Ankle arthrodesis using an arthroscopic method: Long-term follow-up of 34 cases

Thirty-four ankle arthrodeses performed using an arthroscopic technique were followed for an average of 8 years. The fusion rate was 97% and the average time to fusion was 9 weeks; 86% of patients had good or excellent functional results. There were no wound infections or neurological injuries. There was one malunion and one additional minor complication. The arthroscopic method uses an abrader to denude the joint surfaces of cartilage, followed by screw fixation. The average time to fusion is significantly less than other ankle arthrodesis techniques, which hastens the recovery period. The shorter time to fusion is likely a result of the minimal soft tissue stripping that is performed during the procedure. The low morbidity of this technique eliminates the need for hospitalization in most cases. There were no long-term adverse sequelae. This is the largest reported series of arthroscopic ankle arthrodeses.     

Ankle arthrodesis. A comparison of internal and external fixation

The authors reviewed the results of ankle arthrodesis in 68 ankles in 66 patients. The average follow-up period of the patients was five years (range, two to ten years). There were 40 ankles in which internal fixation was used and 28 ankles in which external fixation was used. The two groups were compared to determine the effect of mode of stabilization on outcome. Outcome was measured by time to union, development of complications, and clinical follow-up result. The groups were similar in regards to gender, age, and preoperative diagnosis. The external fixation group had a significantly higher prevalence of complications, including non-union, delayed union, and infection, than the internal fixation group. It was concluded that ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation is better tolerated and has fewer complications than techniques that use external fixation.     

Clinical outcomes comparing arthroscopic vs open ankle arthrodesis

BackgroundOver the last twenty years, minimally invasive ankle arthrodesis has evolved into a well-tolerated and safe procedure. It has grown in favor to open ankle arthrodesis due to shorter length of stay and fewer complications recorded. This paper aims to compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic vs open ankle arthrodesis at 24-months followup.MethodsFrom 2004 to 2015, we reviewed a prospectively collected database in a tertiary hospital foot and ankle registry. 28 feet that underwent arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis were matched to 56 feet that underwent open ankle arthrodesis for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-hindfoot Scores and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were obtained to assess clinical outcomes. These parameters were collected before surgery, at 6 months and 24 months after surgery.ResultsThe arthroscopic group demonstrated significant less pain in the perioperative period (arthroscopic: 1.9 ± 1.2, open: 3.8 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and shorter length of hospitalization stay (arthroscopic: 2.1 ± 0.7 open: 3.5 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). Patients who underwent arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis also reported a higher SF-36 score on physical functioning at 6 months (arthroscopic: 58.4 ± 27.1, open: 47.1 ± 24.0, p < 0.05) and higher AOFAS Ankle-hindfoot Scale score at 24-months (arthroscopic: 78.9 ± 18.9, open: 68.9 ± 24.7, p < 0.05). There were no postoperative complications in the arthroscopic group but 11 in the open group, including 9 which required followup operations. There was no significant difference in length of operative procedure between both groups.ConclusionsWe conclude that the arthroscopic group displayed better clinical outcomes compared to the open group at the 24 months followup. The advantages of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis include significantly less perioperative pain, higher AOFAS Ankle-hindfoot scores at 24 months, shorter length of stay, fewer postoperative complications and followup operations.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative series.     

Ankle arthrodesis. Problems and pitfalls

Compression ankle arthrodesis remains a widely accepted surgical procedure. However, uniform efficacious results are not always obtainable. Seventeen patients treated by compression ankle arthrodesis showed 11 fusions, or a 65% union rate, with an average immobilization period of five months. The nonunion group of six patients (35%), with an average of ten months of immobilization, included two patients who were treated by below-knee amputations. The failures demonstrated basic violations of surgical, roentgenographic, and biomechanical tenets. In particular, the commonly used external fixation devices afford stability in only one plane and do not give rigid immobilization. A Triangular Compression Device solves these problems and has been used successfully.     

Comparison of arthroscopic to open tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis in high-risk patients

BackgroundOpen tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is associated to high complication rates, which led to the development of arthroscopic techniques. Aim was to compare complication rates of open to arthroscopic TTCA in high-risk patients.MethodsSingle-center, retrospective case-control study. Patients were selected from the authors’ TTCA database. Eligible were high-risk patients receiving arthroscopic-, or open TTCA retrospectively suitable for arthroscopic TTCA. Primary outcome were major complications.ResultsEight open and 15 arthroscopic TTCAs were included. Three open and 4 arthroscopic TTCAs presented preoperative plantar ulceration. Fusion rates were similar (75% vs. 67%; p = 0.679). Major complications occurred in 63% of open (80% surgical-site-infections (SSI)) and 33% of arthroscopic (100% non-unions) TTCA. Preoperative plantar ulceration did not affect major SSI in open TTCA (67% vs. 60%) but resulted in a significant increase of non-union rates for arthroscopic TTCA (75% vs. 18%; p = 0.039). In patients without plantar ulceration the union-rate was 80% for both, open and arthroscopic TTCA.ConclusionArthroscopic TTCA drastically reduced major SSI. Patients without preexisting ulceration had excellent union-rates for open and arthroscopic TTCA.     

Ankle arthrodesis with an anterior tension plate

The incidence of complications associated with arthrodesis of the ankle has remained high, especially in wound complications and infections. A new method to achieve arthrodesis of the ankle that utilizes an anterior surgical approach and an anterior tension plate was assessed in 17 patients. This method transforms the potentially deforming force of the tendoachilles into a compressive and corrective force and facilitates realignment of the ankle in all planes. Also, dissection and subperiosteal elevation is minimized while soft tissue coverage of the hardware is maximized. Whereas the predominant preoperative diagnosis was posttraumatic degenerative joint disease, others included failed ankle arthroplasty, failed arthrodesis, and a fixed equinus deformity. A solid arthrodesis was achieved in 82% of the patients. Although complications occurred and two patients required reoperations, there were no problems with respect to wound healing or infection, which is a marked contrast to other series. This technique is recommended as a simple, safe, and effective method to achieve an arthrodesis of the ankle joint.     

Ankle arthrodesis using an anterior tension device

MethodsBetween 1995 and 2002, we performed arthrodesis in 23 ankles of 22 patients using two cannulated screws and a tension device via an anterior approach. The mean follow-up duration was 49 months (12–76 months).ResultsFusion occurred in 21 cases while two developed non-union and two developed valgus malalignment.Using the Mazur scoring system, the results were excellent in 15 cases, good in four, fair in two and poor in two. Sixteen patients were very satisfied, three were satisfied and three not satisfied.ConclusionThe technique offers extremely stable fixation and is especially useful in complex cases and in patients with poor bone quality.     

Ankle arthrodesis using an anterior AO T plate

We describe a surgical technique for ankle arthrodesis using an anterior approach to the ankle and internal fixation with an anteriorly-placed AO T plate. A total of 33 patients who had ankle arthrodeses have been followed retrospectively. Thirty-one (94%) of the ankles fused although two patients developed tibial stress fractures. Four patients had a superficial infection which did not prevent union. The surgical technique is simple, easily reproducible and gives excellent clinical results with a high rate of union.     

A comparison of outcomes of posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis with or without bone graft for treatment of subtalar arthritis

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether to perform a bone graft is necessary during posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis. The present research aimed to comparatively analyze the outcomes of arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis through a 3-portal posterior approach with or without bone graft.MethodsA total of 93 patients with subtalar arthritis who underwent posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis were retrospectively examined. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received bone graft or not. The clinical outcomes were compared for analysis.ResultsAmong the 93 patients included, 53 received bone graft and 40 did not. The union rate and time to osseous fusion suggested no significant difference between the two groups. The improvement of clinical outcomes were comparable between the two groups at the final follow-up.ConclusionsIn the present study, bone graft could not effectively reduce the risk of nonunion and improve the outcome.     

关节镜下与切开逆行交锁钉治疗股骨髁上骨折疗效比较

目的比较关节镜下与切开逆行交锁钉治疗股骨髁上骨折的疗效. 方法股骨髁上骨折46例,其中关节镜下逆行交锁钉治疗19例(A组),切开逆行交锁钉治疗27例(B组). 结果 A组手术时间、术中出血、骨折愈合时间均明显少于B组(t=-4.193,-21.517,-4.055;P=0.000).46例随访(10.3±3.6)月,按Kolmert评分标准,A组优15例,良3例,可1例,差0例;B组优7例,良14例,可4例,差2例.两组疗效优良率无统计学差异(94.7% vs. 77.8%,χ2=1.345,P=0.246). 结论关节镜下逆行交锁钉手术时间短,出血少,骨折愈合快,有利于膝关节功能的恢复.     

Autologous chondrocyte implantation: a comparison between an open periosteal-covered and an arthroscopic matrix-guided technique

In this prospective study, the authors compared the Carticel method of autologous chondrocyte implantation with the Hyalograft C technique. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the two methods, to identify any complications and to analyse MRI images of the repair process. Seventeen patients who had received autologous chondrocyte implantation with the Carticel technique and ten treated with Hyalograft C were assessed. A statistically significant improvement was observed in both groups at six months (p < 0.001 for Carticel and p = 0.002 for Hyalograft C) and at twelve months after surgery (p < 0.001 both for Carticel and Hyalograft C), according to HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) and ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) scores. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. MRI images obtained one year after surgery revealed the formation of well-integrated tissue similar to the surrounding healthy cartilage in most cases, in both Carticel and Hyalograft C groups. Six patients treated with Carticel technique were also assessed by second-look arthroscopy and histology of biopsies. The newly-formed tissue presented structural features similar to normal cartilage in most cases (84%). Molecular analysis was performed to assess mRNA levels of the various collagen molecules and proliferation and differentiation factors: the results showed that the implanted material undergoes progressive remodelling to regenerate hyaline cartilage. Both Carticel and Hyalograft C implantation techniques seem to lead to comparable short- and medium-term results. Moreover, this study confirmed that MRI is a valid tool in the follow-up evaluation of autologous chondrocyte implantation.     

Ankle arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis using an intramedullary nail with fins.

We describe an intramedullary nail with fin-like longitudinal ridges that we have developed for arthrodesis of the ankle in rheumatoid arthritis. Four fins with sharp tips were attached to the distal part of a cylindrical nail to stabilize the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. We used this nail in 15 feet of 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were followed for an average of 34.9 months. Postsurgery, 13 patients were allowed to bear weight immediately, as tolerated, without immobilization. By 3 weeks, these patients were able to bear weight fully. Solid fusion of the ankle joint in an acceptable position and good clinical results were obtained in all patients. The only complications were two cases of delayed wound-healing.     

Ankle arthroscopic portals and techniques

This article describes the arthroscopic portals and techniques with regard to their application in the ankle joint. The classic as well as accessory portals are reviewed. The different arthroscopic techniques are discussed, enabling the reader to decide which will be most useful in a particular situation.     

Ankle arthrodesis. Long-term follow-up with gait analysis.

A functional assessment of twelve patients after ankle arthrodesis for post-traumatic arthritis was carried out by means of an extensive clinical evaluation and gait analysis after an average follow-up of eight years. A weighted point system was developed to grade ankle function clinically. The data on gait analysis were examined to determine the effect of arthrodesis of the ankle on the over-all pattern of walking. Under conditions of normal daily living while wearing shoes, all patients functioned well after arthrodesis. The gait-analysis data obtained with the patients wearing shoes showed excellent gait characteristics, and the ankle motion that had been lost was compensated for by: (1) motion of the small joints of the ipsilateral foot; (2) altered motion of the ankle in the contralateral limb; and (3) appropriate footwear. While the patients were walking barefooted, some adverse effects of fusion of the ankle were evident. Velocity of gait was slowed and the length of stride was shortened in all twelve patients. One patient whose ankle had been fused in an equinus position had a back-knee deformity during stance phase, and another walked only on his toes when he was without shoes. The gait patterns of all patients were markedly improved when they were wearing shoes with appropriate heel heights.     

Ankle arthrodesis: indications and techniques

Patients with ankle arthritis and deformity can experience severe pain and functional disability. Those patients who do not respond to nonoperative treatment modalities are candidates for ankle arthrodesis, provided pathologic changes in the subtalar region can be ruled out. Several techniques are available for performing the procedure; the most successful combine an open approach with compression and internal fixation. The foot must be positioned with regard to overall limb alignment and in the optimal position for function. A nonunion rate as high as 40% has been reported. Osteonecrosis of the talus and smoking are known risk factors for nonunion. When good surgical technique is used in carefully selected patients, ankle arthrodesis can be a reliable procedure for the relief of functionally disabling ankle arthritis, deformity, and pain.     

Nirschl手术治疗顽固性网球肘:切开与关节镜手术比较

目的 比较切开和关节镜手术治疗顽固性网球肘的临床疗效.方法 2006年5月至2008年9月连续收治顽固性网球肘患者26例(28例肘),手术时患者平均年龄45岁(32～62岁),保守治疗时间为23个月(4～60个月).手术方式以Nirschl术为原则,按照随机表随机分为切开组(13例13肘)和关节镜组(13例15肘).采用VAS疼痛评分、Mayo功能评分、肘关节综合评分、重返工作和运动时间、满意度等评价患者术后效果.结果 26例患者均获随访,随访时间4～32个月,平均17.4个月.两组术后效果比较,在VAS疼痛评分中的静息和日常活动评分、综合评分、重返工作和运动时间、满意度及术后效果评价等级方面,两组均无显著差异.而在VAS评分的运动评分及Mayo功能评分中,切开组优于关节镜组.切开组满意或部分满意患者100%,关节镜组86.7%.切开组优良率100%,关节镜组93.3%.术后未发现严重并发症.结论 切开和关节镜手术均是治疗顽固性网球的有效方法,切开手术在术后恢复运动等肘关节功能方面优于关节镜手术,可能与切开术中有更多伸肌腱裂口被缝合有关.     

A new concept of ankle arthrodesis via arthroscopic technique

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is a modification of the standard ankle fusion. Ankle fusion via the use of the burr end impactor has proved to be as reliable as an open procedure. The key is to maximally distract the ankle with the external fixator. This procedure is technically simple and less traumatic to the patient. Complications with this type of procedure are no different than with other fusion procedures of the ankle. The reliability of this procedure in maintaining a congruent talo-tibial joint with ease of fusion and coaptation of bony surfaces, however, makes it preferable.     

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the elbow: A comparison of open and arthroscopic debridement

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of open and minimally invasive techniques in the debridement of osteoarthritis of the elbow, we compared the Outerbridge-Kashiwagi (O-K) procedure with an arthroscopic modification in which arthroscopic debridement and fenestration of the olecranon fossa was performed. Type of Study: The study took the form of a nonrandomized control trial in which subjects were allocated to a treatment depending on the hospital of presentation. Materials and Methods: Assessment using the Mayo Clinic elbow function chart enabled comparison of the outcome in 18 cases treated by the O-K procedure and 26 patients treated by arthroscopic debridement and fenestration of the olecranon fossa. Mean follow-up was 35.3 months (minimum 12 months). Of the patients treated by the O-K procedure, 14 were men and 4 were women with a mean age of 55 years. In 83% of patients, the diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis, with the remainder post-traumatic arthritis. The patients treated by arthroscopic debridement and fenestration of the olecranon fossa included 24 men and 2 women with a mean age of 46 years, and a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis in 91% and post-traumatic arthritis in the remainder. No patients were excluded from the study or refused to be included. Results: Both procedures were shown to be effective, with no major complications. Patients treated by arthroscopic debridement and fenestration of the olecranon fossa achieved better relief of pain (P <.10), whereas those patients undergoing the O-K procedure achieved significantly greater improvement in range of flexion (P <.05). No difference between the procedures in terms of patient-perceived overall effectiveness of the surgery was found. Conclusions: In conclusion, in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the elbow, arthroscopic debridement and fenestration of the olecranon fossa may be a more suitable procedure when painful symptoms predominate. In contrast, the O-K procedure is a significantly better procedure for improving the range of flexion where this is a particular problem.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 7 (October), 2000: pp 701–706