A Pilon Fracture With Fibular Head Dislocation Treated With the Use of 3D Preoperative Planning: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pilon fractures with intact fibula have been associated with low-energy trauma. However, the compression force onto the ankle joint can damage the tibiofibular linkage as in a Maisonneuve fracture. Herein, we describe a case of a patient who had a pilon fracture (AO type 43 C3.2) without a fibular fracture. Three-dimensional preoperative simulation by reduction with the surface registration technique was performed as the fibular length was intact and there was no reference for the tibial length. The preoperative simulation revealed superior fibular head dislocation and shortening of the distal tibia. After emergency external fixation on the day of arrival, a 2-staged surgery was performed. During the first operation, the fibular head was reduced and the tibial posterolateral fragment was fixed to restore the tibia length. During the second operation, medial and anterolateral fragments were fixed in order to reduce joint surface of the distal tibia. In general, proximal fibular head fractures are easily overlooked. In the case of pilon fractures with severe length shortening of the tibia without a fibular fracture, a proximal tibiofibular injury should be suspected.     

上胫腓关节切除在胫骨近端骨肉瘤保肢中的应用

目的探讨上胫腓关节切除在胫骨近端骨肉瘤保肢中的应用。方法1995年8月-2004年1月11例累及上胫腓关节的胫骨近端骨肉瘤患者在新辅助化疗支持下行包括上胫腓关节的胫骨骨肿瘤整块切除、人工膝关节置换、腓肠肌瓣移位重建伸膝装置及修复软组织缺损。其中男性7例,女性4例,年龄14～23岁,平均18岁。Enneking分期均为ⅡB期。结果II例患者均获得随访,随访时间2～9年,平均59个月。因肺转移死亡3例,肺转移带瘤存活1例,局部复发1例行截肢术;伤口皮肤坏死1例,下肢深静脉血栓2例,腓总神经牵拉损伤2例。术后膝关节功能MSTS93评分55％～86％,平均为70％;膝关节活动度0°～120°,平均为85°,伸直延迟均在0°～20°。结论对累及上胫腓关节的胫骨近端骨肉瘤在新辅助化疗支持下积极行包括上胫腓关节的胫骨骨肉瘤整块切除、定制人工膝关节置换术,手术疗效满意,但应注意相关并发症的防治。     

The proximal extent of the ankle capsule and safety for the insertion of percutaneous fine wires

We have assessed the proximal capsular extension of the ankle joint in 18 patients who had a contrast-enhanced MRI ankle arthrogram in order to delineate the capsular attachments. We noted consistent proximal capsular extensions anterior to the distal tibia and in the tibiofibular recess. The mean capsular extension anterior to the distal tibia was 9.6 mm (4.9 to 27.0) proximal to the anteroinferior tibial margin and 3.8 mm (-2.1 to 9.3) proximal to the dome of the tibial plafond. In the tibiofibular recess, the mean capsular extension was 19.2 mm (12.7 to 38.0) proximal to the anteroinferior tibial margin and 13.4 mm (5.8 to 20.5) proximal to the dome of the tibial plafond. These areas of proximal capsular extensions run the risk of being traversed during the insertion of finewires for the treatment of fractures of the distal tibia. Surgeons using these techniques should be aware of this anatomy in order to minimise the risk of septic arthritis.     

Treatment of an open distal tibia fracture with segmental bone loss in combination with a closed proximal tibia fracture: a case report

The treatment of open distal tibia fractures remains challenging, particularly when the fracture is infected and involves segmental bone loss. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who sustained an open distal tibiofibular fracture with segmental bone loss and a closed proximal tibial fracture. The fractures were initially fixed with a temporary external fixator. The open distal tibial fracture was infected, and the skin was covered after the wound became culture negative. The tibia was then internally transported with a ring external fixator; the closed fracture of the proximal tibia served as the corticotomy for internal transport without conventional corticotomy. After 5?cm internal transport, the docking site of the distal tibia was fixed with a locking plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft. Bone graft was also used to the distal tibiofibular space to achieve distal tibiofibular synostosis. We describe one treatment option for an infected open fracture of the distal tibia with segmental bone loss that is accompanied by a closed fracture of the proximal tibia. This method can treat two fractures simultaneously.     

Limited posterolateral surgical approach to the knee for excision of osteoid osteoma

An 18-year-old man suffered four years of undiagnosed knee pain until a CAT scan revealed an epiphyseal osteoid osteoma of the tibia located subchondrally, just medial to the proximal tibiofibular joint. A nidus in this location is not easily accessible, and its proximity to the joint surface raised concerns about damage to the tibial plateau. To facilitate excision of the tumor, cadaveric dissections were performed to develop a limited posterior approach to the proximal, lateral portion of the tibia. The CAT scan was used to calculate the precise dimensions of the tumor and its relation to the posterior tibial cortex and the proximal tibiofibular joint. With the use of the exposure developed in the laboratory and the calculations derived from the CAT scan, the tumor could be excised by removing a single block of bone 15 mm3. Intraoperative radiographs confirmed the presence of the nidus within the excised block of bone. This case report reaffirms the frequent difficulties and tardiness in diagnosing osteoid osteomas and the need to include these tumors in the differential diagnosis of knee pain and epiphyseal lesions. Before CAT scans were used, the working diagnoses were torn meniscus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and bone hemangiomatosis.     

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in association with a tibial shaft fracture: two case reports and a literature review

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) in association with a displaced tibial shaft fracture and an intact fibula is an exceedingly rare injury. We present 2 cases of tibia fractures associated with an intact fibula and a PTFJ dislocation. The first case involves a man who sustained a closed spiral fracture of the distal tibial shaft, with an intact fibula, an anterolaterally dislocated PTFJ, and a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament. The tibia was percutaneously plated, and the PTFJ was reduced and then stabilized with temporary screw fixation. The second case involves a woman who sustained a closed fracture of the tibia in association with a PTFJ dislocation. The tibia was fixed with an intramedullary nail, and the PTFJ was similarly reduced and fixed with a temporary screw. We also provide a brief literature review focusing on classification of PTFJ dislocations, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and treatment options.     

Die Arthrodese des oberen Sprunggelenks über den sog. transfibularen Zugang

OBJECTIVE: Bony fusion between tibia and talus in neutral position of foot. Return to a pain-free function of the lower limb. INDICATIONS: Extensive loss of articular cartilage accompanied by a painful and considerably limited motion with or without malalignment. Partial avascular necrosis of talar dome or distal tibial epiphysis. Neuroarthropathy (Charcot joint) with progressive malalignment of ankle. Revision surgery after failed total ankle arthroplasty. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Acute purulent joint infection. Total avascular necrosis of talus. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Posterolateral approach to the distal fibula taking care to preserve the periosteal vessels. Fibular osteotomy from proximal lateral to distal medial. Division of the anterior tibiofibular, anterior fibulotibial, and fibulocalcaneal ligaments. Division of posterior tibiofibular ligament. Transverse planar resection of tibial and talar articular surfaces. Freshening of the medial malleolus. Resection of the tip of medial malleolus through a medial incision. Positioning of talus perpendicular to the tibia, paying attention to the valgus of the hindfoot and external rotation. Temporary fixation with Kirschner wires. Radiographic control in two planes followed by fixation with two or three lag screws. Removal of the medial fibular cortex, freshening of the lateral gutter, and fixation of the distal fibular fragments to tibia and talus with cortical screws. RESULTS: 20 arthrodeses in 19 patients were followed up for an average of 39 months (12-69 months). All arthrodeses were fused. In one patient a fibular pseudarthrosis was encountered. All arthrodeses healed in a correct position but one that consolidated with a pes equinus of 3 degrees . The average AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) hindfoot score reached 78.5 points (40-86 points). A marked reduction of symptoms and satisfactory function were reported postoperatively by all patients. All would be willing to undergo surgery again.     

Safe placement of proximal tibial transfixation wires with respect to intracapsular penetration

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safe zone for transfixation wires in the proximal tibia to avoid intracapsular penetration. METHODS: The material consisted of five fresh cadaver knees (two paired) and seven knees of volunteer subjects (three paired). High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on each knee after distension with a gadolinium solution. The distance d from the subchondral bone to the insertion of the reflected joint capsule was measured. Selected cadaver knees were then anatomically sectioned to correlate the MRI findings with anatomic measurements. RESULTS: On the anteromedial side of the knee, the distance from the reflected joint capsule to the subchondral bone was less than eleven millimeters in all specimens except one. Posteromedially, d was smaller and ranged from two to four millimeters. On the lateral side of the knee anterior to the proximal tibiofibular joint, this distance ranged from six to nine millimeters. In all knees but two, d was greatest at the posterior aspect of the proximal tibiofibular joint, ranging from eight to thirteen millimeters. In one volunteer knee, the septum that separates the knee joint from the proximal tibiofibular joint was either torn or attenuated, resulting in complete communication between these two synovial cavities. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal tibial transfixation wires away from the tibiofibular joint are likely to be extraarticular if kept greater than fourteen millimeters from the subchondral bone. In the region of the proximal tibiofibular joint, a safe distance is unclear because it is difficult to know preoperatively which knee has a torn septum.     

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in association with a tibial shaft fracture: two case reports and a literature review.

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) in association with a displaced tibial shaft fracture and an intact fibula is an exceedingly rare injury. We present 2 cases of tibia fractures associated with an intact fibula and a PTFJ dislocation. The first case involves a man who sustained a closed spiral fracture of the distal tibial shaft, with an intact fibula, an anterolaterally dislocated PTFJ, and a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament. The tibia was percutaneously plated, and the PTFJ was reduced and then stabilized with temporary screw fixation. The second case involves a woman who sustained a closed fracture of the tibia in association with a PTFJ dislocation. The tibia was fixed with an intramedullary nail, and the PTFJ was similarly reduced and fixed with a temporary screw. We also provide a brief literature review focusing on classification of PTFJ dislocations, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and treatment options.     

Bilateral, atraumatic, proximal tibiofibular joint instability

Dislocation of the tibiofibular joint is rare and usually results from a traumatic event. Only 1 case of atraumatic proximal tibiofibular joint instability in a 14-year-old girl has been reported in the literature, however this condition might occur more frequently than once thought. A wide range of treatment options exist for tibiofibular dislocations. Currently, the first choice is a conservative approach, and when this fails, surgical means such as resection of the fibula head, arthrodesis, and reconstruction are considered. However, no consensus exists on the most effective treatment. This article reports a unique case of bilateral, atraumatic, proximal tibia and fibular joint instability involving a 30-year-old man with a 20-year history of pain and laxity in the right knee. The patient had no trauma to his knees; he reported 2 immediate family members with similar complaints, which suggests that this case is likely congenital. After conservative approaches proved to be ineffective, the patient underwent capsular reconstruction using free autologous gracilis tendon. At 6-month postoperative follow-up, the patient was pain free with no locking and instability. He then underwent surgery on the left knee. At 1-year follow-up after the second surgery, the patient had no symptoms or restrictions in mobility. We provide an alternative surgical approach to arthrodesis and resection for the treatment of chronic proximal tibiofibular instability. In the treatment of chronic tibiofibular instability, we believe that reconstruction of the tibiofibular joint is a safe and effective choice.     

Impingement after total knee arthroplasty caused by cement extrusion and proximal tibiofibular instability

A 57-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis showed posterolateral impingement after total knee arthroplasty. The radiographs showed bone cement extrusion posterolateral to the tibial tray. Arthrotomy through a posterolateral approach revealed that the impingement was caused not only by cement extrusion against the fibular head but also by proximal tibiofibular joint instability. It was speculated that rheumatoid arthritis had caused proximal tibiofibular instability, active knee motion had caused fibular head shift by tension of biceps femoris and the fibular head had been impinged on the extruded cement. In cementing the tibial tray, especially in a rheumatoid patient, it is of paramount importance to take caution against posterolateral cement extrusion in order to minimize the risk of fibular head impingement during total knee arthroplasty.     

Complete posterior dislocation of fractured lateral condyle of tibia with disruption of proximal tibiofibular joint: Technical note

Tibial plateau fracture-dislocations are relatively uncommon injuries. They represent instability patterns due to injured collateral ligaments or extensive condylar depression. Medial and lateral subluxations of the fractured fragments represent the majority of these injuries. Posterior dislocations with the tibial plateau fractures are extremely rare injuries. Moreover, isolated posterior dislocations of the tibial condyles with a normally maintained position of the remaining tibia have not been reported in literature. We describe a difficult case scenario in which whole of the articular segment of the lateral condyle of the tibia was separated from its anterolateral rim and completely dislocated posteriorly, with no contact with the lateral condyle of the femur. Besides this, there was a complete disruption of the proximal tibiofibular joint as well. To further add to the problem, the distal pulses in the affected limb had a reduced volume. Stepwise management of all aspects of this injury has been described in this technical note along with a six-month follow-up.     

静力交锁髓内钉治疗胫骨多段骨折

目的观察静力交锁髓内钉在胫骨多段骨折中的治疗效果。方法2000年2月至2003年2月对28例胫骨多段骨折采用静力交锁髓内钉治疗，男21例，女7例，年龄21～61岁，全部为闭合性骨折，伴有腓骨骨折25例，骨折距上、下胫腓联合7cm内，作相应内固定处理。结果28例得到随访，骨折全部愈合，无锁钉及髓内钉松动、断裂。膝踝关节功能正常。迟延愈合1例。结论静力交锁髓内钉在治疗胫骨多段骨折中具有创伤小、固定坚强、骨折愈合率高、能早期活动、感染率低等优点，是胫骨多段骨折一种有效的内固定方法。     

Sciatic cross-over in patients with peroneal and tibial intraneural ganglia confirmed by knee MR arthrography

Background  A predictable mechanism and stereotypic patterns of peroneal intraneural ganglia are being defined based on careful analysis of MRIs. Peroneal and tibial intraneural ganglia extending from the superior tibiofibular joint which extend to the level of the sciatic nerve have been observed leading to the hypothesis that sciatic cross-over could exist. Such a cross-over phenomenon would allow intraneural cyst from the peroneal nerve by means of its shared epineurial sheath within the sciatic nerve to cross over to involve the tibial nerve, or vice versa from a tibial intraneural cyst to the peroneal nerve. Method and Findings  One patient with a peroneal intraneural ganglion and another with a tibial intraneural ganglion each underwent a knee MR arthrogram. These studies were not only definitive in demonstrating the communication of the cyst to the superior tibiofibular joint connection but also in confirming sciatic cross-over. Contrast injected into the knee could be demonstrated tracking to the superior tibiofibular joint and then proximally into the common peroneal or tibial nerve respectively, crossing over at the sciatic nerve, and then descending down the tibial and peroneal nerves. The arthrographic findings mirrored MR images upon their retrospective review. Conclusions  This study provides direct in vivo proof of the nature of sciatic cross-over theorized by critical review of MRIs and/or experimental dye injections done in cadavers. This study is important in clarifying the potential paths of propagation of intraneural cysts at points of major bifurcation.     

Arthrodesis of the distal tibiofibular joint for a large osteochondroma in an adult.

A case of a large osteochondroma of the distal tibia with distortion of the distal tibiofibular joint is presented. This could not be managed by traditional means, as excision would have resulted in ankle and tibiofibular joint instability. The problem was overcome by performing an arthrodesis. Only enough bone from both the tibia and the fibula was excised to provide a host bed for bone graft. We believe that symptomatic osteochondromata should usually be excised. However, if this would result in damage, then the method described offers an alternative management strategy.     

螺钉固定与Tight-rope固定治疗下胫腓前联合损伤的初步有限元分析

目的 :建立下胫腓前联合损伤(anterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries,AITSI)螺钉固定及Tightrope固定(TR)模型,比较其受力及位移情况,为临床诊治提供依据。方法 :选取1例正常人的踝关节CT图像建立3D模型。然后建立AITSI损伤模型,对损伤模型置入螺钉得到螺钉固定模型,使用Tight-rope固定得到TR模型。分析各模型单脚站立时的中立位、踝关节内旋以及外旋3种受力情况,观察胫腓骨及距骨关节面应力变化,以及胫腓骨远端位移情况。结果:AITSI导致胫腓骨及距骨关节面受力增加,胫腓骨位移增加。使用螺钉固定及TR均能有效减少AITSI导致的胫腓骨远端过度位移,但在螺钉固定模型中,胫腓骨位移明显小于正常模型,且胫腓骨远端及距骨关节面受力增大,螺钉受力集中。螺钉固定模型中的胫骨及腓骨最大受力为TR模型的1.3倍以上,距骨关节面接触力为1.8倍,螺钉固定模型中下胫腓前韧带胫骨附着点位移约为正常模型的0.6倍,而TR模型中该数据约为正常模型的1.1倍,但TR对于腓骨位移控制欠佳。结论:严重的下胫腓前联合损伤将改变踝关节受力及位移情况,应该行内固定治疗。下胫腓联合螺钉及TR都能有效地治疗下胫腓前联合分离,Tight-rope固定相较于螺钉固定在骨骼受力、踝关节微动及内固定物断裂方面具有优势,但存在腓骨旋转控制欠佳的劣势。伴有Weber C型踝关节骨折以及肥胖的患者更适合螺钉固定。     

Knee laxity associated with a proximal diaphyseal tibial and fibular fracture

If operative treatment of a proximal diaphyseal tibial and fibular fracture is required, in most cases, it involves reduction and stabilization of only the tibial fracture. In this case report, after stabilization of the tibial fracture with an intramedullary nail, the patient continued to demonstrate significant varus knee laxity, despite an intact proximal tibiofibular joint and undisplaced fibular head. The stability of the knee was achieved only with internal fixation of the segmental fibular fracture. This case shows the importance of assessing knee laxity in all cases of proximal tibial and fibular fractures.     

Tibial shaft fracture and ankle joint injury

OBJECTIVE: Detection of tibial fractures in which a concomitant ankle injury may exist. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital. PATIENTS: 43 (20.1%) of 214 patients with a tibial fracture were found to have an associated injury of the ankle joint. INTERVENTION: Analysis of all patients with tibial fractures regarding typical mechanisms of injuries and typical radiographic criteria for concomitant injuries of the ankle joint. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary x-rays were analyzed looking for spiral fractures of the tibia or proximal fibular fractures or an intact fibula, typically associated with syndesmotic injury. The assessment of patients was based on radiological findings and functional recovery. RESULTS: 45 ankle injuries in 43 patients were found. There were distal fibular fractures in 14, Maisonneuve fractures in 13, isolated ruptures of the syndesmosis in 3, fractures of the posterior malleolus in 8, and fractures of the medial malleolus in 7 of the cases. In 38 of the 43 patients, the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis was ruptured, and 88.4% of the tibia injuries were spiral fractures located in the distal third. Of the 38 patients who could be followed, 31 were categorized according to the Phillip's Score as very good, 3 as good, 2 as satisfactory, and 2 as unsatisfactory after an average of 19.8 months (12-26). CONCLUSION: Due to the obvious injury of the tibia, the potential instability of the ankle joint is often overlooked, and the risk of development of secondary osteoarthritis is often consequently underestimated. Added attention should be paid to the ankle in the following tibial fracture cases: pronation-eversion trauma, spiral fracture of the tibia, proximal fibular fracture, or intact fibula. Using these markers, we were able to diagnose 20.1% of combined injuries compared to our retrospective study in 1999, in which only 13.6% of these injuries could be detected (Pearson r=0.1305, not significant).     

Total knee arthroplasty for neuropathic joint disease after severe bone destruction eroded the tibial tuberosity

This article describes a patient in whom total knee arthroplasty was performed for neuropathic joint disease secondary to diabetes mellitus after severe bone destruction eroded the tibial tuberosity. At initial examination, radiographs of the knee showed bone destruction in the medial and anterior regions of the tibia, and fine bone fragments were seen in the joint. Conservative therapy was performed using a brace. However, bone destruction gradually advanced, and 10 months after the initial examination, radiographs of the knee showed bone destruction in the lateral condyle of the femur and advanced bone destruction of the anterior tibia; the tibial tuberosity was missing. It is rare for the tibial tuberosity in the anterior tibia to disappear. If this happens, reconstruction is difficult and total knee arthroplasty becomes complicated. For the bone defect in the tibia, cement was used to recreate the shape of the anterior surface of the tibia. It was possible to minimize the volume of bone resection and morphologically reconstruct the tibial tuberosity. The patient recovered quickly. At postoperative week 5, the patient was able to walk using a cane. Thirty-six months after total knee arthroplasty, knee extension was 0°, flexion was 120°, extension lag was 5°, knee score improved from 40 points to 94 points, and functional score improved from 20 points to 75 points. However, long-term implant stability needs to be carefully monitored.     

Tibiofibular torsion in congenital clubfoot

Tibiofibular torsion was measured by computed tomography in three series of patients affected by congenital clubfoot who were treated with different protocols. The normal leg of unilateral deformities served as the control. For the bilateral cases, only the right side was included in the study. The angle between the bicondylar axis of the tibia and the bimalleolar axis was the index of tibiofibular torsion. There were 34 clubfeet in the first series, treated with a posteromedial release, and 40 clubfeet in the second series, treated with a modified Ponseti method, whereas the third series included 16 clubfeet, treated with the original Ponseti method. All 90 clubfeet were graded at birth as group 3 according to the Manes classification. No patient had previous treatment. The patients of the first and the second series were followed up to maturity, whereas the patients of the third series were followed up to a maximum of 11 years of age. In the congenital clubfoot, the tibia and the fibula were externally rotated, in comparison with the normal leg; in fact, the average value of the angle of tibiofibular torsion was 32.2° in the first series, 23.9° in the second series, and 21.1° in the third series. In the normal tibiae, the average value of the angle of tibiofibular torsion was 21.4°. The difference between the first series and the normal controls was statistically significant, as was the difference between the first one and the other two series. The value of the tibiofibular torsion angle seems to be related to the manipulation technique used to treat clubfoot: when the manipulation does not allow a progressive eversion of the talus underneath the calcaneus, the external tibial torsion increases. At follow-up, an intoeing gait was present in seven treated clubfeet of the first series. In all of them except one, the highest value of the external tibial torsion angle was observed, with a low value of the Kite's angle and/or residual forefoot adduction. In the treated congenital clubfoot, persistent intoeing is not related to the angle of tibial torsion but rather to the amount of correction of calcaneal inversion and residual forefoot adduction.