Ankle arthrodesis from lateral transfibular approach: analysis of treatment results of 23 feet treated by the modified Mann’s technique

Ankle arthrodesis through minimally-invasive transfibular approach: a new surgical technique

PURPOSE

The purpose of our work was to demonstrate the surgical technique of ankle arthrodesis using the minimally-invasive transfibular (MITF) approach, which minimizes soft tissue damage and is advantageous for high-risk patients.

METHODS

In this prospective study, a total of 12 patients with end-stage varus ankle osteoarthritis, including high-risk individuals, underwent ankle arthrodesis using the MITF approach. The technique involves a unique osteotomy at the joint space level, minimizing soft tissue detachment from the fibula. The primary outcomes assessed included bony union, time to weight-bearing, correction of varus deformity, and functional outcomes measured by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale. However, the study's limitations encompass a small sample size and the absence of a control group.

RESULTS

At 6 months post-operation, all patients achieved bony union, with a mean time to union of 13.7 ± 5.2 weeks. The average time to initiate weight-bearing without additional support was 11.2 ± 3.8 weeks. Preoperative varus deformity (17.08 ± 8.36 degrees) and talar tilt (8.75 ± 4.33 degrees) were successfully corrected, with postoperative alignment within 0-5 degrees of valgus. Functional outcomes showed a significant improvement in AOFAS scores from 37.83 ± 7.79 points preoperatively to 77.42 ± 5.63 points one year after surgery (p = 0.002). Minor complications occurred in two patients, both effectively treated with local therapy and antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

The MITF approach for ankle arthrodesis demonstrates promising results in addressing end-stage varus ankle osteoarthritis, even in high-risk patients. However, the study's limitations highlight the need for a prospective comparative clinical trial with a larger sample size to ascertain the technique's effectiveness and safety definitively.

Role of fibular autograft in ankle arthrodesis fixed using cannulated screws: a proportional meta-analysis and systematic review

Ankle arthrodesis is commonly performed to treat end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of fibular autograft might increase the fusion rate and decrease the complication rate in ankle arthrodesis (AA) fixed using cannulated screws. To perform this PRISMA-compliant proportional meta-analysis, multiple databases were searched for studies in which patients undergone AA (using exclusively cannulated screws and augmented with fibular bone graft) were followed. The characteristics of the cohort, the study design, surgical details, the nonunion and complication rate at the longest follow-up were extracted and recorded. The modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS) was applied to appraise the quality of studies. Two groups were built: arthrodeses fixed with screws combined with cancellous autograft (G1) and arthrodeses fixed with screws combined with cancellous autograft and augmented with a lateral fibular onlay (G2). A third group (arthrodeses fixed with screws and no graft, G3) was extracted from previous literature for a further comparison. Overall, we included 306 ankles (296 patients) from ten series (ten studies). In G1 and G2 there were 118 ankles (111 patients) and 188 ankles (185 patients), respectively. In patients where cancellous autograft was used, a further augmentation with a fibular lateral strut autograft did not change significantly the nonunion (4% [95% CI 1-9] in G1 vs. 2% [95% CI 0-5) in G2, p = 0.99) nor the complication rate (18% [95% CI 0-36] in G1 vs. 13% [95% CI 6-21) in G2, p = 0.71). Upon comparison with 667 ankles (659 patients, G3) in which arthrodeses had been performed without grafting, the nonunion and complication rates did not differ significantly either (pooled estimates: 3% [95% CI 1-3) in G1 + G2 vs. 3% [95% CI 2-4] in G3, p = 0.73 for nonunion; 15% [8-23] in G1 + G2 vs. 13% [95% CI 9-17] in G3, p = 0.93 for complications). In ankle arthrodesis fixed with cannulated screws combined with cancellous autograft at the fusion site, a construct augmentation with a distal fibular onlay strut graft positioned laterally at the ankle joint does not reduce the risk of nonunion or complication. In general, the use of bone graft does not influence significantly the nonunion nor the complication rate as compared to non-grafted screw-fixed ankle arthrodeses.Kindly check and confirm the corresponding author mail id is correctly identified.It's all correct.

Improvement in clinical outcome and quality of life after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in paralytic foot drop

BACKGROUND

Paralytic foot-drop is a disabling deformity that results from nerve or direct muscle injuries. Palliative surgeries such as tendon transfer and ankle arthrodesis are reserved for permanent deformity, with the arthroscopic technique had not been widely studied before. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcome and quality of life after arthroscopic ankle fusion of paralytic foot-drop deformity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients who were retrospectively enrolled in this study underwent arthroscopic ankle fusion for paralytic foot-drop deformity between March 2017 and December 2021. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) were the measures used for clinical assessment. To judge the union, serial plain radiographs of the ankle were obtained. The preoperative and postoperative means were analyzed utilizing a two-tailed paired t-test, with a p value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

RESULTS

This study included 21 consecutive patients with a mean follow-up of 35.09 ± 4.5 months and a mean age of 41.5 ± 6.1 years. Highly significant improvements were observed between the preoperative and final follow-up means of the AOFAS score (from 57.6 ± 4.6 to 88.3 ± 2.7) and CAIT (from 12.1 ± 2.2 to 28.9 ± 1.01; p ˂ 0.00001 for both). All patients attained radiographic union and resumed their previous occupations without reporting serious adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic ankle fusion is an effective, minimally invasive palliative surgery for patients suffering from permanent paralytic foot-drop deformity. This technique was shown to provide good functional and radiologic outcomes without significant complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort; level of evidence (IV).

Irritation from metalwork after ankle arthrodesis fixed using screws: a proportional meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Ankle arthrodesis (AA) is often fixed using cannulated screws. The irritation from metalwork is a relatively common complication, but there is no consensus regarding the need to remove the screws on a systematic basis. The aim of this study was to determine (1) the proportion of screws removed after AA and (2) whether predictors of screw removal could be identified.

METHODS

This PRISMA-compliant systematic review was part of a larger previous protocol registered on the PROSPERO platform. Multiple databases were searched including studies in which patients undergone AA using screws as exclusive fixation method were followed. Data were harvested regarding the cohort, the study design, the surgical technique, the nonunion and complication rate at the longest follow-up. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS).

RESULTS

Forty-four series of patients from thirty-eight studies (1990 ankles, 1934 patients) were selected. The average follow-up was 40.8 months (range 12-110). In all studies, hardware was removed due to symptoms reported by patients and related to the screws. The pooled proportion of removal of metalwork was 3% (95% CI 2-4). The pooled proportion of fusion was 96% (95%CI 95-98), while the pooled proportion of complications and reoperations (excluding the removal of metalwork) stood at 15% (95% CI 11-18) and 3% (95% CI 2-4), respectively. The mean mCMS (50.8 ± 8.1, range 35-66) revealed only an overall fair quality of studies. The univariate analysis and the multivariate model showed that the year of publication (R = - 0.004; p = 0.01) and the number of screws (R = 0.08; p = 0.01) were associated with the screw removal rate. Specifically, we found that over time the removal rate decreased by 0.4% per year and that the use of three screws instead of two reduced the risk of removal of metalwork by 8%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, removal of metalwork after ankle arthrodesis using cannulated screws was needed in 3% of cases at an average follow-up of 40.8 months. It was indicated only in case of symptoms related to soft tissue irritation from screws. The use of three screws was paradoxically related to a reduced risk of removal of screws as compared to two-screw constructs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level IV.

Does Concurrent Distal Tibiofibular Joint Arthrodesis Affect the Nonunion and Complication Rates of Tibiotalar Arthrodesis?

Tibiotalar arthrodesis successfully treats ankle arthritis but carries risk of nonunion. It is unclear whether concurrent distal tibiofibular arthrodesis affects tibiotalar nonunion rate. The purpose of this study is to compare tibiotalar nonunion and complication rates in patients with versus without a distal tibiofibular arthrodesis. This is a retrospective review of 516 consecutive ankle arthrodesis performed between March 2002 and May 2016. A total of 319 ankles (312 patients) underwent primary, open tibiotalar arthrodesis (227 with distal tibiofibular arthrodesis, 92 without). Primary outcome measure was nonunion rate. Secondary outcome measures were time to tibiotalar union, rate of development of post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE), rate of deep wound complications, and rate of return to operating room (OR). No differences in nonunion rates were observed in both cohorts of patients with versus without distal tibiofibular arthrodesis: 17/227 (7.5%) versus 11/92 (12%) (p = 0.2), respectively, odds ratio was 0.74, 95% CI: 0.29~2.08 (p = 0.55). There was no difference in deep wound complications (5.3% versus 10.9%, p = 0.42), time to union (3.7 months versus 4.1 months, p = 0.72), or rate of development of DVT/PE (5.2% versus 2.2%, p = 0.18) between patients with and without distal tibiofibular arthrodesis, respectively. This is the first study directly comparing nonunion and complication rates in primary, open ankle arthrodesis with and without distal tibiofibular arthrodesis. Inclusion of the distal fibular joint with the tibiotalar fusion was not associated with a change in tibiotalar nonunion rate, time to union, wound complications, or postoperative DVT/PE.

Surgical Treatment of Foot Drop: Pathophysiology and Tendon Transfers for Restoration of Motor Function

Foot drop is a common condition that may impact physical function and health-related quality of life. A detailed clinical history and physical examination are critical components of the initial evaluation of patients presenting with foot drop. Patients with refractory foot drop without spontaneous recovery of motor deficits, delayed presentation greater than 12 months from injury, or neural lesions that are not amenable to or have failed nerve reconstruction may be candidates for tendon transfers to restore active ankle dorsiflexion. The modified Bridle procedure is a dynamic tendon transfer that has demonstrated excellent functional outcomes in patients with refractory foot drop.

Imaging and Treatment of Posttraumatic Ankle and Hindfoot Osteoarthritis

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle and hindfoot is a common and frequently debilitating disorder. 70% to 90% of ankle osteoarthritis is related to prior trauma that encompasses a spectrum of disorders including fractures and ligamentous injuries that either disrupt the articular surface or result in instability of the joint. In addition to clinical evaluation, imaging plays a substantial role in the treatment planning of posttraumatic ankle and hindfoot osteoarthritis. Imaging evaluation must be tailored to specific clinical scenarios and includes weight bearing radiography that utilizes standard and specialty views, computed tomography which can be performed with a standard or a weight bearing technique, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound evaluation. This review article aims to familiarize the reader with treatment rationale, to provide a brief review of surgical techniques and to illustrate expected imaging appearances of common operative procedures performed in the setting of posttraumatic ankle and hindfoot osteoarthritis, such as joint-preserving procedures, ankle fusion, subtalar fusion, tibiotalarcalcaneal fusion and ankle arthroplasty. Preoperative findings will be discussed along with the expected postoperative appearance of various procedures in order to improve detection of their complications on imaging and to provide optimal patient care.

Impact of Bone Graft on Fusion Rates in Primary Open Ankle Arthrodesis Fixated With Cannulated Screws: A Systematic Review

There is currently no consensus on the importance of bone graft use in ankle arthrodesis. Despite this, bone graft is widely used. We aimed to summarize the available literature on primary open ankle arthrodesis fixated with cannulated screws in order to assess the importance of bone graft in achieving more favorable rates of fusion. PubMed and Embase were queried for articles reporting on primary open ankle arthrodesis fixated with cannulated screws which specified use or non-use of bone graft. Pooled data analysis was performed. Modified Coleman Methodology Scores were calculated to assess reporting quality. Twenty-seven studies met our inclusion criteria and were divided into three groups: no bone graft (NBG), fibular onlay with bone graft (FOBG), and use of bone graft (BG). All three groups had comparable fusion rates of 94.7%, 95.3%, and 95.1% respectively (p = .98). Number needed to treat was 7 and Absolute Risk Reduction was 14.8%. The reviewed literature was largely of moderate quality, with an overall Coleman score of 60.6 and no significance between the 3 groups (p = .93). In conclusion, primary open ankle arthrodesis fixated with cannulated screws generally had favorable fusion rates, and bone graft use did not have a significant effect on union rates. The available literature suggests that bone graft may not be needed in routine tibiotalar arthrodesis in low-risk patients. It may more significantly impact patients who are at high-risk of fusion failure, and dedicated research on this high-risk subset of patients is required.

Mini-open vs. Transfibular Approach for Ankle Arthrodesis, Which Approach is Superior in Joint Preparation: A Cadaver Study

BACKGROUND

Arthrodesis is considered the gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis in patients who fail conservative management. Achieving union is paramount while minimizing complications. An essential item for successful union is preparation of the articular surface. Our study aims to evaluate the difference in joint preparation between direct lateral and dual mini-open approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten below knee fresh-frozen specimens were used for this study. Five were prepared through lateral approach, and five using dual mini-incisions. After preparation, all ankles were dissected and images of tibial plafond and talar articular surfaces were taken. Surface areas of articulating facets and unprepared cartilage of talus, distal tibia, and distal fibula were measured and analyzed.

RESULTS

A greater amount of total surface area was prepared with the mini-open approach in comparison to the transfibular approach. Percentage of prepared surface area of total articulating surface (including talus and tibia/fibula), talus, tibia, and fibula with the transfibular approach were 76.9%, 77.7%, and 75%, respectively. Percentages were 90.9%, 92.9%, and 88.6% with the mini-open approach. When excluding medial gutter, there was no significant difference between techniques (83.94% vs. 90.85%, p = 0.1412).

CONCLUSION

Joint preparation with the mini-open approach is equally efficacious as the transfibular approach for the tibiotalar joint. The mini-open approach does provide superior preparation of the medial gutter and inferior tibial surface which may help to increase union rates and decreased complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Open Ankle Arthrodesis: a Systematic Review of Approaches and Fixation Methods

BACKGROUND

Open ankle arthrodesis (OAA) remains the most widely used operation in end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, there is a large variation in terms of approach and fixation methods. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of different approaches and fixation methods on the union rate, complication rate and functional outcome in OAA.

METHODS

A search of the online databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library was performed to identify patients who underwent OAA with screw- and/or plate-fixation.

RESULTS

We identified 38 studies, including 1250 patients (1290 ankles). The union rate was 98% (95% CI 0.95-0.99) for the anterior, 96% (95% CI 0.92-0.98) for the lateral and 96% (95% CI 0.68-1.00) for the combined medial/lateral approach. Screw-fixation achieved an overall union rate of 96% (95% CI 0.93-0.98) and plate-fixation 99% (95% CI 0.96-0.99). The overall complication rate was 14%, 16% and 31% for the anterior, lateral and combined medial/lateral approaches respectively. It stood at 18% for screw-fixation and 9% for plate-fixation. The infection rate was 4%, 6% and 8% for the anterior, lateral and combined approaches respectively. Screw-fixation had an infection rate of 6% and plate-fixation 3%. The postoperative AOFAS scores were 76.8, 76.5 and 67.6 for the anterior, lateral and combined approaches respectively and 74.9 for screw- compared to 78.5 for plate-fixation. These differences did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

This study, the first of its kind, found little difference in terms of results between approach and fixation method used in OAA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IIa.

A fibular notch approach for the treatment of ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond

Background

Although efficacy is related to many factors, the surgical approach is one of the most important intervention factors for complex ankle fractures. Ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond frequently present a surgical challenge in choosing which incisions will be best for surgical treatment. Here, we present an innovative fibular notch approach for the treatment of some specific ankle fractures and present a series of patients with either functional or radiographic outcomes.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with distal tibial plafond fractures with concomitant fibular and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries were treated through a fibular notch approach in this retrospective study. The details of the surgical technique were reviewed from the operative notes. Relevant data were reviewed from the medical records. The quality of fractures and syndesmosis reduction was examined using CT scans, and lateral stability of the ankle was assessed by physical examination and stress radiographs. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) score was implemented for clinical functional assessment.

Results

All surgeries were successfully performed via the fibular notch approach as the primary approach with excellent intraoperative visualization. Postoperative radiography revealed satisfying restoration of all fractures and syndesmosis. All fractures healed with an average time of 17.3 ± 3.6 weeks. Mild posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) was present in 4 patients. The average AOFAS score was 88.8 at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

The fibular notch approach is a safe and reliable approach for the treatment of specific ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond. This approach provides excellent direct visualization of the fragments and articular surface without significantly increasing iatrogenic injuries. Satisfactory radiographic and clinical results were observed, and further clinical and anatomical studies are recommended to ascertain the feasibility of this approach in the treatment of complex distal tibial fractures.

End-stage Ankle Arthritis Treated by Ankle Arthrodesis with Screw Fixation Through the Transfibular Approach: A Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcome of ankle arthrodesis with screw fixation through the transfibular approach for end-stage ankle arthritis.

METHODS

Data of 22 patients (28 ankles) with end-stage ankle arthritis admitted to the Department of Orthopedics and Surgery of the First Hospital of Jilin University from May 2015 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The study included 9 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 56.86 ± 11.27 years (range, 37-75 years). The mean duration of the disease was 11.36 ± 12.80 years (range, 3 months-50 years). A total of 16 patients had posttraumatic arthritis, 5 patients had osteoarthritis, and 1 patient had rheumatoid arthritis. There were 12 cases of the left ankle and 16 cases of the right ankle; 16 cases were unilateral and 6 were bilateral. The same surgical procedure was applied to all patients. Collected data included the operation time, intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, bone union rate, time to bone union, and complications. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the preoperative status and the postoperative outcome at the last follow up.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 26.14 ± 10.99 months. The mean operation time was 101.82 ± 33.33 min. The mean blood loss was 116.78 ± 68.86 mL during the procedure and 111.07 ± 52.18 mL after the procedure. The mean hospitalization time was 14.22 ± 5.42 days. Bone union of the ankle joint was achieved in all patients. The mean time to bone union was 14.83 ± 2.14 weeks. There was significant difference in the operation time between the patients undergoing unilateral and bilateral ankle arthrodesis. The AOFAS ankle hindfoot score increased from the preoperative value of 43.46 ± 4.39 points to 80.39 ± 5.37 points at the last follow up. During the same interval, the VAS score improved from 6.14 ± 0.80 points to 1.64 ± 0.73 points. The AOFAS ankle hindfoot score of patients who underwent unilateral ankle arthrodesis improved from the preoperative 43.19 ± 3.95 points to 81.75 ± 5.23 points at the last follow up, and the VAS score improved from 6.19 ± 0.83 points to 1.69 ± 0.70 points. The AOFAS ankle hindfoot score of patients undergoing bilateral ankle arthrodesis improved from the preoperative value of 43.83 ± 5.08 points to 78.67 ± 5.05 points at the last follow up, while the VAS score improved from 6.08 ± 0.82 points to 1.58 ± 0.79 points. There was significant difference in the maximum walking distance and walking on any surface between the patients undergoing unilateral and bilateral ankle arthrodesis. One patient developed superficial peroneal nerve palsy, which resolved within 1 year after the operation. In another patient, healing of the incision skin was delayed. During the follow-up period, none of the patients developed an infection of the incision or local skin necrosis; screw loosening, withdrawal, or breakage did not occur in any patient.

CONCLUSION

The ankle arthrodesis with screw fixation through the transfibular approach provides satisfactory clinical outcomes for end-stage ankle arthritis.

Postoperative weightbearing following ankle arthrodesis

Aims

Postoperative rehabilitation regimens following ankle arthrodesis vary considerably. A systematic review was conducted to determine the evidence for weightbearing recommendations following ankle arthrodesis, and to compare outcomes between different regimens.

Patients and Methods

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes following ankle arthrodesis, in which standardized postoperative rehabilitation regimens were employed. Eligible studies were grouped according to duration of postoperative nonweightbearing: zero to one weeks (group A), two to three weeks (group B), four to five weeks (group C), or six weeks or more (group D). Outcome data were pooled and compared between groups. Outcomes analyzed included union rates, time to union, clinical scores, and complication rates.

Results

A total of 60 studies (2426 ankles) were included. Mean union rates for groups A to D were 93.2%, 95.5%, 93.0%, and 93.0%, respectively. Mean time to union was 10.4 weeks, 14.5 weeks, 12.4 weeks, and 14.4 weeks for groups A to D, respectively. Mean complication rates were 22.3%, 23.0%, 27.1%, and 28.7% for groups A to D, respectively. Reporting of outcome scores was insufficient to conduct meaningful analysis.

Conclusion

Outcomes following ankle arthrodesis appear to be similar regardless of the duration of postoperative nonweightbearing, although the existing literature is insufficient to make definitive conclusions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1256–1262

Operative Fixation Options for Elective and Diabetic Ankle Arthrodesis

Ankle arthrodesis remains one of the most definitive treatment options for end-stage arthritis, paralysis, posttraumatic and postinfectious conditions, failed total ankle arthroplasty, and severe deformities. The general aims of ankle arthrodesis are to decrease pain and instability, correct the accompanying deformity, and create a stable plantigrade foot. Several surgical approaches have been reported for ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation options. External fixation has also evolved for ankle arthrodesis in certain clinical scenarios. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of midterm to long-term outcomes for ankle arthrodesis using internal and/or external fixation each for elective and diabetic conditions.

Results of Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis with Fixation Using Two Parallel Headless Compression Screws in a Heterogenic Group of Patients

BACKGROUND

As orthopedic surgeons become skilled in ankle arthroscopy technique and evidence -based data is supporting its use, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) will likely continue to increase, but stabilization methods have not been described clearly. We present a technique for two parallel 7.3-mm headless compression screws fixation (HCSs) for AAA in cases of ankle arthritis with different etiology, both traumatic and non-traumatic, including neuromuscular and inflammatory patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively verified 24 consecutive patients (25 ankles) who underwent AAA between 2011 and 2015. The average follow-up was 26 months (range 18 to 52 months). Arthrodesis was performed in 16 patients due to posttraumatic arthritis (in 5 as a sequela of pilon, 6 ankles, 3 tibia fractures, and 2 had arthritis due to chronic instability after lateral ligament injury), in 4 patients due to neuromuscular ankle joint deformities, and in 4 patients due to rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS

Fusion occurred in 23 joints (92%) over an average of 12 weeks (range 6 to 18 weeks). Ankle arthrodesis was not achieved in 2 joints (8%), both in post-pilon fracture patients. The correct foot alignment was not achieved in 4 feet (16%). None of the treated patients required hardware removal.

CONCLUSION

The presented technique was effective in achieving a high fusion rate in a variety of diseases, decreasing intra- and post-operative hardware complications while maintaining adequate bone stability.