Functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with subtalar arthrodesis for posttraumatic arthritis

Factors influencing successful bone union of isolated subtalar arthrodesis for posttraumatic subtalar arthritis: a multicenter case series

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to find the factors influencing successful bone union for isolated subtalar arthrodesis in posttraumatic subtalar arthritis following calcaneal fracture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the rate of successful bone union of 119 cases of isolated subtalar arthrodesis for posttraumatic subtalar arthritis performed at five university hospitals between January 2010 and December 2019. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find the factors associated with successful bone union. Successful bone union was defined as resolution of hindfoot pain with the presence of osseous trabecular bridging involving more than 50% of the posterior facet within 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were 77 (64.7%) cases of successful bone union, 11 (9.2%) cases of delayed union, 8 (6.7%) cases of questionable union, and 23 (19.3%) cases of nonunion. Use of fully threaded screws was 5.90 times [odds ratio (OR) = 5.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42-24.49, p = 0.02] more likely to achieve successful bone union compared to the use of partially threaded screws. Use of two parallel screws or the two divergent screws were 3.71 times (OR = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.05-13.14, p = 0.04) and 4.65 times (OR = 4.65, 95% CI = 1.23-17.53, p = 0.02) more likely to achieve successful bone union compared to the use of a single screw. Use of cancellous autograft or structural autograft was 4.72 times (OR = 4.72, 95% CI = 1.17-19.06, p = 0.03) and 7.12 times (OR = 7.12, 95% CI = 1.46-34.68, p = 0.02) more likely to achieve successful bone union compared to no graft use.

CONCLUSION

Use of fully threaded screws, autograft, and two screws compared to a single screw were the factors associated with successful bone union within six postoperative months after subtalar arthrodesis for the posttraumatic arthritis.

Inconclusive evidence that arthroscopic techniques yield better outcomes than open techniques for subtalar arthrodesis-A systematic review

IMPORTANCE

Open in situ subtalar arthrodesis (ISTA) has been a standard procedure for treating subtalar arthritis for varied etiologies with good outcomes. There has been a paradigm shift from ISTA to arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (ASTA) over the past two decades due to increase in number of surgeons performing arthroscopy worldwide. However, there is only limited evidence in the existing literature to substantiate the benefit of this change with regards to patient benefit. To our knowledge, there are also no systematic reviews comparing the results of the two techniques for subtalar arthrodesis (STA).

AIM

Our systematic review aims to determine the superior technique for performing STA by comparing the outcomes, union rates, and complications between open and arthroscopic approach for in situ STA. We hypothesised that both procedures would have similar outcomes, union rates, time to union, and complication rate for in-situ STA.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

Three databases, MEDLINE/PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, were searched using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to compare the two procedures. Risk of bias assessment was done using The Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for assessing the risk of bias in the included studies. Weighted mean averages were computed for all parameters and tabulated separately for ASTA and ISTA.

FINDINGS

We included a total of 22 studies with a total of 978 (ASTA-310, ISTA-668) patients in the review. The most common indication for both techniques was post traumatic subtalar arthritis due to malunited calcaneal fracture in both groups (54.5%). The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was better in the ASTA group with a weighted average improvement of 43.4, while the weighted average improvement was 31.1 in the ISTA group, respectively. Patients undergoing ASTA had a weighted average union rate of 95.5% (standard deviation [SD]-3.6) with a weighted average time to union of 12.2 weeks (SD-2.4) while the ISTA group reported 90.7% (SD-6) union rate with a weighted average time to union of 15.5 weeks (SD-8.4). The weighted overall average complication rate was 13.1% (SD-8.9) in ASTA group and 20.3% (SD-16.2) in the ISTA group with hardware-related complications being the most common in both the groups.

CONCLUSION

From the existing literature, our review suggests that both ASTA and ISTA techniques are effective procedures for STA. However, there is no conclusive evidence to recommend one technique over another. High quality randomised studies may be further required to clearly define the superiority of one technique over another LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level III.

Evaluating Prospective Patient-Reported Pain and Function Outcomes After Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis

Background:

Hindfoot and ankle fusions are mechanically limiting procedures for patients. However, patient-reported outcomes of these procedures have not been well studied. This study assessed outcomes of hindfoot and ankle fusions by using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference (PI) Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs).

Methods:

Between 2014 and 2018, 102 patients were prospectively enrolled after presenting to a tertiary care facility for ankle and hindfoot fusions, including tibiotalar, tibiotalocalcaneal, subtalar, and triple arthrodeses. Study participants completed preoperative and 12-month postoperative PF and PI CATs. The differences between mean 12-month postoperative and preoperative PROMIS PF and PI T scores were analyzed with paired t tests. The relationship between the 12-month PF and PI differences for the overall sample and patient factors was examined using multiple regression modeling.

Results:

The sample had mean age of 57.69 years; 48% were male, and 55% were obese. Patients who underwent ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis had statistically significant improvements from preoperative to 12 months postoperative in mean PF (36.26±7.85 vs 39.38±6.46, P = .03) and PI (61.07±7.75 vs 56.62±9.81, P = .02). Triple arthrodesis saw the greatest increases in physical function (▵PF = 7.22±7.31, P = .01) and reductions in pain (▵PI = –9.17±8.31, P = .01), achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Patients who underwent tibiotalar fusion had significant improvement in physical function (▵PF = 4.18±5.68, P = .04) and pain reduction that approached statistical significance (▵PI = –6.24±8.50, P = .09), achieving MCID. Older age (≥60 years ) was associated with greater improvements in PF (β = 0.20, P = .07) and PI (β = –0.29, P = .04). Preoperative PF and PI T scores were significantly associated with the 12-month change in PF and PI T scores, respectively (β = –0.74, P < .01; β = –0.61, P < .01).

Conclusion:

Hindfoot and ankle fusions are procedures with favorable patient outcomes leading to increased physical function and decreased pain at 12 months postoperation relative to preoperation.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.

Comparison of different bone graft with arthroscopy-assisted arthrodesis for the treatment of traumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint

AIM OF THE STUDY

To compare the clinical outcomes of traumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint treated by arthroscopy-assisted arthrodesis with autologous bone graft, allogenous bone graft, artifical bone graft, and no bone graft .

METHODS

Sixty-two patients (64 ft) with traumatic arthritis of subtalar joint were randomly divided into four groups. The cases treated with arthroscopy-assisted arthrodesis were analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow-up time was about 22 months (18-28 months) in each group. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and radiographic examination. The post-operative complications in each group were recorded respectively.

RESULTS

All operations were successful, without incision complications. The subtalar joint obtained full osseous fusion in each group. The average time of osseous fusion was about 12 weeks. There was no significant difference in the fusion time with each group (P = 0.991). The AOFAS and VAS scores in each group were improved significantly in the pre-operative vs post-operative evaluation (all P < 0.01). The average operation time in autologous bone graft group was 74.56 ± 11.45 min which significantly different from that of other groups(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Similar clinical outcomes were achieved among each type of bone graft. Therefore, which types of bone graft or not may be not the most important for arthroscopy-assisted subtalar arthrodesis.

Routine incorporation of longer-term patient-reported outcomes into a Dutch trauma registry

Purpose

Routine collection of post-discharge patient-reported outcomes within trauma registries can be used to benchmark quality of trauma care. This process is dependent on geographic and cultural context, but results are lacking regarding the European experience. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of routine inclusion of longer-term patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Dutch National Trauma Database (DNTD) and to characterize these outcomes in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

All adult patients (≥ 18 years) who presented for traumatic injury in 2015–2016 and met the inclusion criteria of the DNTD were included. Inclusion criteria of the DNTD are presence of traumatic injury, hospital presentation within 48 h from trauma and hospital admission for treatment of traumatic injury or immediate mortality from traumatic injury after presentation. Exclusion criteria were death, mental impairment, insufficient command of Dutch language and residency outside the Netherlands. Primary outcomes were process-related measures of feasibility (response rate, response methods and reasons for non-response). Secondary outcomes were HRQoL measures [EuroQOL 5-Dimensions 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) with added cognitive dimension and Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS)].

Results

2025 unique patients met the initial inclusion criteria, with 1753 patients eligible for follow-up. Of these, 1315 patients participated (response rate 75%). The majority of questionnaires, 990 (75%), were completed on paper, with an additional 325 (25%) through telephone interviews. Primary reason for non-response was lack of contact information (245/438 non-responders; 56%). Median EQ-5D score was 0.81 (IQR 0.68–1.00) (mean 0.74; SD 0.31) and median EQ-VAS score was 78 (IQR 65–90). Compared to a Dutch reference population (mean EQ-5D = 0.87), EQ-5D scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Routine collection of HRQoL is feasible within European health systems, like in the Netherlands. Further integration of these measures into trauma registries may aid worldwide benchmarking of trauma care quality.

Outcomes of midfoot and hindfoot fractures in multitrauma patients

INTRODUCTION

Multitrauma patients suffering hindfoot fractures, including calcaneal and talar fractures, often result in poor outcomes. However, less is known about the outcomes following midfoot fracture in the mutitrauma population. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of midfoot fractures in multitrauma patients and to compare the outcomes of midfoot and hindfoot fractures in this population.

METHODS

Data about multitrauma patients (Injury Severity Score >12) sustaining a unilateral midfoot or hindfoot fracture were obtained from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR) and from retrospective review of medical records at a major trauma centre. Further outcome data were obtained via a survey using the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Score (AAOS FAS) and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12).

RESULTS

122 multitrauma patients were included; 81 with hindfoot fractures and 41 with midfoot fractures. The median ISS (IQR) was 22 (17-29) and 27 (17-24) for the hindfoot and midfoot groups, respectively (p = 0.23). Hindfoot and midfoot fractures were commonly associated with intracranial injuries (80.3%), spine injuries (60.7%), ipsilateral lower extremity injuries (24.6%) and pelvic injuries (16.4%). The mean (SD) time to follow up was 4.5 (±2.7) years. There were no differences in mean SF-12 physical (37.97 vs 35.22, p = 0.33) or mental (46.90 vs 46.67, p = 0.94) component summary scores between the groups. There were no differences in mean AAOS FAS standard scores (69.3 vs 69.1, p = 0.97) or shoe comfort scores (median 40 vs 40 p = 0.18) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Functional outcomes in multitrauma patients with midfoot or hindfoot fractures were comparable. These findings suggest that midfoot fractures should be treated with the same degree of due diligence as hindfoot fractures in the multitrauma patient.

Functional outcomes of traumatic midfoot injuries

INTRODUCTION

Midfoot injuries are rare injuries, often the result of high-energy trauma and occurring in the context of multiple trauma. This study aimed to evaluate functional outcomes and health-related quality of life after open reduction and internal fixation for midfoot injuries at a level 1 trauma center treating complex foot injuries.

METHODS

Retrospective single level 1 center study with follow-up by questionnaire. All adult patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for Lisfranc and/or Chopart injuries between 2000 and 2016 were included and invited to complete the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Score, the EuroQOL Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS), and the EuroQOL five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Chart reviews were performed to collect demographic, injury, and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

Forty patients with 45 midfoot injuries were included. Follow-up was available for 29 patients (31 feet), leading to a response rate of 83%. The majority of patients suffered high-energy trauma and nearly all patients had a concomitant injury. Secondary arthrodesis was performed in 7/45 injuries. Median AOFAS score was 64 (IQR 47-78). Higher injury severity score (ISS) was associated with poorer functionality as measured with the AOFAS Midfoot Score (p =  0.046), concomitant injuries were associated with lower quality of life (p = 0.01). EQ-5D scores were significantly lower when compared to the Dutch reference population (p< 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Injuries of the midfoot have negative effects on mid- to long-term quality of life after trauma, with considerable potential for long-term impaired functionality. When counseling patients with these rare injuries after high-energy trauma mechanisms or in the context of multiple trauma, realistic expectations on postoperative recovery should be given.

Arthroscopic posterior subtalar arthrodesis for salvage of posttraumatic arthritis following calcaneal fractures

BACKGROUND

Subtalar arthrodesis is a treatment option for pain due to posttraumatic arthritis following calcaneal fractures. The goal of this study is to examine the results of arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis for posttraumatic arthritis following calcaneal fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective case series reviewing 37 consecutive patients (36 male) treated for posttraumatic arthritis following calcaneal fractures by arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis. The fractures were due to high-energy injuries in 81% of cases, and 12 fractures (32.4%) had been previously treated with internal fixation. Average follow-up was 57.5 months.

RESULTS

Average American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores significantly improved from 49.0 ± 10.9 points preoperatively to 76.0 ± 8.0 points at final follow-up. Average time to union was 12.5 weeks. Six patients (16.2%) suffered complications: superficial wound infection (2.7%), symptomatic hardware that warranted removal (5.4%) and nonunion (8.1%) presented nonunion. All three cases had prior internal fixation through an extensile lateral approach, and fused after a repeat surgery.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis offers consistent improvement in cases of posttraumatic arthritis following calcaneal fractures, with a union rate similar to published series of open arthrodesis. We observed more nonunions in patients who had been treated previously with internal fixation. In spite of this, we continue to recommend arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis, as it preserves the soft tissue envelope better than open techniques.

Factors Influencing Functional Outcomes of Subtalar Fusion for Posttraumatic Arthritis After Calcaneal Fracture

BACKGROUND

Subtalar arthrodesis is a common salvage operation for posttraumatic subtalar arthritis. This study aimed to identify factors associated with functional outcomes and quality of life after subtalar fusion for posttraumatic subtalar arthritis after calcaneal fracture.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study with follow-up by questionnaire in two level 1 trauma centers. Patients who underwent subtalar arthrodesis for posttraumatic arthritis after a calcaneal fracture between 2001 and 2016 were identified and contacted for completion of a survey consisting of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Maryland Foot Score (MFS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System Physical Function (PROMIS PF, Short Form 10a) questionnaire, EuroQol 5-dimensional (EQ-5D) questionnaire, and EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). Exclusion criteria were initial subtalar arthrodesis at an outside facility, primary arthrodesis for fracture, initial arthrodesis earlier than 2001, amputation of the fused foot or leg, younger than 18 years at time of fusion, and inability to communicate in English. A total of 159 patients met our inclusion criteria. Eighty-four patients completed the questionnaires, resulting in a response rate of 59%.

RESULTS

Median FAAM score was 79 (interquartile range [IQR], 48-90), median MFS was 74 (IQR, 56-86), and median PROMIS PF was 45 (IQR, 38-51). Quality of life was significantly lower when compared to a reference population ( P = .001). Smoking was independently associated with worse outcomes. Complications after fusion (such as nonunion, implant failure, and infectious complications), high-energy trauma, and ipsilateral injury were also predictors for poorer outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Acceptable functional outcomes and quality of life were observed after subtalar fusion. Smoking, complications after subtalar fusion, high-energy trauma, and presence of ipsilateral injuries were independently associated with worse functionality and quality of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic level III, comparative series.

Modulation of cartilage's response to injury: Can chondrocyte apoptosis be reversed?

Osteoarthritis is characterized by a chronic, progressive and irreversible degradation of the articular cartilage associated with joint inflammation and a reparative bone response. More than 100 million people are affected by this condition worldwide with significant health and welfare costs. Our available treatment options in osteoarthritis are extremely limited. Chondral or osteochondral grafts have shown some promising results but joint replacement surgery is by far the most common therapeutic approach. The difficulty lies on the limited regeneration capacity of the articular cartilage, poor blood supply and the paucity of resident progenitor stem cells. In addition, our poor understanding of the molecular signalling pathways involved in the senescence and apoptosis of chondrocytes is a major factor restricting further progress in the area. This review focuses on molecules and approaches that can be implemented to delay or even rescue chondrocyte apoptosis. Ways of modulating the physiologic response to trauma preventing chondrocyte death are proposed. The use of several cytokines, growth factors and advances made in altering several of the degenerative genetic pathways involved in chondrocyte apoptosis and degradation are also presented. The suggested approaches can help clinicians to improve cartilage tissue regeneration.