Ankle Distraction Arthroplasty Combined with Joint Resurfacing for Management of an Osteochondral Defect of the Talus and Concomitant Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

There are many treatment options for patients with ankle osteochondral defects and subsequent osteoarthritis. Although ankle arthrodesis remains the gold standard to definitive treatment of this condition, its permanent sequelae demands an alternative. In this article we discuss a case report from a 61-year-old woman with a history of a previous ankle sprain resulting in an osteochondral defect that progressed to develop ankle osteoarthritis. After multiple attempts at conservative management, the patient underwent placement of an articulating external ring fixator for arthrodiastasis, as well as ankle joint resurfacing using allograft. The fixator was kept in place for a total of 12 weeks, with the patient performing range-of-motion exercises throughout the treatment course. We feel that this treatment presents as a promising treatment alternative based on the success demonstrated by this patient's 6-month follow-up. The patient has reported a decease in ankle joint pain, increased range of motion, and a return to normal daily activity without limitation.     

Treatment of talar osteochondral lesions using local osteochondral graft

Twelve patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus were treated with excision of the lesions and local osteochondral autogenous grafting. The lesion was accessed through a replaceable bone block removed from the anterior tibial plafond. The graft was harvested from the medial or lateral talar articular facet on the same side of the lesion. The average age of the patients was 41 years and duration of symptoms was 90 months (ave.). There were six males and six females with the right talus involved in eight and the left in four patients. Graft sizes ranged from four to eight millimeters in diameter. There was a significant improvement in the AOFAS score from 64.4 (ave.) pre-operatively to 90.8 (ave.) postoperatively (p<0.0001), at a follow-up of 25.3 months (ave.). The AOFAS score was slightly higher in patients under 40 years of age and in those without pre-existing joint arthritis. All patients were very satisfied with the procedure. Arthroscopy performed in two patients at six and 12 months following surgery showed good graft incorporation. No complications occurred at the donor site or the site of bone block removal on the distal tibia. The results show that stage III and IV talar osteochondral lesions can be accessed successfully excising a tibial bone block and using local autogenous osteochondral graft harvested from the ipsilateral talar articular facet.     

Surgical management of pilon fractures with large segmental bone defects using fibular strut allografts: a report of two cases

We present two patients with open pilon fractures with large bone defects treated successfully with fibular strut allografts. The patients were initially treated by massive irrigation, wound debridement, and temporary external fixation. After complete wound healing, the bone defects were managed. Because autologous iliac crest or fibular bone grafts were impossible to be harvested due to multiple fractures, the bone defects were reconstructed with fibular strut allografts. Fixation was performed with a periarticular distal tibia locking plate. At 2 months postoperatively, the patients ambulated with partial weight-bearing; at 6 months, they had full range of motion of the ankle joint and full weight-bearing.     

Infected fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis and plafond: achievement of limb salvage with free muscle flaps, bone grafting, and ankle fusion

Infection after fractures of the tibial plafond is a challenging problem that may even result in amputation. The current study evaluates a limb salvage protocol and the associated long term functional outcome in 6 patients (mean age 46 years) who were treated for infection after a fracture of the distal tibial metaphysis and plafond. Our limb salvage protocol included 3 stages: 1) radical debridement and stabilization of the ankle with a bridging external fixator, 2) soft tissue coverage with free muscle flaps, and 3) ankle fusion using iliac crest bone graft for filling the existing defects measuring 4.2 cm on average. At a mean followup of 5.5 years (range, 2-10.5 years), limb-salvage and eradication of infection was accomplished in all extremities. Fusion of the ankle joint was achieved in all patients, with one patient requiring a supplemental bone grafting procedure for delayed healing of the fusion site. All patients are able to walk without assistive devices and five of six patients are pain free. Limb salvage with free muscle flaps, bone grafting, and ankle fusion is a viable option for the treatment of infected tibial metaphysis and plafond fractures.     

Simultaneous arthrodiastasis and deformity correction for a patient with ankle osteoarthritis and lower limb deformity: A case report

We here report a case of a 50-year-old male with ankle osteoarthritis and lower limb deformity, for which simultaneous deformity correction and arthrodiastasis were performed. The patient initially experienced an open fracture on the left tibia at 19 years, but it was malunited. The Japanese Society for Surgery score of the foot for the left ankle was 53 points. X-ray and CT imaging showed rotational and angular tibial deformities with shortening by 1.6 cm and end-stage osteoarthritis of the left ankle. An external fixator was applied to correct the lower limb deformity, and ankle arthrodiastasis was performed. A good result was achieved in alignment correction and joint function. The patient had an improved clinical score of 98 points at a 2-year followup. We found that external fixation was useful because external fixator is the only appropriate instrument by which arthrodiastasis and deformity correction for ankle osteoarthritis can be simultaneously performed.     

A case of closed reduction through metaphyseal window for a pilon fracture

A 52-year-old man presented with painful swelling of his left ankle after a fall from a ladder. The radiograph revealed fractures of the medial and lateral malleoli and a pilon fracture. The lateral portion of the plafond was broken, and the fractured bone fragment was impacted into the metaphysis. The fractured bone fragment was gently tapped through a metaphyseal window to be reduced into the anatomical position, and the joint surface was restored. The channel through which the impactor was introduced was grafted with an autogenous iliac bone graft. The fractured medial and lateral malleoli were stabilized with tension band wiring and plating. The unstable syndesmosis of the ankle mortise was fixed with a transfixation screw. At 6 months after surgery, the motion arc of the ankle ranged from dorsiflexion 20 to plantar flexion 30, and there were minimal difficulties in the activities of daily living. This paper reports a technique for treating a pilon fracture involving the lateral side of the plafond with intact anterior and posterior cortices by a closed reduction through the metaphyseal window. The precarious soft tissue around the ankle joint after a pilon fracture could be spared from additional surgical injury, and the saved soft tissue envelope around the injury could facilitate fracture healing.     

Reconstruction of a Large Osteochondral Lesion of the Distal Tibia with an Iliac Crest Graft and Autologous Matrix-induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC): A Case Report

Isolated osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the distal tibia are rare and lack clear treatment guidelines. With the case we present here, we suggest a novel surgical approach and report the successful use of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis–aided reconstruction for OCL of the distal tibia. A 29-year-old male patient complained about persisting pain of the left ankle joint and a restricted activity level 12 months after an ankle sprain. Imaging revealed edema of the subchondral bone and thinning of the cartilage above the osseous defect at the lateral distal tibia. The OCL was debrided followed by microfracturing of the underlying sclerotic bone. A cancellous bone plug was harvested from the iliac crest and impacted into the defect. A collagen matrix was then fixed on the defect. After 12 months, the patient was free of pain and returned to full activity. Conventional radiographs at 1 year showed successful osseous integration of the plug and a nearly anatomic shape of the tibial joint line. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage scans at 36 months showed an intact cartilage layer over the defect and glycosaminoglycan content, indicating hyaline-like cartilage repair. This case demonstrates autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis–aided reconstruction of large osteochondral lesions of distal tibia to be a promising treatment method. Our aim was to describe the case of a patient with a large isolated osteochondral lesion of the distal tibia treated by a novel operative technique using cancellous bone from the iliac crest and a collagen I/III matrix.     

Combining free vascularized fibula graft and the Ilizarov external fixator: recent approaches to congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

The present study compares a recent approach for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, combining a free vascularized fibula graft and an Ilizarov external fixator. Between 1984 and 1993, seven vascularized fibula grafts were performed. In the first six cases, casts or unilateral external fixators were applied, and five of these cases were complicated by fractures of the graft, necessitating secondary procedures or long-term immobilization. The mean follow-up was 12.1 years. Five patients can now walk unassisted, and one uses a brace only outdoors. On average, a brace was required for 18 months. In the recent Ilizarov external fixator case, the fixator was removed after 4 months and a brace was unnecessary at 10 months. There was no leg-length discrepancy, severe ankle deformity, or fracture of the grafted fibula 7 years postoperatively. Combining a free vascularized fibula graft with an Ilizarov external fixator is recommended for this condition.     

Periarticular large bone defects treatment with ring external fixator

BackgroundJoint stiffness and limited bone stock for fixation were the main problems in management of periarticular bone defects. The present study aimed to report clinical and radiographic outcome of periarticular, large (≥8 cm) bone defects treated with ring external fixator.Materials and methodsSeventeen patients (10 males and 7 females) who had periarticular bone loss at the minimum of 8 cm were treated with ring external fixator. Acute shortening and subsequent lengthening at the corticotomy site were performed in 5 patients. Bone transport was performed in 12 patients. Clinical outcome and radiographic outcome were reviewed.ResultsSeventeen patients (10 males and 7 females). Mean age was 31.1 years (9–52 years). Mean bone gap was 9.17 cm (8–14 cm.). Mean follow-up period was 39.7 months (30–60 months). Fracture united primarily in 14 cases and after iliac bone graft in 2 cases. One patient had nonunion. Based on ASAMI evaluation;The bone result was excellent, good, and poor in 13, 3, and 1 patients, respectively. The functional results were excellent and good in 14 and 3 patients respectively. Ten patients had superficial pin tract infection.ConclusionPeriarticular large bone defects were successfully treated with ring external fixator by bone transport or acute shortening and subsequent lengthening at corticotomy site. Superficial pin tract infection and joint stiffness were common problems in management of periarticular large bone defects. Early convert to internal fixation after achieve the acceptable length or after successfully bony contact of bone transport fragment to allowed early motion of the joint was recommend. Good to excellent functional outcomes were achieve in majority of the patients.     

The transplantation of an autogeneic osteochondral fragment for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee

Osteochondritis dissecans in two adults with a large osteochondral defect on the weight-bearing surface was treated by transplantation of an autogeneic osteochondral fragment. The graft was transplanted from the normal portion of the medial femoral condyle, which in extension was in contact with neither patella nor meniscus. The donor site was repaired with an iliac bone fragment. After curettage of the crater, the osteochondral fragment was transfixed with AO mini-cancellous screw(s). Six months after the operation, the grafted cartilage of one patient looked the same as normal cartilage when macroscopically observed and showed no sign of histologic degeneration. At the follow-up examination, the patients were asymptomatic. One patient had a full range of motion two years and three months later; the other three years later. Roentgenographic examinations revealed slight irregularities at the grafted site. There was no significant change in the patellofemoral joint except the concavity of the donor site.     

带筋膜髂骨再造内踝骨与韧带缺损初步报告

目的 研究创伤造成的内踝部骨及软组织缺损再造及重建的方法。方法 采用(带血管)髂骨块携带筋膜条与局部岛状皮瓣或吻合血管的游离皮瓣组合移植同期或分期再造内踝骨、三角韧带及皮肤组织。结果 经采用髂骨重建内踝及韧带后，经11个月～2年随访，初步结果表明：踝关节的稳定性良好，内翻角与健侧基本相同，无侧方及前后的关节异常活动，1例行走轻度内翻、2例劳累后有疼痛，行走负重功能恢复满意，X线片显示游离植入髂骨无明显吸收及疏松。结论 内、外踝的完整性对踝关节功能有重要的影响，采用髂骨与皮瓣组合修复方法重建内踝缺损，可恢复踝关节的稳定性，获得满意功能。     

Vascularized bone graft from the medial calcaneus for treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the medial talus

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the talus is difficult because the blood supply is poor in the talar dome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a vascularized bone graft transfer from the medial calcaneus to the large osteochondral lesion. METHODS: Four ankles in four patients with medial osteochondral lesions were treated through a medial transmalleolar approach. Vascularized bone graft was harvested from the medial calcaneus using the calcaneal branch of the posterior tibial artery and was placed through a fenestration of the medial aspect of the talar dome. The mean duration of postoperative followup was 34 (range 24 to 48) months. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were made before surgery and at final followup. RESULTS: According to the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale, mean pain and function scores improved from 20 to 33 points and 30 to 43 points, respectively. The mean total score improved from 60 to 83 points. Plain radiography at followup showed slight osteosclerosis in all patients, but joint space narrowing was not seen in any patient. Cysts seen preoperatively on MRI or CT resolved after 12 months postoperatively, and MRI or CT did not reveal any findings indicative of osteonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiographic results were satisfactory. Vascularized bone grafts harvested from the calcaneus were successful for the treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the medial talus.     

Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the distal tibia

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions of the tibia are much less frequent than those of the talus, and treatment guidelines have not been established. We hypothesized that arthroscopic treatment methods used for osteochondral lesion of the talus would also be effective for those of the distal tibia. METHODS: A review of 880 consecutive ankle arthroscopies identified 23 patients (2.6%) with osteochondral lesions of the distal tibia. Four patients were excluded because of concomitant acute ankle fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation and two were lost to followup, leaving 17 in the study. The mean age was 38 (19 to 71) years. Six (35%) had osteochondral lesions of the tibia and talus; 11 had isolated lesions of the distal tibia. Treatment included excision, curettage, and abrasion arthroplasty in all patients. Five patients had transmalleolar drilling of the lesion, two had microfracture, and two had iliac bone grafting. At last followup, patients were evaluated with a questionnaire, physical examination, and ankle radiographs. RESULTS: Mean followup was 44 (24 to 99) months. Preoperatively, the median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score was 52; postoperatively, it was 87. Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare preoperative and postoperative scores, there was significant improvement in the ankle-hindfoot score postoperatively (p < 0.001). Seven patients had excellent results, seven had good results, one had a fair result, and two had poor results. CONCLUSIONS: Osteochondral lesions of the distal tibia present a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Arthroscopic treatment by means of debridement, curettage, abrasion arthroplasty, and, in some patients, transmalleolar drilling, microfracture, or iliac crest bone grafting, resulted in excellent and good results in 14 of 17 patients at medium-term followup.     

Unipolar allograft reconstruction for post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the distal tibia: A review of the literature,technique, and case series

BackgroundAvascular necrosis of the distal tibial plafond following ankle trauma is an underreported and potentially devastating phenomenon. Beyond conservative treatment options, surgical intervention has been limited to ankle arthrodesis, which sacrifices motion and may have longterm sequellae for adjacent hindfoot joints. Total ankle replacement has been historically contraindicated. Unipolar allograft reconstruction provides an option for joint salvage. We present a literature overview, implantation technique, and two cases utilizing matched unipolar distal tibial allograft.MethodsTwo younger patients underwent distal tibia allograft reconstruction for tibial plafond collapse due to post-traumatic avascular necrosis. They were followed to assess for clinical improvement and radiographic graft subsidence.ResultsBoth patients returned to work and activity. One patient had no graft subsidence at four years, but the other patient became symptomatic with graft subsidence at one year.ConclusionsDistal tibia allograft reconstruction can be utilized as a joint salvage surgery for post-traumatic avascular necrosis with collapse of the tibial plafond in younger patients that prefer an alternative to arthrodesis. Results may be mixed and necessitate an engaged, activated patient.Level of evidence: IV.     

Direction of the oblique medial malleolar osteotomy for exposure of the talus

Introduction  

A medial malleolar osteotomy is often indicated for operative exposure of posteromedial osteochondral defects and fractures of the talus. To obtain a congruent joint surface after refixation, the oblique osteotomy should be directed perpendicularly to the articular surface of the tibia at the intersection between the tibial plafond and medial malleolus. The purpose of this study was to determine this perpendicular direction in relation to the longitudinal tibial axis for use during surgery.     

髂骨皮瓣移植加外固定器固定修复胫骨缺损伴小腿软组织缺损

目的 探讨髂骨皮瓣移植加外固定器固定修复胫骨缺损伴小腿软组织缺损的方法和临床效果。方法1998年5月～2001年5月,应用Bastiani外固定器固定腔骨骨折及缺损端,同时行旋骼深血管为蒂的骼骨皮瓣移植,治疗腔骨缺损伴小腿软组织缺损共22例。男15例,女7例;年龄16～58岁,平均37岁。随访5～36个月,平均25.5个月。结果22例髂骨皮瓣均完全成活,胚骨及软组织缺损Ⅰ期修复,骨外固定器固定牢固,骨折愈合快,植骨与骨折端于术后2～4个月达临床愈合,术后3～6个月达骨性愈合。患肢功能恢复良好,无一例发生骨不连、骨坏死、关节僵直等并发症。结论 吻合旋骼深血管的髂骨皮瓣移植,可Ⅰ期修复胫骨缺损伴小腿软组织缺损。结合骨外固定器固定,可为植骨愈合创造便利条件,且固定牢靠,受区创伤小,可早期进行功能锻炼,避免应力遮挡,促进骨折愈合,是目前治疗胚骨缺损伴小腿软组织缺损的有效方法。     

Osteochondral autograft transplantation in the treatment of AO/OTA type C3 tibial plafond fractures with irreducibly comminuted area and/or cartilage delamination in the distal tibial facet

IntroductionTibial plafond fractures, especially the AO/OTA type C3 ones that take place in young patients with excessive facet fragmentation and cartilage loss that preclude anatomical reduction and effective internal fixation, are devastating situations that often subject to primary arthrodesis. The aim of the current study is to introduce a joint preserving technique by using osteochondral autograft to treat such difficult cases and to evaluate its short-term outcome.MethodsA total of 11 patients suffering AO-OTA type C3 tibial plafond fractures with irreparable area treated with osteochondral autograft and ORIF, with an average follow-up period of 34 months, were analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS), short-form 36 (SF-36), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and ankle range of motion (ROM) were assessed for functional outcome evaluation. The weight-bearing AP and lateral radiograph, as well as CT reconstructive images were examined to evaluate bony union and the occurrence of post-traumatic arthritis.ResultsAt the final follow-up, the mean VAS scale was 2.2. The mean AOFAS and SF-36 scores were 86.3 and 84.5 respectively. Among all the included patients, 8 achieved both AOFAS and SF-36 scores above 80. The average ankle range of motion was 29.9°. No infection, compartment syndrome, post-traumatic arthrosis or donor site pain was noted in the current study. No patient received secondary ankle arthrodesis at the end of the follow-up.ConclusionsAlthough primary ankle arthrodesis is an effective method, routine ankle arthrodesis should be carried out with second thoughts in patients, especially patients with relatively young age, suffering AO-OTA type C3 tibial plafond fractures with irreducible area. On the other hand, osteochondral autograft transplantation may provide a chance to relieve pain without sacrificing the joint.     

Die „Beckenkammspan-Interpositionsarthrodese“ des oberen Sprunggelenks

OBJECTIVE: Bony fusion of the ankle in a functionally favorable position for restitution of a painless weight bearing while avoiding a leg length discrepancy. INDICATIONS: Disabling, painful osteoarthritis of the ankle with extensive bone defect secondary to trauma, infection, or serious deformities such as congenital malformations or diabetic osteoarthropathies. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Acute joint infection. Severe arterial occlusive disease of the involved limb. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Lateral approach to the distal fibula. Fibular osteotomy 7 cm proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus and posterior flipping of the distal fibula. Exposure of the ankle. Removal of all articular cartilage and debridement of the bone defect. Determination of the size of the defect and harvesting of a corresponding tricortical bone graft from the iliac crest. Also harvesting of autogenous cancellous bone either from the iliac crest or from the lateral part of the proximal tibia. Insertion of the tricortical bone graft and filling of the remaining defect with cancellous bone. Fixation with three 6.5-mm titanium lag screws. Depending on the extent of the defect additional stabilization of the bone graft with a titanium plate. Fixation of the lateral fibula on talus and tibia with two 3.5-mm titanium screws for additional support. Wound closure in layers. Split below-knee cast with the ankle in neutral position. RESULTS: Between January 2002 and January 2004 this technique was used in five patients with extensive bone defects (four women, one man, average age 57 years [42-77 years]). No intra- or early postoperative complications. The AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) Score was improved from 23 points preoperatively to 76 points postoperatively (average follow-up time of 25 months). Two patients developed a nonunion and underwent a revision with an ankle arthrodesis nail. A valgus malposition after arthrodesis in one patient was corrected with a supramalleolar osteotomy.     

Limb salvage for malignant bone tumours of distal tibia with dual ipsilateral vascularized autogenous fibular graft in a trapezoid-shaped array with ankle arthrodesis and preserving subtalar joint

BackgroundThe treatment of malignant tumours of the distal tibia is a challenging surgical problem due to the scarce soft tissue coverage and the instability of the ankle joint that often occurs after resection. However, there is no consensus on the ideal treatment for malignant tumours of the distal tibia.MethodsWe report a new reconstruction for five patients with high-grade osteosarcoma of distal tibia, using dual ipsilateral vascularized autogenous fibular graft in a trapezoid-shaped array and external fixator, with ankle arthrodesis and preserving subtalar joints. The patients were examined clinically and radiographically.ResultsThe average follow-up duration was 88 months. The mean wound healing time was 14 days. Bone healing was achieved for all the five patients at an average time of 7 months. There were no complications of mal-union, skin necrosis, post-operative infection, loss of internal fixation, peroneal nerve injury. One patient had a local recurrence, which required amputation 15 months postoperatively. The remaining four patients were able to walk with an average functional score of 81.25% according to MSTS.ConclusionsOur study shows that this technique is safe and effective to perform implantation of dual ipsilateral vascularized autogenous fibular graft in a trapezoid-shaped array and preserving subtalar joints in terms of the distal tibial reconstruction for malignant bone tumour of the distal tibia. This reconstruction represents a biological alternative protocol for limb salvage in cases of malignant bone tumour of the distal tibia, with encouraging results and with the advantages of lower complications and accelerating recovery.Level of evidence: Level IV.     

Local bone graft harvested from the distal tibia or calcaneus for surgery of the foot and ankle

BACKGROUND: Numerous operative procedures around the foot and ankle use bone graft to augment healing. Autologous bone graft remains the preferred type for these procedures. This can be harvested from the iliac crest, but complications are frequent. The purpose of our study was to investigate the option of harvesting the bone graft from the ipsilateral distal tibia or calcaneus. METHOD: Bone graft was harvested in 114 patients from the distal tibia (70 patients) or calcaneus (44 patients). The patients were followed postoperatively for an average of 16 (range 5 to 28) months and were evaluated for complications (minor and major), satisfaction, and healing rates. RESULTS: There were no major complications. Ten patients (8.7%) had minor complications including initial incisional sensitivity or local numbness, none of which affected function or required additional treatment. Satisfaction rate for the procedure was 100%. CONCLUSION: Use of autologous bone graft harvested from the ipsilateral distal tibia or calcaneus is a safe and reliable alternative to iliac crest bone graft harvest for operative procedures of the foot and ankle.