Use of a surgical preparation and sterile dressing change during office visit treatment of chronic foot and ankle wounds decreases the incidence of infection and treatment costs

Clinical Management of Acute, Closed Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

Performing a thorough clinical evaluation following an acute displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture is paramount for optimal surgical timing and long-term outcome. Initial survey must entail a comprehensive evaluation to rule out concurrent injuries. Focused lower extremity examination must involve a complete neurovascular and soft tissue evaluation to identify such conditions as compartment syndrome or compromised integument, which necessitate urgent intervention. Establishing baseline radiographs and advanced imaging is vital for surgical planning. Once deemed stable, protocol-driven treatment is best to ensure proper control of pain and edema and adequate management of economic and patient safety concerns.

Anterior Incision Offloading for Primary and Revision Total Ankle Replacement: A Comparative Analysis of Two Techniques

Background:

There exists a high risk of post-operative complications with primary and revision total ankle replacement surgery. Delayed wound healing of the anterior incision is common. The reason for this is multi-factorial and, to date, most of the research has focused on predisposing factors involving the patients themselves. Only recently have researchers begun to look at the post-operative dressing as a possible consideration when trying to prevent incision wound healing complications. Currently, no standard post-operative dressing for primary or revision total ankle replacement exists. However, the principles of post-operative edema reduction to improve healing, as advocated by Sir Robert Jones and demonstrated in his compressive dressing, have been known for decades. We have been using a modified Sir Robert Jones compressive dressing for both primary and revision total ankle replacements. Recently, we have added an aperture pad made of cotton cast padding over the anterior incision in order to protect the area from pressure necrosis.

Methods:

This is a comparison study of the post-operative wound complications involving 35 patients that received the original dressing and 33 patients that received the addition of the aperture pad.

Results:

With no significant difference in the patient populations, the results demonstrate a 3-fold decrease in the number of anterior incision wound healing complications with the use of the aperture pad.

Conclusion:

This dressing represents a simple, reproducible, easy to apply and inexpensive way to prevent post-operative edema and anterior incision wound healing complications.

Vascularized Pedicled Fibula Onlay Bone Graft Augmentation for Complicated Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Retrograde Intramedullary Nail Fixation: A Case Series

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis stabilized with retrograde intramedullary nail fixation is associated with a high incidence of complications. This is especially true when performed with a bulk structural allograft and poor soft tissue quality. In select high-risk limb salvage cases, we have augmented tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis procedures stabilized using retrograde intramedullary nail fixation with a vascularized pedicled fibular onlay bone graft. We present the data from 10 such procedures with a mean follow-up period of 10.9 ± 5.4 (range 6 to 20) months involving 10 patients (9 males and 1 female). The etiology was avascular osteonecrosis of the talus and/or distal tibia and a resultant large volume cavitary bone defect (8 ankles), severe equinocavovarus contracture (1 ankle), and failed total ankle replacement (1 ankle). A frozen femoral head bulk allograft was used twice, a whole frozen talus allograft once, and a freeze-dried calcaneal allograft once. The fibula was mobilized with intact musculoperiosteal perforating branches of the peroneal artery as a vascularized pedicle onlay bone graft fixated with a screw and washer construct. The mean fibular graft length was 10.2 ± 2.3 cm. The mean interval to radiographic fusion was 2.6 ± 0.6 months and to weightbearing was 3.1 ± 1.4 months. Two stable bulk allograft-host bone and fibular graft-host bone nonunions occurred after intramedullary nail hardware failure. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis augmented by vascularized pedicled fibular graft stabilized with retrograde compression intramedullary nail fixation offers a reliable option for complex salvage situations when few other options exist.

Catastrophic Failure of an Infected Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair Managed with Combined Flexor Hallucis Longus and Peroneus Brevis Tendon Transfer

Deep infection is one of the most devastating complications following repair of an Achilles tendon rupture. Treatment requires not only culture-driven antibiotic therapy, but more importantly, appropriate débridement of some or even all of the Achilles tendon. This may necessitate delayed reconstruction of the Achilles tendon. The authors present a successful case of reconstruction of a chronically infected Achilles tendon in an otherwise healthy 43-year-old man via a multistaged approach using the flexor hallucis longus and peroneus brevis tendons. We also provide a brief review of the literature regarding local tendon transfer used in the reconstruction of Achilles tendon rupture.

Incidence of Complications During Initial Experience with Revision of the Agility and Agility LP Total Ankle Replacement Systems: A Single Surgeon's Learning Curve Experience

As the frequency in which foot and ankle surgeons are performing primary total ankle replacement (TAR) continues to build, revision TAR will likely become more commonplace, creating a need for an established benchmark by which to evaluate the safety of revision TAR as determined by the incidence of complications. Currently, no published data exist on the incidence of intraoperative and early postoperative complications during revision of the Agility or Agility LP Total Ankle Replacement Systems during the surgeon learning curve period; therefore, the authors sought to determine this incidence during the senior author's learning curve period.

The Salto Talaris XT Revision Ankle Prosthesis

The Salto Talaris XT Revision Ankle Prosthesis is an anatomically designed fixed-bearing prosthesis available in the United States based on the design of previous Salto systems. The Salto Talaris XT Revision Ankle Prosthesis design optimizes surface area, cortical contact, and ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene conformity. Two tibial component designs, both with the same base plate dimensions, are available, the standard conical fixation plug affixed to a short keel and a long-stemmed version. The author presents an overview of the Salto Talaris XT Revision Ankle Prosthesis surgical technique and pearls for successful application.

Incidence of repeat amputation after partial first ray amputation associated with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy: an 11-year review

The reliability and durability of partial first ray amputation in patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy has recently been questioned. In an effort to determine the repeat amputation rate after a partial first ray amputation associated with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy at our institution, we performed an 11-year retrospective review. A total of 59 patients (40 males and 19 females), with a mean age of 63 (range 39 to 97) years, were included. The mean follow-up was 33.8 (range 1 to 123) months, with initial incision healing occurring in all 59 patients. Despite the initial healing, 69% developed a mean of 3.1 subsequent foot ulcerations at a mean of 10.5 months, 36% required ancillary surgical procedures, and more than 90% of patients were prescribed multiple courses of antibiotics at a mean of 26.6 clinic visits during the follow-up period. A total of 25 patients (42.4%) underwent more proximal repeat amputation at a mean of 25 (range 1 to 97) months after the initial partial first ray amputation. The results of our retrospective review revealed that nearly 1 of every 2 patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy who undergo a partial first ray amputation will progress to a more proximal repeat amputation, despite initial healing. These data question the reliability and durability of this level of amputation as a primary procedure in this patient population. A more proximal level amputation, such as a balanced transmetatarsal, might provide a better functional and reliable residual weightbearing foot and should be considered at the initial presentation. This is especially true given that nearly one half of the patients died during the follow-up period. However, this remains a matter for conjecture because of the limited data available; therefore, additional prospective investigations are warranted.

Lesser toe salvage with external fixation and autogenous bone grafting: a case series

Lesser toe salvage secondary to soft tissue ulceration and underlying osteomyelitis is a challenge, and amputation is frequently the primary procedure recommended. The author presents an observational case series involving retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 4 lesser toe salvage procedures with external fixation and delayed autogenous bone grafting for the treatment of osteomyelitis in 4 consecutive patients. Each patient underwent initial resection of involved soft tissue ulceration and underlying osseous components of the lesser toe with application of external fixation and polymethylmethacrylate antibiotic-loaded bone cement spacer. Once eradication of osteomyelitis was confirmed clinically, the patient underwent delayed insertion of autogenous bone graft harvested from the ipsilateral calcaneus or osteocutaneous flap transfer from the fibular border of the ipsilateral great toe. There were 2 men and 2 women with a mean age of 56.5 years. Three patients had diabetes mellitus, and 1 had previous history of open fracture. There were 2 right feet and 2 left feet involved and 2 second, 1 third, and 1 fourth toe salvage procedures performed with a mean follow-up of 12 months. The external fixation device was maintained until complete osseous integration was verified, which occurred at a mean of 7.5 weeks. All procedures were deemed successful with complete osseous incorporation of the proximal and distal graft-host bone interfaces and no recurrent soft tissue ulcerations, osteomyelitis, toe deformity, or fracture about the bone graft sites.

Extra-articular ankle stabilization: a case series

Maintenance of the foot at 90 degrees to the lower leg following posterior calf lengthening or to prevent an equinus contracture in situations in which splint, cast, or external fixation is deemed inappropriate is a challenge. The author presents an observational case series involving 9 extra-articular ankle stabilizations performed in 9 consecutive patients. Each patient underwent his or her index surgery followed by percutaneous placement of 2 smooth 2.8-mm or larger diameter Steinmann pins extra-articular to the ankle joint. There were 6 men and 3 women with a mean age of 56.1 years (range, 31-73 years). Five patients had diabetes with peripheral neuropathy, 2 had critical limb ischemia, 1 had alcohol-induced neuropathy, 1 had lupus, and 1 was an active smoker. Eight patients had posterior calf lengthening, and 1 had open metatarsal fractures with severe soft-tissue disruption with an inability to use splint immobilization. Three patients had a transmetatarsal amputation, 2 patients had Chopart amputations, 2 patients had forefoot plastic surgery reconstructive procedures, 1 had a complex Charcot reconstruction, and 1 had a splittibialis anterior tendon transfer. Extra-articular ankle stabilization fixation was retained for a mean of 5.5 weeks (range, 2-10 weeks). Mean follow-up was 12 months (range, 1-17 months). All extra-articular stabilization procedures were deemed successful. When properly performed, extra-articular stabilization to maintain the foot at 90 degrees to the lower leg represents a safe, simple, reliable, and minimally invasive technique useful in situations in which traditional splint or cast immobilization is not possible and when external fixation is deemed inappropriate.

Peroneus longus recession

Correction of the plantarflexed first ray as a result of peroneus longus musculotendinous contracture is commonly achieved through dorsiflexory osteotomy at the base of the first metatarsal or lengthening of the peroneus longus tendon at the lateral aspect of the hindfoot or fibular malleolus. In this techniques report, the author describes peroneus longus recession in the distal aspect of the lower leg based on topographic anatomical landmarks. This procedure can be used to correct soft tissue contracture of the peroneus longus musculotendinous unit.

Tibialis posterior recession

The equinocavovarus deformity that results from tibialis posterior musculotendinous contracture poses a treatment challenge that has few reliable conservative or surgical remedies. In this techniques report, the author describes a tibialis posterior recession procedure that uses the sequential use of topographic anatomical landmarks, which can be useful in correcting contracture of the tibialis posterior musculotendinous unit.

Wound complications

This article discusses postoperative wound complications in detail, including host factors that predispose the patient to nonhealing, technical factors in surgery that can reduce the likelihood of infection and dehiscence, and recommendations for postoperative management that can prevent wound healing problems. This discussion includes the treatment of wound complications, ranging from local wound care to various wound coverage options.

Minimum-incision ray resection

Ray resection for localized necrosis, infection, and osteomyelitis is an accepted procedure allowing removal of the diseased toe and metatarsal. The traditional approach involves a rather lengthy incision and dissection that can compromise the vascular supply to the remaining forefoot. The use of minimum incision techniques to perform metatarsal ray resection as presented here represents a simple, reliable, and easily reproduced procedure that limits soft-tissue dissection and the associated wound healing-related complications inherent to the traditional approach. Following minimum incision metatarsal ray resection, the resultant defect from the toe amputation can be primarily closed, covered with a split-thickness skin graft, or closed in delayed primary fashion with the use of a mini-external fixation device. The authors present the proper indications and a step-by-step guide for performing minimum incision metatarsal ray resection with and without the supplemental use of mini-external fixation to close the soft-tissue defect about the toe amputation site.