The Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) physical and mental outcome scores improved from 34 ± 5 to 74 ± 11 (p < 0.001) and from 49 ± 4 to 75.5 ± 7 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion of an ankle arthrodesis to a TAR is a technically challenging procedure. In this small series, it was associated with frequent complications including arthrofibrosis, and functional outcomes including postoperative ROM were lower than reported for primary TAR. However, pain and function did improve. Further studies are necessary to address long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in this patient cohort.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Ankle Arthrodesis Versus Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Reoperation rates are higher in total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) compared with ankle arthrodesis. Infection rates for primary TAAs are 1.4% to 2.4%. The survival rate of TAA is approximately 75% to 90% at 10 years. Arc of motion is maintained with TAAs compared with ankle arthrodesis. Ankle arthrodesis increases arc of motion through the talonavicular joint. Several factors are strong reasons to favor ankle fusion rather than TAA. TAA and ankle arthrodesis are effective treatments of end-stage ankle arthritis but the choice must be tailored to individual patients.

Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis-a comparison of outcomes over the last decade

BACKGROUND

The surgical treatment of end-stage tibiotalar arthritis continues to be a controversial topic. Advances in surgical technique and implant design have lead to improved outcomes after both ankle arthrodesis (AA) and total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), yet a clear consensus regarding the most ideal form of treatment is lacking. In this study, the outcomes and complications following AA and TAA are compared in order to improve our understanding and decision-making for care and treatment of symptomatic tibiotalar arthritis.

METHODS

Studies reporting on outcomes and complications following TAA or AA were obtained for review from the PubMed database between January 2006 and July 2016. Results from studies reporting on a minimum of 200 total ankle arthroplasties or a minimum of 80 ankle arthrodesis procedures were reviewed and pooled for analysis. All studies directly comparing outcomes and complications between TAA and AA were also included for review. Only studies including modern third-generation TAA implants approved for use in the USA (HINTEGRA, STAR, Salto, INBONE) were included.

RESULTS

A total of six studies reporting on outcomes following TAA and five reporting on outcomes following AA met inclusion criteria and were included for pooled data analysis. The adjusted overall complication rate was higher for AA (26.9%) compared to TAA (19.7%), with similar findings in the non-revision reoperation rate (12.9% for AA compared to 9.5% for TAA). The adjusted revision reoperation rate for TAA (7.9%) was higher than AA (5.4%). Analysis of results from ten studies directly comparing TAA to AA suggests a more symmetric gait and less impairment on uneven surfaces after TAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Pooled data analysis demonstrated a higher overall complication rate after AA, but a higher reoperation rate for revision after TAA. Based on the existing literature, the decision to proceed with TAA or AA for end-stage ankle arthritis should be made on an individual patient basis.

Ankle Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Analysis Comparing Single Column, Locked Anterior Plating to Crossed Lag Screw Technique

Ankle arthrodesis is performed to eliminate pain due to end-stage osteoarthritis, regardless of etiology. This procedure remains the reference standard treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis, despite recent advancements in total ankle replacement. The objective of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the radiographic and clinical fusion rates and time to bony fusion for patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis using an anterior approach with a single column locked plate construct versus crossed lag screws. We identified 358 patients who had undergone ankle arthrodesis from January 2003 to June 2013. Of the 358 patients, 83 (23.2%) met the inclusion criteria for the present study. Of the 83 included patients, 47 received locked anterior (or anterolateral) plate fixation, and 36 received crossed lag screw constructs. The overall nonunion rate was 6.0% (n = 5), with 1 nonunion in the anterior plate group (2.1%) and 4 nonunions in the crossed lag screw group (11.1%; p = .217). No differences were identified between the 2 groups for normal talocrural angle [χ² (1) = 0.527; p = .468], normal tibial axis/talar ratio [χ² (1) = 0.004; p = .952], and lateral dorsiflexion angle (p = .565). Based on our findings in similar demographic groups, ankle arthrodesis using locked anterior plate fixation is a safe technique with similar complication rates and radiographic outcomes to those of crossed lag screws.

Clinical Outcomes of Nonunions of Hindfoot and Ankle Fusions

BACKGROUND

While nonunion after foot and ankle fusion surgery has been associated with poor outcomes, we are not aware of any longitudinal study on this subject. Thus, we prospectively evaluated the impact of nonunion on clinical outcomes of foot and ankle fusions and identified potential risk factors for nonunion after these procedures.

METHODS

Using data from a randomized clinical trial on recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB; Augment Bone Graft, BioMimetic Therapeutics), union was defined either by assessment of computed tomography (CT) scans at 24 weeks by a reviewer blinded to the type of treatment or by the surgeon's composite assessment of clinical and radiographic findings at 52 weeks and CT findings at 24 or 36 weeks. The nonunion and union groups (defined with each assessment) were then compared in terms of clinical outcome scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS-AHS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) as well as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, diabetes status, work status, and arthrodesis site.

RESULTS

Blinded CT assessment identified nonunion in 67 (18%) of 370 patients, and surgeon assessment found nonunion in 21 (5%) of 389 patients. Postoperatively, the nonunion group scored worse than the union group, regardless of the method used to define the nonunion, on the AOFAS-AHS and FFI, with mean differences of 10 and 12 points, respectively, when nonunion was determined by blinded CT assessment and 19 and 20 points when it was assessed by the surgeon. The nonunion group also had worse SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores. Differences between the union and nonunion groups were clinically meaningful for all outcome measures, regardless of the nonunion assessment method. The concept of an asymptomatic nonunion (i.e., imaging indicating nonunion but the patient doing well) was not supported. Patients with nonunion were more likely to be overweight, smokers, and not working.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective longitudinal study demonstrated poorer functional outcomes in patients with a nonunion after foot and ankle fusion, regardless of whether the diagnosis of nonunion was based on CT only or on combined clinical, radiographic, and CT assessment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Arthroscopic arthrodesis for ankle arthritis without bone graft

Background

Ankle arthrodesis is considered by many to be the standard operative treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. The purpose of this study was to perform a new technique for ankle joint surface and determine the outcome for the union rates of ankle arthroscopic arthrodesis.

Methods

A total of 68 patients with posttraumatic arthritis, primary osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis were treated by ankle arthroscopic arthrodesis between May 2007 and December 2012. Our surgical indication was deformity less than 15° measured by weight-bearing radiographs. Firstly, the remaining articular cartilage was removed with different curettes and shavers. Then, the new technique (microfracture) was done at tibiotalar surfaces. Finally, the ankle was fixed with two cannulated percutaneous screws. The wound healing, complications, postoperative radiographs, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were evaluated.

Results

The average follow-up time was 32 months (range 25–58 months). There was no bone grafting, and a fusion rate of 100% was achieved. The average fusion time was 12.1 weeks. One patient developed superficial infection at 2 weeks postoperatively and was cured by nonsurgical treatment. No deep infections, deep venous thrombosis, or revision surgery were observed. Screws had been removed in four patients because of prominence. One patient had fusion in the subtalar joint because of arthritis at 5 years postoperatively. At the last follow-up, radiographic signs of developed or progressing arthritis were observed in nine patients at subtalar joint and in four patients at talonavicular joint. At 1-year follow-up, the mean AOFAS ankle/hindfoot score had increased to 84 from a mean preoperative value of 38 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic arthrodesis provides surgeons with an alternative to traditional open techniques for the management of severe ankle arthritis. Our data show that preparation of the joint surface with microfracture is an effective technique to increase the union rate of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, while bone graft and other promoting substances are not necessary to be routinely used.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13018-016-0490-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hindfoot Arthrodesis with the Blade Plate: Increased Risk of Complications and Nonunion in a Complex Patient Population

BACKGROUND

Previous hindfoot surgeries present a unique challenge to hindfoot arthrodesis, as the patients may have multiple incisions around the hindfoot. In high-risk patients with compromised soft tissues, a posterior approach can provide an alternative for a fresh soft tissue plane for the surgery. The use of a blade plate construct is widely accepted; however, there are limited data supporting the use of a posterior approach.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked (1) what proportion of patients treated with this technique achieved osseous union; (2) what complications were observed; (3) were any patient-demographic or health-related factors associated with the likelihood that a patient would have a complication develop?

METHODS

Between December 2001 and July 2014, 42 patients received a posterior blade plate. During the period in question, indications for hindfoot arthrodesis using posterior blade fixation were subtalar osteoarthritis below an ankle fusion, malunion or nonunion, failed tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis attributable to nonunion of the tibiotalar and/or subtalar joint; or tibiotalar and subtalar osteoarthritis in patients with impaired bone or soft tissue quality (particularly if the soft tissue problem was anterior). During that period, all patients who met those indications were treated with a posterior blade plate. Forty (95%) were included in this study, and two were lost to followup before the 1-year minimum required by the study. Demographics (age, gender, BMI, smoking status, and comorbidities) and surgical data (indication, previous treatment, and additional procedures) were analyzed. Of the 40 patients included, 27 (68%) were male and 13 (33%) were female, with a median of two previous hindfoot or ankle surgeries (range, 0-9 surgeries). The mean age of the patients was 56 ± 13 years. Followup averaged 47 ± 28 months (range, 14-137 months). Twenty-eight of 40 (70%) patients had a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis as a primary (n = 6), primary staged (n = 10), revision (n = 9), or revision staged (n = 3) procedure. Eleven of 40 patients (28%) underwent ankle arthrodesis (primary n = 7, revision n = 4). One of the 40 patients (3%) underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis for a failed total ankle arthroplasty. Weightbearing radiographs were used to assess fusion. Osseous fusion was defined as visible trabecular bridging on the lateral and AP ankle views within 6 postoperative months. Delayed union was defined as osseous fusion occurring between 6 and 12 months. Nonunion was defined as no visible trabecular bridging at the latest followup (longer than 12 months). Clinic and surgery notes were reviewed for complications. Univariate analysis was performed to compare patient groups: patients with solid union versus nonunion, and patients with versus without complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine of 40 (73%) patients had osseous fusion within 6 postoperative months. Four of 40 (10%) patients had a delayed union between 6 and 12 months, and seven of the 40 (18%) patients had nonunions, which occurred in the ankle (n = 3), subtalar (n = 3), or both (n = 1) joints. There were 26 complications observed: 18 (69%) were considered major and eight (31%) were minor. With the numbers available, we did not identify any demographic or surgical factors associated with complications, delayed union, or nonunion.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of patients treated with a posterior blade plate hindfoot fusion who had delayed union or nonunion is greater than that reported for patients in other series who underwent primary hindfoot arthrodesis with other approaches, and the proportion of patients who had complications develop is high. Further studies are needed to address alternative approaches to achieve hindfoot fusion in patients with complex hindfoot problems.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Psychosocial Risk Factors for Postoperative Pain in Ankle and Hindfoot Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with pain after elective ankle and hindfoot reconstruction.

METHODS

Patients who underwent major ankle or hindfoot reconstruction over a 3-year period were identified. Retrospective chart review determined patient demographics, comorbidities, surgeries, tobacco, alcohol, and narcotic use, chronic pain, and mood disorders. Primary outcomes were cumulative amount of narcotic prescribed (morphine milligram equivalent dose) in the initial 90-day postoperative period, beyond 90 days, and visual analog pain score (VAS) at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. One hundred thirty-two patients (139 operations) met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The average narcotic amount prescribed in the initial 90 days after surgery was 1711 mg (morphine equivalent), and narcotic prescriptions were required after 52 surgeries (35%) past 90 days. Preoperative narcotic use (P < .01), chronic pain disorder (P = .02), and mood disorder (P < .01) were significant risk factors for continued narcotic use past 90 days. Tobacco use (P = .01) and chronic pain disorder (P < .01) also were significant risk factors for increased initial postoperative narcotic use. The average VAS score in 91 patients at an average of 2.7-year follow-up was 2.1. Mood disorder was a risk factor for increased VAS (P < .01). No other associations were noted.

CONCLUSION

Patients being treated for chronic pain, diagnosed with a mood disorder, taking any amount of narcotics preoperatively, or using tobacco products had a statistically significant increased risk for pain postoperatively. The presence of risk factors should prompt physicians to discuss pain management strategies before surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative series.

Biomechanical evaluation of shape-memory alloy staples for internal fixation-an in vitro study

Background

The field of orthopaedics is a constantly evolving discipline. Despite the historical success of plates, pins and screws in fracture reduction and stabilisation, there is a continuing search for more efficient and improved methods of fracture fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate shape-memory staples and to compare them to a currently used implant for internal fracture fixation. Multi-plane bending stability and interfragmentary compression were assessed across a simulated osteotomy using single and double-staple fixation and compared to a bridging plate.

Methods

Transverse osteotomies were made in polyurethane blocks (20 × 20 × 120 mm) and repairs were performed with one (n = 6), or two (n = 6) 20 mm nitinol staples, or an eight-hole 2.7 mm quarter-tubular plate (n = 6). A pressure film was placed between fragments to determine contact area and compressive forces before and after loading. Loading consisted of multi-planar four-point bending with an actuator displacement of 3 mm. Gapping between segments was recorded to determine loads corresponding to a 2 mm gap and residual post-load gap.

Results

Staple fixations showed statistically significant higher mean compressive loads and contact areas across the osteotomy compared to plate fixations. Double-staple constructs were superior to single-staple constructs for both parameters (p < 0.001). Double-staple constructs were significantly stiffer and endured significantly larger loads before 2 mm gap formation compared to other constructs in the dorsoventral plane (p < 0.001). However, both staple constructs were significantly less stiff and tolerated considerably lower loads before 2 mm gap formation when compared to plate constructs in the ventrodorsal and right-to-left lateral loading planes. Loading of staple constructs showed significantly reduced permanent gap formation in all planes except ventrodorsally when compared to plate constructs.

Conclusions

Although staple fixations were not as stable as plate fixations in particular loading planes, double-staple constructs demonstrated the most consistent bending stiffness in all planes. Placing two perpendicular staples is suggested instead of single-staples whenever possible, with at least one staple applied on the compression side of the anticipated loading to improve construct stability.

The Importance of Sufficient Graft Material in Achieving Foot or Ankle Fusion

BACKGROUND

Nonunion, an important complication following foot and ankle arthrodesis, causes substantial morbidity and disability. In patients undergoing hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis, autogenous bone graft (autograft) or a suitable alternative is often used to promote osseous fusion across the joint. This study assessed the importance of adequate graft material in the fusion space to achieve joint fusion during ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis.

METHODS

This study used data from a previously published clinical trial of grafting material (recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB with beta-tricalcium phosphate [rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP] or autograft) for healing in hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis to correlate the amount of graft fill at 9 weeks with ultimate healing. Patients who received supplemental graft material for ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis for end-stage ankle or hindfoot arthritis were stratified according to nonunion risk factors and surgical fusion site. Patients underwent arthrodesis using standard rigid internal fixation. Graft fill was defined as "adequate" if the material occupied ≥50% of the cross-sectional area of the fusion space on a computed tomography (CT) scan made at 9 weeks. Fusion was defined as osseous bridging of ≥50% of each articulation on a CT scan made at 24 weeks. Three hundred and seventy-nine patients with 573 joints (383 managed with rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP and 190 managed with autograft) that underwent arthrodesis had complete follow-up with 9-week and 24-week CT scans available.

RESULTS

Overall, 472 (82%) of 573 joints had adequate graft fill; of those, 383 (81%) were successfully fused at 24 weeks compared with 21 (21%) of 101 joints without adequate graft fill (p < 0.0001). Absolute fusion rate differences (joints with adequate fill minus those without adequate fill) were consistent across joints (61% to 63%) and for graft materials. The overall odds ratio (OR) of successful fusion in joints with adequate graft fill compared with those without adequate graft fill was 16.4 (95% confidence interval, 9.6 to 27.9).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates an association between the amount of graft material and successful hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis. Graft material filling of ≥50% of the fusion space at 9 weeks, regardless of type or origin, was associated with significantly higher fusion rates at 24 weeks.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical and Operative Factors Related to Successful Revision Arthrodesis in the Foot and Ankle

BACKGROUND

Arthrodesis is a common operative procedure used to manage arthritis and deformity in the foot and ankle. Nonunion is a possible and undesirable outcome in any arthrodesis surgery. Rates of nonunion in the foot and ankle literature range from 0% to 47% depending on the patient population and joint involved. Multiple factors can contribute to developing a nonunion including location, fixation method, tobacco use, diabetes, infection, and others.

METHODS

The case logs of 3 foot and ankle surgeons were reviewed from January 2007 to September 2014 to identify nonunion arthrodesis revision cases. The patient factors reviewed included diabetes, inflammatory arthropathy, tobacco use, history of infection, nonunion elsewhere, neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, posttraumatic arthritis, and prior attempt at revision arthrodesis at the same site. Operative records were reviewed to identify location of the nonunion, instrumention, use of allograft or autograft bone, use of iliac crest bone marrow aspirate (ICBMA) and use of orthobiologics such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) during the revision arthrodesis. Successful revision was defined as radiographic union on the final radiograph during follow-up. Eighty-two cases of revision arthrodesis were identified with an average follow-up of 16 months.

RESULTS

The overall nonunion rate was 23%. Neuropathy and prior attempts at revision were identified as significant risks (P <.05) for persistent nonunion. Odds ratio calculated based on previous attempts at revision arthrodesis found a 2.8-fold increase in the risk of failure for each attempt at revision.

CONCLUSION

Revision arthrodesis for nonunion in the foot and ankle was successful (77%) under a variety of patient and operative conditions. Neuropathy was a significant patient risk factor for persistent nonunions, and we believe it is important to identify even in the nondiabetic patient. As the number of attempts at revisions increases, there is a subsequent 3-fold increase in the risk of persistent nonunion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Joint Geometry in Patients With End-Stage Ankle Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Deformation of the talus and the distal tibia can be frequently observed during ankle joint osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to objectify these morphologic changes. We hypothesized that a flattening of the talus and a broadening of the distal tibia surface occurs in end-stage OA of the ankle joint.

METHODS

Twenty-seven computed tomography (CT) ankle joint examinations of unilateral ankle OA were matched by sex and age with 27 CT examinations of healthy ankle joints. Three-dimensional reformatting and measurements were performed with geometry analysis software. The following parameters were assessed: sagittal radius of the talus, talus height, and mediolateral and anteroposterior width of the distal tibial joint surface.

RESULTS

Medial, midsagittal, and lateral sagittal arc radii of osteoarthritic tali were significantly larger compared to tali of controls. There was a statistically significant difference in the height of the osteoarthritic talar dome in the medial and in the lateral frontal segment and in the medial central segment compared to tali of controls. The anteroposterior width and the sagittal curvature of the distal tibia was significantly larger in OA ankles than in the control group. The mediolateral measurements were comparable across both groups.

CONCLUSION

Flattening of the talus appears to be more pronounced in the frontal aspect of the talus. The distal tibia broadens anteroposteriorly. These findings may contribute to better understanding of ankle OA development.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative cohort study.

Open Versus Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis: A Comparison of Subsequent Procedures in a Large Database

Arthroscopic and open ankle arthrodesis have been compared in very few studies, and no consensus has been reached regarding the incidence of postoperative revision surgery associated with each technique. The purpose of the present study was to compare these 2 approaches for the incidence of postsurgical operations. Patients who had undergone either arthroscopic or open ankle arthrodesis were identified between January 2005 to December 2011 in the PearlDiver(™) database using a predetermined algorithm and searched for the following postsurgical operations: revision ankle arthrodesis, midfoot arthrodesis, and hindfoot arthrodesis. In the current database, 7322 cases were performed with an open technique and 1152 arthroscopically. The incidence of revision arthrodesis was not significantly different statistically between the 2 techniques. However, the incidence of subsequent adjacent joint arthrodesis was greater for the open cohort (5.6% versus 2.6%; odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.49 to 3.16). In the open cohort, the incidence of hindfoot arthrodesis was greater than the incidence of midfoot arthrodesis (3.9% versus 1.6%, odds ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval 1.95 to 3.01). The results showed that although open ankle arthrodesis is more commonly performed, it is associated with a greater incidence of subsequent adjacent joint arthrodesis specifically in the hindfoot.