Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With the Hindfoot Arthrodesis Nail: A Prospective Consecutive Series From a Single Institution

Association between the procedure of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis by hindfoot nailing and quality of life in Charcot's joint

INTRODUCTION

Charcot arthropathy is a progressive disorder of the ankle and foot joints that can lead to foot deformity and instability. Surgical intervention is often necessary for deformity and ulcer management during the chronic phase. The device used for arthrodesis remains a challenge.

METHODS

This clinical trial study included diabetic patients aged 40 years or older with Charcot foot. Lateral approach with lateral malleolar osteotomy was used to access the ankle joints and remove the cartilage. A small incision was made on the plantar aspect of the foot to pass an appropriately sized intramedullary nail. Demographic information, medical history, surgical details and Clinical data were collected at 2-week and 1-year follow-ups using the Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) score and the EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) health utility score.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with a mean age of 63 ± 0.23 years were included in the study. The findings showed significant improvements in AOFAS questionnaire items related to pain score, length of the walk, walking surfaces, walking disorders, sagittal alignment, back leg alignment, sustainability, alignment and the total score (P value < 0.001). The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire also showed a significant improvement in the total score (P value = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis by hindfoot nailing in diabetic patients with Charcot foot joints and demonstrated comparable and superior outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction and complication rate when compared to previous studies.

Tibio-Talo-Calcaneal Arthrodesis: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Specific Surgical Technique in 17 Cases

INTRODUCTION

Ankle arthrodesis is a crucial surgical intervention for advanced hindfoot conditions, aiming to restore plantigrade walking and alleviate pain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a specific surgical approach for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA), focusing on rigorous risk factor control, corticocancellous grafting, and internal fixation using an angled retrograde femoral nail in the sagittal plane, and assesses the outcomes of this approach in terms of bone fusion and reduction of postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis includes 17 patients who underwent TTCA in a trauma-orthopedic department over seven years. Data were collected from medical records, the HOSIX software, and patient consultations. Preoperative assessments, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and follow-up evaluations were documented.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 42.4 years, with a male predominance. Surgical indications included post-traumatic arthropathy (53%), inflammatory arthropathy, ankle infectious pathologies, and Charcot foot and ankle prosthesis failures. All patients underwent standard preoperative evaluations and received corticocancellous grafts. An angled retrograde femoral nail in the sagittal plane was used for internal fixation. Postoperative immobilization lasted 6 to 8 weeks, with subsequent rehabilitation. The bone fusion rate was 100%, with a low complication rate (23.5%).

DISCUSSION

Our study showed a younger patient population with a male predominance, different from some previous studies. Surgical techniques, including the anterior approach combined with a lateral subtalar approach, were consistent with some studies but differed from others. Corticocancellous grafts and the angled retrograde femoral nail in the sagittal plane demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of fusion. Complication rates were lower compared to some previous reports, highlighting potential improvements in postoperative management.

CONCLUSION

The surgical approach described for TTCA, emphasizing rigorous risk factor control, corticocancellous grafting, and internal fixation using an angled retrograde femoral nail in the sagittal plane, led to satisfactory bone fusion and reduced postoperative complications. These results underscore the importance of this approach in achieving optimal functional outcomes in ankle arthrodesis.

Outcomes following tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a solid posterior offset intramedullary nail in 44 patients with a minimum 30-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is frequently performed by foot and ankle surgeons in the management of complex ankle and hindfoot pathology. In this study, the authors describe the clinical and radiological outcomes of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a solid posterior offset hindfoot arthrodesis nail.

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive patients underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis by a single surgeon operating in two centers. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 6-month, 12-month and final follow-up (mean 47 months). Clinical outcomes were assessed with VAS, AOFAS and MOXFQ scores. Serial radiographs were used to assess union at each follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients attended 12-month and final follow-up (mean 47 months). A total of 44 (100%) ankle joints and 44 (100%) subtalar joints were completely united at 12-month follow-up. The VAS score improved significantly from a mean of 6.5 preoperatively to a mean of 0.98 at final follow-up (P = <0.0001). AOFAS score improved significantly from a mean of 36.4 preoperatively to a mean of 73 at final follow-up (P = <0.0001). MOXFQ score improved significantly from a mean of 44.5 preoperatively to a mean of 12.7 at final follow-up (P = <0.0001). The mean change in frontal plane alignment was 5.7 degrees (P = 0.005). A total of 6 patients (13.6%) had an adverse event during the course of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a solid posterior offset hindfoot arthrodesis nail is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with severe ankle and hindfoot pathology. It has a high union rate, low complication rate and significantly improves clinical outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Blocked Retrograde Intramedullary Nail - Report of Three Cases

Ankle osteoarthritis (AOA) is associated with pain and variable functional limitation, demanding clinical treatment and possible surgical indication when conservative measures are ineffective - arthrodesis has been the procedure of choice, because it reduces pain, restores joint alignment and makes the segment stable, preserving gait. The present study reports 3 cases (3 ankles) of male patients between 49 and 63 years old, with secondary AOA, preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS AHS) of 27 to 39 points, treated by minimally invasive tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using blocked retrograde intramedullary nail. Hospital stay was of 1 day, and the patients were authorized for immediate loading with removable ambulation orthotics, as tolerated. The physical therapy treatment, introduced since hospitalization, was maintained, prioritizing gait training, strength gain, and proprioception. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed at weeks 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24. After evidence of consolidation (between the 6 th and 10 th weeks), the orthotics were removed. One patient complained of pain in the immediate postoperative period and, at the end of the 1 st year, only one patient presented pain during rehabilitation, which was completely resolved with analgesics. Currently, the patients do not present complaints, returning to activities without restrictions - one of them, to the practice of soccer and rappelling. The postoperative AOFAS AHS was from 68 to 86 points.

The Ankle Joint: Management of Significant Bone Loss with Arthrodesis

Segmental bone loss of the distal tibia and/or talus presents a challenge to successful reconstruction for the foot and ankle surgeon. When conservative care has been exhausted, multiple surgical treatment options are available including bone transport, bulk allografts, bulk autografts, titanium cages, and external fixation techniques. The primary goals of surgical correction include restoration of limb length as well as a plantigrade, stable lower extremity.

Reconstruction of the Articular Surface in the Subtalar Joint by Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation After Failure of Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion With a Retrograde Nail: A Case Report

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) using the intramedullary nail has been conducted for severe deformity of both ankle and subtalar joints. While good clinical outcomes have been reported for TTCA, its nonunion rate is relatively high. We report a case of a 65-year-old male with nonunion of the tibiotalar joint and destruction of the subtalar joint after TTCA using a retrograde intramedullary nail. For this patient, we conducted a salvage procedure for the subtalar joint along with revision surgery for the tibiotalar joint to achieve bone union. The intramedullary nail was removed and the tibiotalar joint was debrided. Two osteochondral plugs were harvested from the lateral aspect of the talus and transplanted to the subtalar joint. The tibiotalar joint was fixed using screws and staples, with bone grafting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at six months after surgery showed that the articular surface of the subtalar joint was flushed and the osteochondral plugs were united with the surrounding bone. At one year and three months after surgery, the pain in the tibiotalar and subtalar joints had completely disappeared. Plain radiographs revealed that bone union of the tibiotalar joint and joint space of the subtalar joint was maintained. Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) hindfoot scale improved from 53 points to 84 points at the final follow-up. Reconstruction of the subtalar joint using osteochondral autologous transplantation is a useful technique for failure cases with nonunion of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints after TTCA.

Comparison of Dynamic Versus Static Locked Retrograde Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Intramedullary Nail Fixation: Evaluation of the RAIN Database

Hindfoot osteoarthritis (OA) or deformity involving the ankle and subtalar joint is a disabling condition. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion is an effective salvage option in pathologies where total ankle replacement is contraindicated. The purpose of this study is to compare the union rate of the ankle joint in proximal static versus dynamically locked retrograde intramedullary nail fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. An institutional review board-approved comprehensive chart and radiographic review was performed. TTC arthrodesis performed in patients with OA, post-traumatic arthritis, or deformity corrected by retrograde nail were included. Patients with Charcot arthropathy, failed joint replacement, neuropathy, or avascular necrosis were excluded. The primary outcome was ankle joint union with secondary measure of mean time to fusion. A total of 60 patients met inclusion criteria with 30 in the static group (SG) and 30 in the dynamic group (DG). The average age of the static group (SG) and dynamic group (DG) was 56.9 and 54.1 years, respectively. Mean body mass index was 34.03 kg/m² for SG and 33.43 kg/m² for DG. The union rate of the ankle joint was slightly higher in the DG but not statistically significant [SG 83.3%, DG 86.6%, p > .05 (p = .83)]. Time to fusion (TTF) in SG was 111.6 days compared to 97.2 days in DG. Dynamically locked intramedullary nails allow continued compression across the arthrodesis site as fusions remodel. Time to union and union rate of the ankle joint was superior in the dynamic group but this was not statistically significant. In this cohort, union rates were excellent in both groups, and no statistically significant difference was seen in the number of nonunions.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Comparison Between Nails and Lateral Locking Plate Complications

Background

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is a well-established procedure to treat some hindfoot diseases. Currently, the most used implants are retrograde intramedullary nails and locking plates combined with lag screws, but there are few articles comparing differences regarding the complications.

Methods

We have retrospectively analyzed the medical records and the radiographs of patients older than 18 years who underwent this procedure in our service between 2005 and 2019 through retrograde intramedullary nails or lateral locking plates and compression screws with at least 12 months of follow-up and with no history of osteomyelitis in these bones.

Results

We evaluated a total of 67 patients; of these, 48 received retrograde intramedullary nail implants and 19 received locking plates and compression screws. The overall mean age was 48 years; the median follow-up time was 64.3 months. The complication rate was 60.4% for the intramedullary nail procedure and 52.6% for the locking plate combined with compression screws procedure.

Conclusion

No significant differences were found in the complication rates between the 2 implants.

Level of Evidence

Level V, Case series.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis in Severe Hindfoot Deformities

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is the most common and reliable procedure in the treatment of patients with end-stage ankle arthritis combined with severe deformity. Many of these patients present with difficult previous sequelae that include nonunion, malunion, broken implants, vascular deficiencies, skin problems, or a combination of the previous. In that complex scenario, sometimes the only alternative treatment is a below-the-knee amputation. Image studies--weightbearing X-rays, tomography, and magnetic resonance - are fundamental to evaluate alignment and bone stock. When all conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and dysfunction, the combination of osteotomies and arthrodesis is the procedure of choice. Surgical planning needs to be very detailed and thorough with a special focus on bone loss after debridement of non-healthy tissue and removal of metalwork. TTCA with grafting allows for the preservation of the limb in more than 80% of cases but at the expense of many complications with nonunion rates of approximately 20% of cases. There is controversy about the use of a retrograde nail versus specific TTCA plate and screws but results from biomechanical studies do not show a clear superiority of one specific construct. Amputation rates are close to 5% of cases after repeated failed surgeries. Bulk allografts increase the rate of nonunions but apparently do not have an influence on postoperative infections. Valgus positioning of the ankle/hindfoot is paramount to allow for maximal sagittal plane compensation from the midtarsal joints. Most patients are satisfied with the results of these salvage operations. The studies presented in this article have a considerable wide array of different scenarios that obviously bias some of the results, complications, and outcomes but together they present a persuasive pattern toward considering TTC with grafting and nail or plate fixation as a good salvage procedure that may help the patients to maintain their foot and ankle with a better alignment, function, and pain relief.

Ankle tibiotalocalcaneal nailing in elderly ankle fractures as an alternative to open reduction internal fixation: technique and literature review

The use of tibiotalocalcaneal nails for unstable ankle fractures in low demand elderly patients has been introduced as an alternative to open reduction internal fixation to allow early weight-bearing and to decrease soft tissue complications and mechanical failures. This paper describes the technique of hindfoot nailing and reviews the current literature. Overall, it is a minimally invasive and expeditious procedure that provides stable fixation to withstand immediate ambulation of the frail elderly patient. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials will determine if complications and outcomes compare favorably to open reduction and internal fixation.

Open Ankle Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Analysis Comparing Different Fixation Methods

A wide variation of surgical options, complications, and union rates are reported in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. However, open ankle arthrodesis remains the golden standard for ankle arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the union rate and complication rate as well as identify potential risk factors for different methods of fixation in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis of different etiology. In total, 42 ankles of 41 patients with ankle osteoarthritis were included for this single-center retrospective study. The mean age was 50 years (range 22-75 years). Twenty patients were treated with screw-fixation, 14 with plate(s) and 8 with intramedullary nail. The results of this study showed an overall union rate of 97.6% (41 of the 42 operated ankles) and an overall complication rate of 21.4% (9 events). The mean follow-up time was 16 months (range 2.5-83.0 months). Complications consisted of 1 nonunion, 4 deep infections, 2 cases of wound dehiscence, 1 delayed union and 1 malalignment of the ankle joint. The plate-fixation group demonstrated significantly higher infections when compared with screw and intramedullary nail fixation (p = .017). There were no other significant variables for incidence of complications between patients in the uncomplicated and complicated group. This study achieved good clinical results for different methods of fixation in open ankle arthrodesis. In specific, the use of intramedullary nail provides excellent results for end-stage ankle arthritis with high union rate and a low complication rate.

Deciding Between Ankle and Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis for Isolated Ankle Arthritis

After isolated ankle (tibiotalar) arthrodesis, the triceps progressively shifts the subtalar joint into varus thus blocking compensatory motion from the midtarsal joints. In a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, the subtalar may be fixed with the correct valgus. Comparison between ankle and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis does not clearly favor one over another for pain relief, satisfaction, and gait analysis. Compensatory sagittal plane motion through the midtarsal joints when the subtalar is fixed in valgus may be responsible for these results. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis has become our procedure of choice over isolated tibiotalar for end-stage ankle arthritis regardless of the radiographic state of the subtalar.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis in Osteoarthritis Deformation of Ankle and Subtalar Joint: Evaluation of Treatment Results

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is an increasingly used method of stiffening the ankle and subtalar joints in advanced degenerative deformities. The study group consisted of 19 men who were subjected to intramedullary and intraosseous arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail. The average age of patients was 46 (range 19-68) years. The main indication for surgical treatment was post-traumatic arthrosis 11 (58%). In the studied group, clinical condition was assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) classification, quality of life using the SF-12 scale, and assessment of pain intensity using the visual-analog scale (VAS) scale. The above parameters were evaluated before surgery (under 2 years), intermediate (from 2 to 5 years), and late (over 5 years) postoperative period. The clinical condition on the AOFAS scale improved from an average of 20.6 points before tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to 63.5 after the procedure. The result was statistically significant (p < .0001). Analyzing the results using the SF-12 scale, a statistically significant increase was found. In the physical sphere of Physical Health Component Score-12 (p = .0004) and in the mental sphere of Mental Health Component Score-12 (p = .030). The intensity of pain assessed in the VAS scale, decreased in all three periods-p < .05. The strongest analgesic effect was observed in the early postoperative follow-up period. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail causes a significant improvement in the clinical condition according to the AOFAS classification, enabling most patients to move independently, a significant improvement quality of life assessed in the SF-12 scale and a significant reduction of pain ailments assessed in the VAS scale, especially in the early postoperative period.

Risk factors for nonunion following tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study is to review the literature to identify risk factors for nonunion after tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) and stratify them based on strength of evidence.

METHODS

Five databases were searched from inception to May 17th, 2020. Abstracts and full-text articles were screened for those that included risk factors predictive of nonunion following TTCA.

RESULTS

Eight studies involving 624 patients were included and 33 potential risk factors for nonunion were identified. Strong evidence supported prior peripheral neuropathic conditions as risk factors for nonunion following surgery (OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.56-5.23).

CONCLUSION

TTCA is an effective salvage procedure but is associated with high nonunion rates. The results of our meta-analysis suggest that prior peripheral neuropathic conditions have strong evidence for failure to achieve union. Surgeons should be cognizant of these risks when performing TTCA and carefully monitor patients with the aforementioned comorbidity to achieve successful results.

Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a condition commonly seen by orthopaedic surgeons. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is thought to be the initial pathoanatomic etiology that leads to this deformity. Successful resolution of the pain associated with AAFD can be achievable with nonsurgical methods. Patients who continue to have pain or functional limitations despite nonsurgical treatment can find improvement with appropriately selected surgical interventions. This article addresses new advances in treatment based on the stage of AAFD and will identify areas of continued development with a focus on surgical management. The literature continues to evolve as demonstrated by a recent update regarding the nomenclature and treatment of this condition to progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity. Future goals of research include understanding the natural history of the disease, from asymptomatic to symptomatic, and studying a wide array of newer treatments and implants that have not been prospectively evaluated.

Functional outcome in patients with Charcot neuropathy with almost complete loss of talus treated by tibio-talo calcaneal nail: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Tibio-talo-calcaneal (TTC) fusion is a successful surgery for Charcot neuropathy affecting the hindfoot. A case series of Charcot neuropathy is presented with almost complete loss affecting hindfoot treated with tibio-talo-calcaneal nail.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seven patients with Charcot neuropathy of the hindfoot having varying degrees of talus loss underwent tibio-talo-calcaneal nailing between January 2014 and Feb 2016 at a tertiary care hospital by a single surgeon. All the patients were type 3a as per Brodsky classification. Patients with active infection, fractures and avascular necrosis of talus was excluded from the study. The final outcome was measured using the AOFAS and FADI scores at the end of 2 years.

RESULTS

The mean duration of diabetes was 8.16 ± 3.12 years. Two patients (28.6%) had total and 5 (71.4%) patients had subtotal talus loss. Anterior approach was used in four, and lateral approach was used in three cases respectively. The talus was reconstructed by using the iliac crest or the graft from the distal fibula wherever appropriate. The average surgical duration was 93.28 ± 4.84 min. One patient had deep infection, 2 years after the surgery which was treated by implant removal and antibiotics. No patients had non-union. The pre-operative AOFAS scores improved from 32.2 ± 2.58 to 73.4 ± 3.36 at 2-year follow-up (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the pre-operative FADI scores were 31.74 ± 1.98 which improved to 65.94 ± 3.68 at the end of 2 years (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Retrograde tibio-talo-calcaneal nail is a good option for limb salvage in patients with severe talus loss with good functional outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

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.

The Charcot Reconstruction Preoperative Prognostic Score's Evaluation with Complication Rate and Functional Outcome

BACKGROUND

Charcot's neuroarthropathy (CN) treatment is still controversial, and the results are controversial. Owing to patient comorbidities, surgical intervention carries a high risk of complications. Thus, foreseeing the possible results of planned treatment is crucial. We retrospectively evaluated the Charcot Reconstruction Preoperative Prognostic Score (CRPPS) in patients with surgically treated CN.

METHODS

Twenty-two feet of 20 patients were included in the study. Two groups were formed according to their CRPPS. Twelve patients with values less than 4 were defined as group A, and eight patients with values of 4 or greater were defined as group B. Mean follow-up was 61 months (range, 5-131 months). Groups were compared according to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores, and complication rates.

RESULTS

Group A and B mean AOFAS scores were 76.83 (range, 71-85) and 70.5 (range, 20-85), respectively. All of the patients were improved according to AOFAS and FADI scores, but no correlation was found with the CRPPS. None of the group A patients required additional intervention, but five patients in group B underwent revision surgery. No amputations were performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The CRPPS is focused on feasibility. The data needed to fill the scoring system is easily obtainable from medical records even retrospectively, and the score is helpful to predict a patient's outcome after CN-related surgery. Herein, CRPPS values of 4 or greater were related to high complication rates and lower functional outcomes.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail: a prospective cohort study at a minimum five year follow-up

PURPOSE

To evaluate prospectively the functional outcomes of tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with a contemporary retrograde intramedullary nail after a minimum follow-up of five years.

METHODS

Sixty-one patients with a mean age of 51.3 (range, 18-79) years were included in the study. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot score (AOFAS), Short-Form 12-item Health Survey (SF12), and visual analog scales (VAS) for both pain and patient satisfaction. Radiographic evaluation was also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean post-operative follow-up was 6.8 (range, 5-8) years. Mean AOFAS and SF12 scores significantly improved at the final follow-up (p < 0.001), and the mean VAS for pain significantly decreased (p < 0.001). At the final follow-up, only five (8.2%) patients gave an AOFAS score of less than 50, 52 (85.2%) were satisfied with their surgery, and 32 (52.4%) returned to their employment. There were two tibiotalar joint nonunions that required re-operations, and another patient required re-operation for screw removal. There was no deep infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The retrograde intramedullary nail provided a stable TTC arthrodesis with a high union rate, acceptable functional outcomes, and a low severe complication rate. This procedure appears to offer a reliable salvage option for TTC arthrodesis in patients with severe ankle and hindfoot degeneration.

Midterm Results of Radiographic and Functional Outcomes After Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Bulk Femoral Head Allograft

Background: Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis implementing adjunctive allografts is a method of limb salvage for patients with complex hindfoot osseous deficits, though outcome results are limited. The purposes of this study were to assess functional and radiographic outcomes after TTC arthrodesis with femoral head allograft and retrospectively identify prognostic factors. Methods: The authors reviewed 24 TTC arthrodesis procedures with bulk femoral head allografts performed by a single surgeon from 2004 to 2016. Radiographic union at the ankle and subtalar joints along with stability of the allograft were assessed. Patients who had clinically successful arthrodeses were contacted to score the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Activities of Daily Living (FAAM-ADL) questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) at a mean of 58.0 months (range, 28-102) postoperatively. Results: Complete radiographic union of involved joints was achieved in 15 patients (63%) and in 75% (36/48) of all joints; 21 ankles (88%) were assessed to be radiographically stable at final follow-up. Three patients (13%) underwent revision arthrodesis at a mean of 18.9 months postoperatively, and 21 patients (88%) did not require additional surgery as of final follow-up. Patients significantly improved to a mean FAAM-ADL score of 71.5 from 36.3 (P < .001). The mean VAS for pain significantly improved from 77.2 to 32.9 (P < .001). Male sex (P = .08) and a lateral operative approach (P = .03) both resulted in worse outcomes. Conclusion: Use of a femoral head allograft with TTC arthrodesis can offer improved functional scores and sustained radiographic outcomes.Level of Evidence: Level IV: Case series.

Arthrodesis in the Charcot foot: a systematic review

The Charcot foot is a condition characterized by a progressive derangement of the foot. The type of deformity and patient clinical conditions will lead to the proper surgical approach among exostectomy, arthrodesis (through external and/or internal fixation) and amputation. Many authors report good clinical outcomes performing the arthrodesis in Charcot foot; however, the choice of the most appropriate hardware is still an issue. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcomes of different hardware in midfoot and hindfoot Charcot arthrodesis.

Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis is a major source of morbidity impacting a younger working age population than hip and knee arthritis. Unlike the hip and knee, more than 70% of ankle arthritis cases are post-traumatic, with the remainder being inflammatory or primary arthritis. Nonoperative treatment begins with lifestyle and shoe-wear modifications and progresses to bracing, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and intra-articular injections. Ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty are the 2 main surgical options for end-stage ankle arthritis, with debridement, realignment osteotomy, and distraction arthroplasty being appropriate for limited indications.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Utilizing a Titanium Intramedullary Nail With an Internal Pseudoelastic Nitinol Compression Element: A Retrospective Case Series of 33 Patients

Nitinol has been shown to generate durable compression under loading via pseudoelastic shape memory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a hindfoot arthrodesis nail with an internal pseudoelastic nitinol compression element. Patients who had undergone tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis from 2013 to 2016 were identified at 2 tertiary referral centers (12-week follow-up minimum). Patients managed with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail with an internal nitinol compression element were identified for review. Sagittal computed tomographic scan reformats were reviewed to calculate a percentage of joint surface bony union. Intraoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared to calculate postoperative screw position change generated by the nitinol element, a surrogate for postoperative unloading of compressive forces. Thirty-three patients were included in analysis and 81% of patients had successful union of both tibiotalar and subtalar joints. Overall, 90% of all arthrodesis surfaces united. The union rate of arthrodesis surfaces among patients without Charcot osteoarthropathy was 94%. A history of Charcot was identified as a risk factor for subtalar nonunion (p = .04) and was associated with less complete computed tomography-based tibiotalar union: 94% versus 71% (p < .01). The posterior-to-anterior screw translated an average of 3.9 mm proximally relative to the rigid portion of the nail from intraoperative to initial postoperative radiographs (p < .0001). High rates of computed tomography-confirmed union were demonstrated in the face of challenging clinical scenarios. Shortening of the pseudoelastic nitinol element occurs early in the postoperative period, indicating continued unloading of the nitinol compression element through the arthrodesis sites after initial implantation.

Chopart amputation with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis and free flap reconstruction for severe foot crush injury

Aims

This study reports the outcomes of a technique of soft-tissue coverage and Chopart amputation for severe crush injuries of the forefoot.

Patients and Methods

Between January 2012 to December 2016, 12 patients (nine male; three female, mean age 38.58 years; 26 to 55) with severe foot crush injury underwent treatment in our institute. All patients were followed-up for at least one year. Their medical records, imaging, visual analogue scale score, walking ability, complications, and functional outcomes one year postoperatively based on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores were reviewed.

Results

The mean length of follow-up was 18.6 months (13 to 28). Two patients had a local infection, flap necrosis was seen in one patient, and one patient experienced a skin graft wound healing delay. Of the 12 patients, one had persistent infection and eventually required below-knee amputation, but pain-free walking was achieved in all the other patients. The mean one-year postoperative AOFAS and SF-36 scores were 75.6 (68 to 80) and 82 (74 to 88), respectively.

Conclusion

Although our sample size was small, we believe that this treatment method may be a valuable alternative for treating severe foot crush injuries. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1359–63.

Special Considerations in the Management of Diabetic Ankle Fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ankle fractures and diabetes mellitus are both increasing in prevalence. Patients with both diabetes and an ankle fracture have been shown to have an increased rate of complications which can be catastrophic. The purposes of this review are to identify factors placing patients at an increased risk and offer guidance on the management of these injuries, in order to reduce potential complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Non-operative management of unstable ankle fractures in patients with diabetes results in an unacceptably high rate of complications. Operatively managed patients with uncomplicated diabetes seem to fair as well as patients without diabetes. Thus, it is important to recognize patients as either complicated or uncomplicated at the onset of their treatment based on comorbidities. There is limited evidence to guide the management of ankle fractures in patients with diabetes, in particular those deemed complicated. Non-operative management of unstable fractures in diabetic patients should be avoided.