Preliminary Experience With Commercially Available Trabecular Metal Tibial Cones Combined With a Retrograde Locked Intramedullary Nail for Bony Defects in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

Critical sized bone defects in the ankle are becoming increasingly more common in patients undergoing limb reconstruction with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Bulk allografts have not fared well over time. There have been scattered preliminary reports using custom spinal cages or 3D-printed Titanium Implants to address the critical bony defect; however, the cost of these devices is prohibitive in many clinical practice settings. The purpose of this investigation is to report the preliminary experience using a commercially available Trabecular Metal (Zimmer-Biomet) tibial metaphyseal cone combined with a retrograde locked intramedullary nail to address this challenging problem. Eight consecutive patients underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a commercially available Trabecular Metal tibial metaphyseal cone combined with a retrograde locked intramedullary nail. Five developed bone loss secondary to neuropathic (Charcot) bony resorption and 3 underwent surgery for failed total ankle arthroplasty. All 8 patients eventually achieved clinical and radiographic healing and were able to ambulate with standard footwear. One patient developed a postoperative wound infection at the site of calcaneal locking screws, which resolved with debridement and parenteral antibiotic therapy. Critical bone defects about the ankle have successfully addressed with custom 3D titanium implants. This small series suggests that similar clinical outcomes can be achieved with the use of a commercially available porous tantalum metaphyseal spacer borrowed from our arthroplasty colleagues, combined with the use of a retrograde locked intramedullary nail.Levels of Evidence: Level 4: Retrospective case series.

Management of Infections and Osteomyelitis in Patients With Charcot Foot Arthropathy

There is growing interest in performing reconstruction of deformities associated with Charcot foot arthropathy. At least half of the patients undergoing this reconstruction will have chronic wounds and osteomyelitis overlying the deformity. It is important to provide orthopaedic surgeons with tools for making the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in this patient population and creating a strategy for treatment.

Management of Acute Ankle Fractures in Patients With Diabetes

Ankle fractures in patients with diabetes can be difficult to manage, especially when patients present with hyperglycemia. Treatment often requires a combination of both medical and surgical care, especially in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. The goal of any treatment is to obtain a well-aligned ankle fracture that heals without any further displacement and to avoid the development of a Charcot joint. Nonsurgical treatment is usually reserved for nondisplaced fractures. Displaced fractures often require surgical treatment, and there are different options available, including standard fixation, fixation with multiple syndesmotic screw placement, external (thin wire) fixation alone, hybrid or combined internal and external fixation techniques, and primary arthrodesis. It is important to discuss the approach to the evaluation and treatment of these patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Tranexamic acid has been shown to significantly reduce blood loss in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its safety and efficacy in total ankle arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tranexamic acid use in patients with total ankle arthroplasty affects blood loss or overall complication rate. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 64 patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with (n = 32) and without (n = 32) intraoperative tranexamic acid from 2014 to 2023 at a single academic medical center. Recorded blood loss, pre-to-postoperative hemoglobin changes, hidden blood loss, and complication rates were recorded and compared. There was no statistically significant difference in recorded blood loss, total calculated blood loss, pre-to-postoperative hemoglobin difference, hidden blood loss, or overall complications between the groups (all, P > .05). A lower rate of wound complications was observed in the tranexamic acid group, but the difference between each group was not statistically significant (P > .05). Tranexamic acid did not decrease blood loss during total ankle arthroplasty, as measured in our study. Tranexamic acid was not associated with any increase in overall complications. Based on our findings, tranexamic acid may be a safe intervention in total ankle arthroplasty, but further studies are needed to better elucidate its clinical impact.Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Quality of Life Improvement Following Reconstruction of Midtarsal Charcot Foot Deformity: A Five Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in reconstruction of diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy with the goal of improving quality of life.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients who completed the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) at baseline and one year following Charcot foot reconstruction were contacted and asked to complete the survey at five years following surgery.

RESULTS

Fourteen of the 24 patients completed the SMFA preoperatively, one year following surgery and five years postoperatively. Two patients underwent below knee amputation in the interim. Improvement was noted in all domains measured by the SMFA, with a statistically significant improvement in difficulty with daily activities at five years.

CONCLUSION

Correction of non-plantigrade Charcot foot arthropathy results in clinically meaningful improvement in health-related quality of life at both one and five years postoperatively, including independence with daily activities. The improvement is maintained when reevaluated at five years. This supports the modern paradigm shift towards reconstruction of this deformity. Level of Evidence: III.

Risk Reduction and Perioperative Complications in Patients With Diabetes and Multiple Medical Comorbidities Undergoing Charcot Foot Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Modern patient safety programs focus on medical optimization of patients prior to surgery, regional anesthesia when possible, and hospitalist-orthopedic co-management during the perioperative period.

METHODS

Eighty-five consecutive patients with diabetes and multiple medical comorbidities underwent surgical reconstruction for acquired deformities secondary to Charcot foot arthropathy with circular ring fixation between 2016 and 2019. All patients participated in a standardized risk reduction program that included medical optimization prior to surgery, regional anesthesia whenever possible, and hospitalist-orthopedic co-management during the perioperative period. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for medical comorbidities, complications, and length of stay. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Risk Calculator was used to retrospectively calculate their predicted perioperative risk.

RESULTS

On multivariable analysis, longer lengths of stay were associated with low preoperative hemoglobin values (rate ratio [RR], 1.36; P = .01) and congestive heart failure (RR, 1.42; P = .02). There were 22 (26%) complications, though only 10 (12%) were serious. These included acute kidney injury (n = 6), sepsis (n = 2), 1 cardiac event, and 1 pulmonary embolism. Overall, the accuracy of predicting a complication using the ACS NSQIP Risk Calculator was 74% (95% CI, 63%-85%), which was comparable to the accuracy of predicting a complication using only patients' congestive heart failure and pin-tract infection statuses (c = 74%, 95% CI, 62%-86%).

DISCUSSION

Medical optimization of patients with diabetes and multiple medical comorbidities prior to elective complex reconstruction orthopedic surgery allows the surgery to be performed with a predictable risk for perioperative complications. Preoperative anemia and congestive heart failure are associated with longer hospitalizations in this patient group. The ACS NSQIP Risk Calculator appears to be a reliable predictor of complications during the perioperative period. This study demonstrates that reconstructive surgery in this complex patient population can be accomplished with a reasonable exposure to perioperative risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Risk of Complications With the Total Contact Cast in Diabetic Foot Disorders

The custom-fabricated total contact cast is commonly used in the treatment of diabetic foot disorders. This resource-consuming treatment option has been associated with iatrogenic morbidity as well as the need for urgent cast removal and inspection of the underlying limb when potential problems arise. Over a 10-year period, 381 diabetic patients had 2265 total contact cast applications by certified orthopaedic technologists, in a university orthopaedic practice, under the supervision of university faculty. Patients were stratified by glycemic control based on hemoglobin A1c levels, and obesity based on body mass index (BMI). Complications were grouped as (1) development of a new ulcer or wound, (2) new or increasing odor or drainage, (3) wound infection, (4) gangrene, (5) newly identified osteomyelitis, and (6) pain or discomfort necessitating cast change or removal. At least 1 complication was observed in 159 of 381 patients. The odds of experiencing a cast-related event for patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² was 1.55 times greater than patients with a BMI less than 25 kg/m². As compared to patients with good glycemic control, the odds of experiencing a cast-associated complication was 1.27 times greater in patients with moderate glycemic control and 1.48 times greater in patients with poor glycemic control. The total contact cast is commonly used in the treatment of diabetic foot morbidity. Treatment-associated morbidity may well be greater than previously appreciated. Complications are more likely in patients who have poor glycemic control and are morbidly obese. This information will hopefully stimulate interest in developing commercially available nonrigid alternatives that retain the attributes of the resource-consuming rigid device, with the potential advantage of avoiding the associated morbidity.Levels of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective chart review.

Ankle fusion following failed initial treatment of complex ankle fractures in neuropathic diabetics

BACKGROUND

Unstable ankle fractures in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy have an increased risk of postoperative complications, often leading to amputation. Primary ankle arthrodesis has been suggested as an alternative when acceptable reduction and mechanical stabilization cannot be obtained.

METHODS

Over a fourteen year period, thirteen diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy underwent an attempt at primary ankle arthrodesis following the early post-fracture development of acute neuropathic (Charcot) deformity of the ankle after sustaining a low energy unstable ankle fracture. Eight patients with open wounds and osteomyelitis underwent single stage debridement of the osteomyelitis and primary ankle fusion with an ankle fusion construct circular external fixator. Five patients without evidence of infection underwent primary arthrodesis with a retrograde locked intramedullary nail used for fixation. A successful clinical outcome was achieved with either successful radiographic arthrodesis or stable pseudarthrosis, when community ambulation was achieved with commercially-available therapeutic footwear and a short ankle orthosis.

RESULTS

Eight of the thirteen patients achieved a successful clinical outcome at a mean follow-up of 48 (range 12-136) months following the initial surgery. Three achieved clinical stability following a second surgery and one following a third. One patient with radiographic nonunion expired due to unrelated causes. One patient underwent transtibial amputation due to persistent infection. Of the five patients with failure of radiographic union, three successfully ambulated in the community with a short ankle orthosis. Postoperative complications included wound and pin-site infection, infected nonunion, chronic wounds, and tibial stress fracture.

CONCLUSION

In spite of the high risk for complications and initial failure, primary ankle fusion is a reasonable option for diabetic neuropathic patients who develop acute neuropathic arthropathy following ankle fracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV retrospective case series.

Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Correction of Charcot Ankle

BACKGROUND:

Deformity associated with Charcot foot arthropathy leads to a poor quality of life in affected individuals. Deformity in the midfoot appears to be predictive of clinical outcomes following operative correction. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine if that same methodology could be applied to patients treated for Charcot foot arthropathy involving the ankle joint.

METHODS:

Fifty-six consecutive patients underwent operative reconstruction of Charcot foot deformity involving the ankle joint by a single surgeon over a 14-year period. Preoperative patient characteristics and tibiotalar alignment, were recorded. Surgical treatment included single-stage debridement of active infection and ankle arthrodesis with application of a circular external fixator when infection was present (39 of 56, 69.6%) or retrograde locked intramedullary nailing in the absence of infection (17 of 56, 30.3%). Clinical outcomes were graded based on limb salvage, resolution of infection and chronic wounds, and the ability to ambulate with therapeutic footwear or accommodative orthoses. The average follow-up was 7.5 (range 1.1-14.0) years.

RESULTS:

One patient died at 134.3 weeks following surgery of unrelated causes and 8 underwent amputation. Twenty-eight of 56 patients (50.0%) achieved a favorable (excellent or good) clinical outcome. There was no significant association between pre- or postoperative alignment and clinical outcomes. Insulin-dependent diabetics were approximately 3 times more likely to have a poor clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Operative correction of Charcot deformity involving the ankle joint was associated with a high complication rate and risk for failure. The lessons learned from this highly comorbid patient population with complex deformities can be used as a benchmark for applying modern surgical techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Level IV, case series.

Evaluation of a Simplified Risk Stratification Twice-Daily Aspirin Protocol for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Total Joint Replacement

OBJECTIVE

To determine using a simplified risk-stratified protocol to select candidates for aspirin therapy have similar death and postoperative complications as universal warfarin therapy in patients undergoing total joint replacement (TJR).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study comparing 30-day postoperative outcomes 6 months before and after the implementation of the aspirin protocol (January 1, 2015) in patients undergoing TJR. The control group was comprised of patients using warfarin for VTE prophylaxis. The protocol group included patients who used aspirin 325 mg twice-daily or warfarin if deemed high thrombotic risk or aspirin intolerant by the criteria set forth by the aspirin protocol.

RESULTS

This study included 449 patients. No difference was found in the rates of 30-day postoperative bleeding, VTE, death, composite end point of VTE and death, and length of stay between the control and the protocol groups (all P > .05). Thirty-day postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs; 5.8% vs 1.2%; P = .02) and return to operative room (OR; 3.9% vs 0.4%; P = .03) were less frequent in the protocol group.

CONCLUSION

A simplified risk-stratified protocol used to choose patients for aspirin 325 mg twice-daily therapy is safe and effective in patients undergoing TJR, and SSI and return to OR rates may be lower when compared to universal warfarin therapy.

Improvement in Quality of Life Following Operative Correction of Midtarsal Charcot Foot Deformity

BACKGROUND

Patients with Charcot foot arthropathy report a poor quality of life following the development of deformity. Their quality of life is often not improved with "successful" historic accommodative treatment. There is increased current interest in operative correction of the acquired deformity with the stated goals of achieving both the traditional goals of resolution of infection and limb salvage as well as the desire to improve quality of life. The Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) outcomes instrument appears to be a valid tool for evaluating this complex patient population.

METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing operative reconstruction for nonplantigrade midtarsal Charcot foot arthropathy completed the SMFA patient-reported outcomes instrument prior to surgery, with 24 completing it at 1 year following the surgery. One patient died during the year following surgery from unrelated causes.

RESULTS

There was an 11.5-point (95% confidence interval [CI]: -19.7 to -3.2) decrease in the standardized functional index ( P = .01). Similarly, there was a 12.4-point (95% CI: -22.5 to -2.3) decrease in the standardized bother index ( P = .02). The standardized daily activity index demonstrated a 19.6-point decrease (95% CI: -30.5 to -8.6, P = .002), and there was a 14.7-point (95% CI: -24.1 to -5.3) decrease in the standardized emotion index ( P = .004). There was no meaningful change in the standardized arm/hand index ( P = .81).

CONCLUSION

The results of this investigation demonstrate that successful operative reconstruction of midtarsal Charcot foot arthropathy improved quality of life. This supports the modern paradigm shift from immobilization during the active phase of the disease process followed by simple accommodation of the acquired deformity to the modern interest in operative correction to allow the use of commercially available therapeutic footwear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Correction of Charcot Foot: A New Classification With Implications for Treatment

BACKGROUND

The historic treatment of Charcot foot arthropathy has been immobilization during the active phase of the disease process, followed by accommodative bracing of the acquired deformity. Evidence derived from modern patient-reported outcomes investigations has convinced many surgeons to attempt operative correction of the acquired deformity with a goal of improving quality of life.

METHODS

Over a 12-year period, 214 patients (9 bilateral) underwent reconstruction of the acquired deformity associated with midtarsal Charcot foot arthropathy. Over time, 3 patterns of deformity were observed based on weight-bearing pattern, relationship of the forefoot to the hindfoot, and integrity of the talocalcaneal joint. A valgus deformity pattern was present in 138, varus in 48, and dislocation of the talocalcaneal joint in 37. A consistent operative strategy was employed. Surgery included percutaneous tendon-Achilles lengthening, resection of infection when present, attempted correction of the structural deformity by wedge resection at the apex of the deformity, and immobilization with a 3-level static circular external fixator. Additional deformity pattern-specific procedures were added over time. Clinical outcomes were based on the historic metrics of limb salvage and resolution of infection and the functional metric of the ability to walk with commercially available therapeutic footwear.

RESULTS

Seven patients died within a year of surgery, and 15 underwent partial- or whole-foot amputation. Overall, 173 of 223 feet (77.6%) achieved a favorable clinical outcome. Patients with a valgus deformity pattern were most likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (120 of 138, 87.0%). Patients with a dislocation pattern were less likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (26 of 37, 70.3%), and those with a varus deformity pattern were least likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (27 of 48, 56.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Operative correction of the acquired deformity of Charcot foot arthropathy was performed with a goal of improving quality of life. Stratification of patients by deformity pattern allowed alterations of the basic surgery to afford improved outcomes. In addition to achieving historic goals of resolution of infection and limb salvage, almost 80% of the patients were able to achieve the functional goal of independent ambulation with commercially available therapeutic footwear. The clinical outcomes achieved in this retrospective case series appear to support the modern paradigm of operative correction of deformity in this complex patient population. This realistic appreciation of outcome expectations should both be helpful in counseling patients on the risk-benefit ratio associated with surgery and provide a benchmark to measure newer strategies of treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Surgical Management of Charcot Arthropathy

The historic management of Charcot foot arthropathy has consisted of immobilization until the active phase of the disease resolves, followed by longitudinal accomodative bracing of the acquired deformity. This historic management of Charcot foot arthropathy has not resulted in improved quality of life and has fostered interest in the surgical correction of the acquired deformity. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand the current indications for the surgical management of and the specific surgical techniques to correct acquired deformities in patients with Charcot foot and ankle disorders.

Functional Impairment of Patients Undergoing Surgical Correction for Charcot Foot Arthropathy

BACKGROUND

Investigations using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Healthy Survey (SF-36) and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Diabetic Foot Questionnaire (AOFAS-DFQ) have demonstrated a poor quality of life in patients with Charcot foot arthropathy. The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire has been widely used in patients with a broad range of musculoskeletal disorders.

METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing operative correction for diabetes-related Charcot foot arthropathy of the midfoot completed the SMFA prior to undergoing surgery. There were 16 males and 9 females. The average body mass index (BMI) was 37.4 (range 25.8-50.2), and the average hemoglobin A_1c was 7.5 (range 5.3-10.1) prior to surgery.

RESULTS

All 25 patients exhibited significant impairment in all 6 domains of the SMFA ( P < .0001) as compared to the normative data. There was a high correlation between each of the 6 domains of the SMFA, even after correcting for BMI.

CONCLUSION

Charcot foot severely impaired the quality of life in patients beyond the impact of morbid obesity. This impairment equally impacted all of the functional and emotional domains measured with the SMFA as compared with population norms. This investigation provides a benchmark for measuring the impact of operative correction of the deformity. In addition, the SMFA appears to be a valid tool for measuring impairment in this complex patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective comparative investigation.

Long-term Outcomes Following Syme's Amputation

BACKGROUND

The metabolic cost of walking after Syme's ankle disarticulation amputation is minimally more than that for nonamputation. The ability to end weightbearing makes prosthetic fitting relatively simple, and very few patients require extensive rehabilitation or placement in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility. In spite of these potential benefits, there is a paucity of objective information on the actual long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients were identified who underwent single-stage Syme's ankle disarticulation amputation with excision of the lateral and medial malleoli by a single surgeon during a 23-year period. None of these patients had sufficient tissue to allow amputation at the transmetatarsal or tarsometatarsal levels. Thirty-three underwent amputation due to a diabetic forefoot infection, 11 secondary to a crush injury, 3 for a nondiabetic infection, 3 for a noncorrectable acquired deformity, and 1 for neoplasm. The average age at surgery for the diabetic patients was 62.1 years (range, 36-81 years), with an average follow-up of 6.8 years (range, 4.0-11.6 years). The nondiabetic patients had an average age of 37.8 years (range, 21-65 years), with an average follow-up of 9.3 years (range, 2.2-25.0 years). Patients who were alive and could be contacted were invited to complete the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire that was scored for functional, mobility, and bothersome indices.

RESULTS

Seventeen of the 33 diabetic patients died. Four (12.1%) were converted to transtibial amputation. One of the nondiabetic patients died, and 1 (5.5%) was converted to transtibial amputation. Eleven of the 33 patients who were contacted completed the SMFA. All of these patients demonstrated favorable outcome scores in the mobility, functional, and bothersome indices (average mobility index of 17.2, functional index of 14.7, and bothersome index of 16.7 for nondiabetic patients compared to 34.7, 29.9, and 30.6 for diabetic patients, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The objective information derived from this investigation supports the opinion that patients who underwent Syme's ankle disarticulation amputation appear to fare better than similar patients with transtibial amputation. These data also refute the notion of high complication rates and difficulties with prosthetic fitting. These patients required less rehabilitation and achieved improved levels of functional independence as demonstrated by favorable functional, mobility, and bothersome indices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV, retrospective series.

Clinical Outcomes of Nonunions of Hindfoot and Ankle Fusions

BACKGROUND

While nonunion after foot and ankle fusion surgery has been associated with poor outcomes, we are not aware of any longitudinal study on this subject. Thus, we prospectively evaluated the impact of nonunion on clinical outcomes of foot and ankle fusions and identified potential risk factors for nonunion after these procedures.

METHODS

Using data from a randomized clinical trial on recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB; Augment Bone Graft, BioMimetic Therapeutics), union was defined either by assessment of computed tomography (CT) scans at 24 weeks by a reviewer blinded to the type of treatment or by the surgeon's composite assessment of clinical and radiographic findings at 52 weeks and CT findings at 24 or 36 weeks. The nonunion and union groups (defined with each assessment) were then compared in terms of clinical outcome scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS-AHS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) as well as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, diabetes status, work status, and arthrodesis site.

RESULTS

Blinded CT assessment identified nonunion in 67 (18%) of 370 patients, and surgeon assessment found nonunion in 21 (5%) of 389 patients. Postoperatively, the nonunion group scored worse than the union group, regardless of the method used to define the nonunion, on the AOFAS-AHS and FFI, with mean differences of 10 and 12 points, respectively, when nonunion was determined by blinded CT assessment and 19 and 20 points when it was assessed by the surgeon. The nonunion group also had worse SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores. Differences between the union and nonunion groups were clinically meaningful for all outcome measures, regardless of the nonunion assessment method. The concept of an asymptomatic nonunion (i.e., imaging indicating nonunion but the patient doing well) was not supported. Patients with nonunion were more likely to be overweight, smokers, and not working.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective longitudinal study demonstrated poorer functional outcomes in patients with a nonunion after foot and ankle fusion, regardless of whether the diagnosis of nonunion was based on CT only or on combined clinical, radiographic, and CT assessment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.