Arthroscopic Medial Approach for Modified Double Arthrodesis of the Foot

Double Versus Triple Arthrodesis Fusion Rates: A Systematic Review

Hindfoot arthrodesis is often required for end-staged deformities, such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Although the need for hindfoot arthrodesis is generally accepted in severe deformities, there is a debate whether a double or triple arthrodesis should be performed. The aim of our systematic review is to review the fusion rates and mean time to fusion in double and triple arthrodesis. A total of 184 articles were identified using the keyword search through the database of articles published from 2005 to 2017. After review by 3 physicians, a total of 13 articles met the eligibility criteria. The reason for double or triple arthrodesis within the studies were posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, tarsal coalition, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Charcot Marie Tooth, Multiple Sclerosis, Polio, neuromuscular disorder, cerebral palsy, acrodystrophic neuropathy, clubfoot, post-traumatic, and seronegative arthropathy (spondyloarthritis). Within these 13 studies, there were a total of 343 (6-95) subjects extremities operated on. The overall fusion rate for double arthrodesis was 91.75% (289/315) compared to 92.86% (26/28) triple arthrodesis fusion rate, p value .8370. The mean time to fusion for double arthrodesis was 17.96 ± 7.96 weeks compared to 16.70 ± 8.18 weeks for triple arthrodesis, p value = .8133. There are risks associated with triple arthrodesis including increased surgical times, lateral wound complications, residual deformity, surgical costs and peri-articular arthritis. Given the benefits of double arthrodesis over triple arthrodesis and the nearly equivalent fusion rates and time to fusion, double arthrodesis is an effective alternative to triple arthrodesis. The authors of this systematic review recommend double arthrodesis as the hindfoot fusion procedure of choice.

Arthroscopic triple arthrodesis for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis; a case report

We treated a 60 - year - old man with pes planovalgus due to rheumatoid arthritis. He had been suffering from left foot pain with swelling. Despite drug therapy, his foot pain and deformity had got worsen. Taking into consideration his skin and bone quality, arthroscopic triple arthrodesis was performed. To access the subtalar joint, 2 portals were applied at the sinus tarsi, and decortication was performed. For calcaneocuboid joint, 1.5 cm portal was applied along with joint line at calcaneocuboid joint. Calcaneocuboid joint was fully decorticated, then, 1.5 cm portal was applied at the joint line of talonavicular joint in parallel. Synovectomy and decortication under arthroscopy were performed. Once each joint was sufficiently prepared, it was fixed using screws via a percutaneous stab incision with an autologous bone graft from the iliac crest to the calcaneocuboid and talonavicular joint. At 12 weeks postoperatively, bone union was confirmed. The Japan Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) RA foot and ankle scale had improved from the postoperative value of 38 points to a postoperative score of 86 points at one year. Plain radiographs showed that good alignment of the patient's hindfoot was maintained. We found that arthroscopic approach was able to achieve satisfactory outcome and minimise soft tissue trauma in a compromised patient.

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.

Medial Approach to the Subtalar Joint

Surgical access to the subtalar joint is required in a plethora of pathologic conditions of the hindfoot. The conventional lateral approach can give excellent access to subtalar joint; however, in hindfoot valgus deformities, there can be unacceptable risks of wound problems and incomplete deformity corrections. The medial approach offers good access to the subtalar joint with an increasing evidence base for its use, especially with double fusions in pes planus deformities. The authors review the current evidence in the use of the medial approach for the subtalar joint.