Is there a role for elbow arthrodesis in 21st Century - Current concepts and overview of surgical techniques

Elbow arthrodesis is uncommon and is usually performed as a salvage procedure to provide a stable elbow. There is a significant gap in the literature about the indications, contraindications, fusion angle, technical tips, and reversibility of the procedure. This review addresses these questions in a evidence based manner, based on the published literature.     

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: The “when and how”

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has been established as the “gold standard” for the treatment of several first ray disorders, due to its perceived efficacy and the consistently reported good results in the literature. Arthrodesis is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of end stage arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis with severe deformity, selected cases of severe hallux valgus (with or without signs of degenerative joint disease), as well as a salvage procedure after failed previous operation of the first ray. The goals of a successful 1^st MTP arthrodesis are pain alleviation and deformity correction in order to restore a comfortable gait pattern and to improve shoe wear. Several techniques have been reported with several proposals regarding the preparation of the articular surfaces and the method of definitive fixation. As with any given surgical procedure, various complications may occur after arthrodesis of the 1^st MTP joint, namely delayed union, nonunion, malunion, irritating hardware, etc.      

以内踝前或跗内侧血管为蒂第一楔骨瓣转位术的应用解剖

在30侧成人下肢标本上,解剖观测了第一楔骨动脉的来源、走行、分支和分布.内踝前动脉和跗内侧动脉恒定地紧邻胫骨前肌腱两侧走行,分别发2～6支和2～9支外径0.2～0.8mm的骨膜支至第一楔骨背内侧面.以内踝前血管或跗内侧血管为蒂可截取约1.5×1.0×0.5cm大小的骨瓣,经摹拟手术和临床应用,证实是修复距骨颈骨折、距骨体缺血性坏死以及踝足部诸关节植骨融合的一种简易可行的新术式.     

New technique for posterior intra-articular arthrodesis using a single-block graft in cases of atlantoaxial instability

A new method of posterior C1-2 arthrodesis, derived from the W. V. Cone and G. Bertrand, technique (Montreal, 1970) is described with two modifications: (1) the exact measurements of the ideal graft are determined preoperatively, using CT and a sterilized pasteboard horseshoe-shaped model; (2) in the sitting postion, single occipital block graft was cut out microsurgically, using the preoperative model. After decortication of the graft, posterior arches of C1 and 2, and microsurgical excision of the cartilage of the C1-2 lateral joints, the graft was imbedded into the entire C1-2 space, fixed, and tightened using a braid of nylacap yarn. A case report of rotatory luxation and associated atlantoaxial instability in a 10-year-old girl illustrates the excellent functional results of this technique.Presented at the XVII Annual Meeting of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery, Bombay 1989     

Applications of the transfibular approach to the hindfoot: A systematic review and description of a preferred technique

BackgroundThe indications and technique for the transfibular approach to the tibiotalar joint have evolved since its initial popularization in 1942. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the indications, techniques, and postoperative outcomes among procedures performed with the transfibular approach.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases from 1942 to 2018 was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After an initial broad search of transfibular approach indications, articles were stratified into 4 major surgical categories for assessment: (1) tibiotalar arthrodesis (2) tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (3) total ankle replacement and (4) distal tibial tumor excision. Data was analyzed according to these 4 categories.ResultsA total of 32 studies (874 ankles) were included. Fibular non-union rates were 0.7 % (5 of 672) across all studies, 0.6% (2 of 329) for tibiotalar arthrodesis, 0.0% (0 of 12) for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, 1.0 % (3 of 296) for total ankle arthroplasty and 0.0% (0 of 15) for other procedures. Rates of deep infection were 2.5% (23 of 903) across all studies, 3.2% (15 of 466) for tibiotalar arthrodesis, 3.7% (4 of 106) for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, 1.3% (4 of 296) for total ankle arthroplasty, and 0.0% (0 of 15) for other procedures.ConclusionsThe transfibular approach is useful for cases requiring extensile exposure of the tibiotalar joint. This study provides evidence that the transfibular approach yields satisfactory results, with low complication and infection rates.Level of evidenceIV     

Pedicled,vascularized occipital bone graft to supplement atlantoaxial arthrodesis for the treatment of pseudoarthrosis

Atlantoaxial pseudoarthrosis is a challenging postoperative complication. The use of a local, vascularized bone graft, without free tissue transfer, to support a revision atlantoaxial fusion has not been previously described. We report the first surgical patient who received a semispinalis capitis muscle pedicled, occipital bone graft for supplementation of a revision atlantoaxial arthrodesis. A 72-year-old female had a failed atlantoaxial fusion and developed neck pain from continued instability and fractured hardware. The fixation and fusion were revised and supplemented with a novel, pedicled occipital bone graft. A craniectomy was performed in the occipital bone while still attached to the semispinalis capitis muscle to provide graft vascularity. This graft was rotated inferiorly from the skull base to the C1 arch and C2 spinous process in order to supplement a revision atlantoaxial arthrodesis. The patient had excellent clinical recovery over 18-month clinical follow up. The bone graft harvesting and rotation were performed safely and without complication. The 6-month postoperative CT scan showed partial fusion into the graft. This novel surgical technique leverages the advantages of vascularized structural autograft without adding extensive time or morbidity to the procedure as observed in free-tissue transfers. It is a safe and useful salvage technique to supplement revision atlantoaxial fusion surgeries.