Safety and efficacy of total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis for ankle osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A Comparison Between Intensive and Conventional Therapies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Regarding the Pre-operative Outcomes After Total Knee Replacement

Joint degeneration characterized by cartilage deterioration and bone wear is the hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that worsens over time. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most common effective treatment for OA. Conventional therapy training (CTT) is the standard intervention; we are testing whether intensive therapy training (ITT) provides different results when used preoperatively. Our study compared intensive and standard preoperative physical therapy in randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, excluding various other study types. Two independent researchers assessed the risk of bias using appropriate tools (RoB 2 for RCTs (Cochrane Methods, London, UK) and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies (Cochrane Methods, London, UK)). The analysis, conducted using ReviewManager 5.4 (Cochrane Methods, London, UK), presented results as mean differences (MD) with 95% CIs, employing fixed or random-effects models based on heterogeneity assessments. With a total number of 490 participants, ITT showed significant improvements in the six or 10-minute walk test (MD = 45.07m, P < 0.000001), quadriceps strength (MD = 0.07 Kg, P < 0.0001), range of motion (ROM) flexion (MD = 4.29, P = 0.03), isometric knee flexion (MD =2.32, P=0.04), SF-36 physical component (MD = 1.19, P <,0.0001), stair test (MD = -2.01, P = 0.01), timed up and go test (MD = -1.12, P = 0.02), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (MD = -8.43, P = 0.002). Conversely, CTT showed better results in isometric knee extension (MD = 3.45, P = 0.02). No significant differences were found in ROM extension or visual analog score (VAS) pain scores. Preoperative ITT demonstrates overall superior outcomes compared to CTT for total knee arthroplasty patients. ITT significantly improved various functional and patient-reported outcomes, including walking capacity, quadriceps strength, range of motion, and quality of life measures. However, CTT showed superiority in isometric knee extension. We recommend implementing preoperative ITT protocols for TKA patients while acknowledging the need for further research to optimize exercise specifics, frequency, and duration for optimal results.

Accuracy of patient-specific instrumentation for implant positioning in custom-made total ankle arthroplasty

Purpose

This retrospective radiological analysis aimed to assess the accuracy of implant positioning in patients with ankle arthritis undergoing custom-made total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) compared with preoperative planning.

Methods

Patients who underwent custom-made TAA with PSI from January 2018 to March 2023 were retrospectively evaluated, focusing on the tibial anterior surface (TAS) angle, tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle and tibiotalar ratio (TTR). Additionally, data regarding the time from the preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan to surgery, associated procedures and complications were recorded.

Results

No associated procedures were performed, and only one intraoperative complication, an iatrogenic lateral malleolar fracture, was recorded. In the coronal plane, custom-made TAA with PSI consistently achieved precise positioning of prosthetic components, even in cases with significant preoperative deformities or bone deficits. However, a statistically significant deviation from the planned values was observed in the sagittal plane (p = 0.007). A notable correlation was identified between the time elapsed from the preoperative CT scan to surgery and the deviation from the planned to the actual postoperative TAS angle (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study underscores the efficacy of PSI systems in achieving precise positioning in the coronal plane, in accordance with preoperative planning. In contrast, sagittal plane positioning did not demonstrate the same level of accuracy, as evidenced by a statistically significant difference between the planned and postoperative TLS values. Nevertheless, all measurements remained within the recommended range according to the existing literature.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.

Do Patients With Insulin-Dependent and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Have Different Risks for Complications After Total Ankle Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes undergoing total ankle arthroplasty tend to be at greater risk for complications than those without diabetes. However, the effect of diabetes severity and how it impacts the risk for perioperative complications is less clear. The purpose of this study was to compare (1) complications, (2) length of hospital stay, and (3) readmissions within 30 days for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) patients without diabetes, patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.

METHODS

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, a total of 1803 patients undergoing TAA between 2007 and 2019 were collected. The relationship between diabetes status (no diabetes [n = 1,589], insulin-dependent [n = 169], and non-insulin-dependent [n = 45]) and outcomes were compared. Multivariate linear regression models were used to adjust for confounding variables such as age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking, steroid use, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anesthesia type, dyspnea, and outpatient status. Statistical significance was set at P <.05.

RESULTS

Insulin-dependent diabetes was an independent risk factor for increased odds of infection within 30 days (odds ratio 6.47, 95% CI 0.79-33.66; P = .043). Hospital length of stay was also increased in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.02-0.40; P = .031) and insulin-dependent diabetes (β = 0.40, 95% CI 0.04-0.76; P = .028). However, neither diabetic state demonstrated a statistically significant increase in readmissions or wound complications within 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes included in this cohort were at increased risk of having an infection within 30 days after TAA. Additionally, patients with diabetes status had an increased hospital length of stay. These results can inform patients on their potential outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty based on their diabetes status.

Outcomes After Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Patients Aged ≤50 Years at Midterm Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Ankle arthritis differs from arthritis of the hip and knee in that 80% is posttraumatic and thus often occurs in a younger patient population. The literature supporting total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in younger patients has increased over recent years and has bolstered the argument that in the short term, TAA in younger patients has successful outcomes that are comparable to older, lower-demand patients.The purpose of our study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and implant survivorship at midterm after primary TAA in patients ≤ 50 years of age at the time of surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients ≤ 50 years of age who underwent primary TAA at a single institution from 2000 to 2017. Patient demographics, outcome measures, and complications were recorded. All patients had a minimum clinical follow-up of 5 years. PRO measures were evaluated at preoperative, 1-year postoperative, and final follow-up visits. Paired t tests were performed to compare individual patient changes in PROs from preoperative. Implant survivorship was evaluated based on need for revision of either the tibial or talar component. The need for additional surgery related to the TAA was also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients were included. The average age at the time of the index surgery was 43.3 years (range 22-50 years). All patients had a minimum follow-up of 5 years with a mean follow-up of 8.8 years. A total of 11 patients required additional surgery related to their TAA. Six patients (10.3%) required bone grafting of peri-implant cysts, 3 patients (5.2 %) required gutter debridement, and 1 patient underwent complete revision of metal components. Mean visual analog scale, 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scores significantly improved from preoperative to 1-year postoperative and final postoperative follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The patients aged ≤50 years treated with a TAA whom we have been able to observe for a minimum of 5 years showed generally maintained improvement in functional scores and thus far have had a relatively low rate of secondary surgeries.Level of Evidence:Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Diagnosing and Managing Infection in Total Ankle Replacement

Infections after total ankle replacement (TAR) within the first 4 weeks after implantation can be managed successfully with 1 or several debridements, irrigation, and a change of polyethylene inlay. Late infections require implant removal. Low-grade infections might be an underestimated problem so far. Although single-surgery revisions are reported in the literature, the authors' experience with 2-stage revisions using an antibiotics-loaded bone cement spacer is better. Additional antibiotics are used to support the surgical treatment. After antibiotic therapy of 12 weeks, the final treatment includes ankle or tibio-talo-calcaneal fusion and, with limitations, revision TAR.

The Ageing Foot

Feet suffer significant stress throughout a lifetime and undergo ageing-associated problems due to gradual tissue degeneration affecting the skin, connective tissue, and nerves. Oxygen supply to the tissues may be diminished. The skin gets dry and calluses, ulcers and fungal infections of the skin and nails are not uncommon. Ligaments and tendons degenerate and, without proper prevention, deformities including claw toes, hammer toes, tendonitis, and bursitis may occur. Skeletal toe deformities such as bunions, bony spurs, and hallux valgus may increase discomfort, while stress fractures may have an adverse impact on the patients' quality of life. The ageing foot pathology may add up to common age-related problems, such as crystal deposition arthropathies, diabetes mellitus, peripheral circulatory disorders, and peripheral edema, increasing morbidity. This review summarizes ageing-related feet problems, focusing on prevention and treatment. Foot health has a paramount role in overall wellbeing, therefore prevention, proper foot care, and prompt diagnosis and management of ageing-related changes are vital for maintaining a healthy, active status.