Coaxial portals for posterior ankle arthroscopy

Purpose: The authors performed a cadaveric study on 10 ankles and retrospectively reviewed 29 arthroscopic synovectomies to determine the trajectory, minimal safe distances, and complications using a new approach for posterior ankle arthroscopy. Type of Study: Anatomic study and case series. Materials and Methods: A posterolateral portal was established immediately posterior to the peroneal tendon sheath. While staying within the posterior ankle capsule, an inside-out technique was then used to establish the posteromedial portal directly behind the medial malleolus adjacent to the posterior tibial tendon. The cadaveric ankles were frozen, sectioned, and photographed to measure the proximity of neurovascular structures to these coaxial portals. From 1988 to 1994, arthroscopic synovectomy was performed on 23 patients (29 ankles) with hemophilia using these modified portals. Results: Results of the anatomic study showed that the posterior tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery were located a mean distance of 5.7 mm (SEM, 0.6 mm) and 6.4 mm (SEM, 0.7 mm) from the edge of the cannula, respectively. Neither penetration nor contact of nerve or vessel was observed at either posterior portal. In the 29 clinical cases, posterior capsular synovectomy was achieved arthroscopically with no detectable complications at an average 45-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our anatomic data show that the coaxial portals described here are essentially equidistant to the neurovascular structures compared with conventional portals. Our clinical results suggest that his technique for posteromedial and posterolateral portals is safe, effective, and reproducible.     

Coaxial portals for posterior ankle arthroscopy: An anatomic study with clinical correlation on 29 patients

Purpose: The authors performed a cadaveric study on 10 ankles and retrospectively reviewed 29 arthroscopic synovectomies to determine the trajectory, minimal safe distances, and complications using a new approach for posterior ankle arthroscopy. Type of Study: Anatomic study and case series. Materials and Methods: A posterolateral portal was established immediately posterior to the peroneal tendon sheath. While staying within the posterior ankle capsule, an inside-out technique was then used to establish the posteromedial portal directly behind the medial malleolus adjacent to the posterior tibial tendon. The cadaveric ankles were frozen, sectioned, and photographed to measure the proximity of neurovascular structures to these coaxial portals. From 1988 to 1994, arthroscopic synovectomy was performed on 23 patients (29 ankles) with hemophilia using these modified portals. Results: Results of the anatomic study showed that the posterior tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery were located a mean distance of 5.7 mm (SEM, 0.6 mm) and 6.4 mm (SEM, 0.7 mm) from the edge of the cannula, respectively. Neither penetration nor contact of nerve or vessel was observed at either posterior portal. In the 29 clinical cases, posterior capsular synovectomy was achieved arthroscopically with no detectable complications at an average 45-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our anatomic data show that the coaxial portals described here are essentially equidistant to the neurovascular structures compared with conventional portals. Our clinical results suggest that his technique for posteromedial and posterolateral portals is safe, effective, and reproducible.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 8 (November-December), 2000: pp 836–842     

Hindfoot endoscopy for the treatment of posterior ankle impingement syndrome: A safe and reproducible technique

IntroductionPosterior ankle impingement is a clinical syndrome characterized by posterior ankle pain that is mainly presented on plantar flexion. The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the results of posterior ankle impingement treated by endoscopic hindfoot posterior portals.Materials and methodsBetween 2004 and 2009, a total of 38 endoscopic hindfoot procedures were performed to treat posterior ankle impingement. The indication for procedure was posterior ankle impingement syndrome in all cases. There were 38 patients, 17 females and 21 males. Mean age was 27.6 years (16–59 years). Mean follow-up was 27.6 months (12.5–52 months). The results were evaluated following the AOFAS score. Data statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test.ResultsThe main preoperative AOFAS score increased from 67.42 (range 41–91) to 97.13 (range 84–100) at follow-up. No complications were reported in any case.ConclusionHindfoot endoscopy is a reproducible and safe procedure which offers excellent outcomes in posterior ankle impingement syndrome.     

Posterior ankle arthroscopy for posterior ankle synovitis with an enlarged posterior talar process caused by a cat bite or scratch: A case report

IntroductionLegs are sometimes infected and swollen by cat bite or scratch. However, there is no report of synovitis with an enlarged talar posterior process in the posterior ankle caused by a cat bite or scratch which was treated by removal of the enlarged process and synovectomy with release of the flexor hallucis longus tendon via posterior ankle arthroscopy.Presentation of caseThe patient was a 58-year-old woman who had started keeping a cat 7 months earlier. She subsequently sustained cat bite and scratch wounds to her lower legs, which gradually became increasingly swollen. On presentation, there was left lower leg swelling, particularly on the posterior aspect of the ankle. Imaging revealed bone marrow edema in the enlarged posterior talar process and inflammation of the adjacent soft tissue. We excised the enlarged posterior talar process, performed synovectomy, and released the flexor hallucis longus tendon using a posterior arthroscopic technique via standard posterolateral and posteromedial portals. Microbial culture was negative.DiscussionThe patient returned to daily activities approximately 3 weeks after arthroscopic debridement. There was no recurrence at the 1-year follow-up visit. To our knowledge.ConclusionWe report a rare case of posterior ankle synovitis with an enlarged posterior talar process caused by a cat bite or scratch which was treated successfully by posterior ankle arthroscopic debridement.     

经胫后肌腱鞘建立踝关节镜后方共轴入路的解剖学研究

目的进行经胫后肌腱鞘建立踝关节镜后方共轴入路的解剖学研究。方法在20具踝关节标本上以克氏针建立共轴入路,测量克氏针与后方重要神经、肌腱、血管的距离。在5具新鲜踝关节标本上,以2.7mm30°关节镜建立共轴入路,镜下观察并测量以上距离。结果内侧关节镜入路的体表标志为内踝尖上方5～12mm(平均8mm),外侧入路的体表标志为外踝尖上方8～24mm(平均15mm)。经过胫后肌腱鞘、腓骨后缘建立共轴入路,不但把关节镜、镜下器械与后方重要神经血管结构与后关节囊隔开,同时增加了它们之间的距离。经过此入路可以观察到距骨关节面的后1/2～2/3、外侧踝关节间隙、内侧踝关节间隙、后关节囊、胫距关节间隙,能清楚地看到踝穴与距骨的动态关系。可以通过后外侧入路进入手术器械进行镜下手术。结论经胫后肌腱鞘的踝关节镜后方共轴入路,具有操作简便、安全性好、镜下视野清楚、操作空间大的优点。     

关节镜下自体半腱肌肌腱解剖重建踝关节外侧副韧带

目的 探讨关节镜下自体半腱肌肌腱重建踝关节外侧副韧带治疗慢性踝关节不稳定的方法及初期临床疗效。方法 将2015年12月至2017年2月我院收治的16例慢性踝关节不稳定病人纳入研究,其中男14例,女2例,年龄为（28.1±6.4）岁;术前应力位X线片提示距骨倾斜25.5°±5.5°（18°~35°）,距骨前移（10.1±1.8） mm（7~14 mm）。采用2.7 mm 30°短踝关节镜经前外侧入路观察,经前外侧辅助入路于腓骨远端和距骨外侧面距腓前韧带足印区制作骨隧道,跟骨外侧壁跟腓韧带止点处经皮透视制作骨隧道,取自体半腱肌肌腱对折编织成“Y”型,将移植物引入骨隧道,腓骨端使用袢钢板悬吊固定,距骨及跟骨端使用5.0 mm界面螺钉固定。术后早期功能锻炼,末次随访应用美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分系统评价踝关节功能;采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评估疼痛情况;采用Sefton外侧副韧带重建疗效评价系统评估踝关节稳定性。结果 本组16例病人术后随访（16.8±4.3）个月（12~24个月）,均于术后3个月恢复正常体育活动,末次随访未观察到踝关节不稳定复发。AOFAS评分为（89.2±4.8）分,VAS评分为（0.7±0.6）分。依据Sefton评价标准：优9例,良5例,可2例,优良率为87.5%。结论 关节镜下自体半腱肌肌腱解剖重建踝关节外侧副韧带治疗慢性踝关节不稳定的近期疗效理想,并发症较少。     

A literature review of the complications following anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy

IntroductionThere is a wealth of studies reporting the complications of anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy. The aim of this study is to summarise and review the complication rate(s) associated with both anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy, as described in the literature.Material and methodsThe authors carried out a comprehensive review of the literature up until March 2018. An extensive search of the MEDLINE, Cochrane library and EMBASE databases was undertaken using the following keywords: complications of ankle arthroscopy, anterior ankle arthroscopy, and posterior ankle arthroscopy.ResultsA total of 107 papers were identified and 55 were deemed appropriate for analysis. The overall complication rate of ankle arthroscopy was found to be between 3.4– 9%.ConclusionsNo life threatening complications were identified in the literature with both anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy. The commonest complication after anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy is superficial peroneal nerve injury and temporary Achilles tendon tightness, respectively.     

小切口解剖重建踝关节外侧韧带复合体治疗慢性外踝不稳的临床疗效

目的:探讨解剖重建踝关节外侧韧带复合体治疗慢性外踝不稳的临床疗效。方法:自2005年9月至2010年3月,采用解剖重建距腓前韧带及跟腓韧带手术治疗慢性外踝不稳29例,男24例,女5例;年龄15～35岁,平均24岁;病史7个月～10年,平均10个月。主要临床表现为踝关节反复扭伤。查体时29例均有踝关节的内翻增加以及距骨前移增加,内翻活动度比健侧平均增加(12.5±3.2)°。术中先在踝关节镜下处理关节内病变。移植物为自体股薄肌腱,距骨止点以锚钉在骨表面固定,移植物通过腓骨远端的骨隧道,跟骨止点以挤压钉在骨隧道内固定。术后通过观察患者症状的变化、距骨内翻和前移的程度改变以及影像学变化来评价疗效,并以AOFAS后足功能评分评价踝关节功能。结果:所有患者手术成功,无骨折及感染发生。所有患者获得随访,时间16～60个月,平均28个月。终末随访时无踝关节不稳定或活动受限。术后踝关节内翻角度比对侧增加值为(2.5±0.8)°,低于术前(t=12.3,P=0.012);距骨前移距离(3.5±0.8)mm,较术前(16.3±4.0)mm下降(t=18.6,P=0.002);距骨倾斜角(4.5±1.0)°,较术前(17.5±3.6)°下降(t=9.7,P=0.035);AOFAS后足功能评分(92.8±6.2)分,较术前(48.0±6.7)分升高(t=25.3,P=0.001)。所有患者无严重并发症出现,对疗效满意。结论:自体股薄肌腱移植解剖重建踝关节外侧韧带复合体的手术方式符合解剖学重建理念,手术创伤小,术后恢复快,无严重并发症。该手术临床效果可靠,术后踝关节稳定性恢复良好,踝关节功能明显改善。     

A direct lateral approach for diagnosis and treatment of subtalar and posterior ankle pathology

The direct lateral approach to the subtalar joint through the IFT portal provides safe and speedy access to reach the posterior aspect of the subtalar joint and the ankle joint. This viewing portal allows for excellent visualization that extend from the posteromedial corner to the lateral joint space and anterolateral corner of the subtalar joint. Two working portals comprising of the posterolateral and sinus tarsi portals are safely made to enable visualization from the IFT portal. These portals are also useful to observe the CFL and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament.     

Posterior ankle arthroscopy portal safety regarding proximity to the tibial and sural nerves

The aim of this cadaveric study was to assess the relative safety of posterior ankle arthroscopy portal sites regarding their distance from the tibial and sural nerves. We dissected 20 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs, carefully exposed the nerves, preserving their original position, and established the entry points of five posterior ankle portals using pins. We measured distances with a digital calliper and used Friedman test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests for statistical analyses. There was unequal safety between the five portals (p = 0.00001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two posterolateral or two posteromedial portals. The trans-Achilles tendon portal as expected was significantly further away from either nerve (p = 0.00001). In conclusion, the trans-Achilles portal is the safest portal in terms of its distance from the nerves but has the disadvantage of surgical injury to the Achilles tendon. The two medial and two lateral posterior portals are equivalent in terms of safety.     

Posterior ankle impingement disguised as peroneal tendon subluxation in young athletes – a case report

Posterior ankle impingement is a cause of posterior ankle pain common in those who perform frequent plantarflexion activities. Three young patients presented with posterior ankle pain which was initially attributed to peroneal tendon subluxation. However, detailed physical exam and imaging confirmed the diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement as the actual cause of pain. The peroneal tendon subluxation was not causal but an unrelated co-incidental finding. After failed prolonged conservative management (rest, immobilization and physical therapy), the patients underwent posterior ankle arthroscopic debridement for the impingement resulting in return to prior sporting activity without limitation and no recurrence of pain at 19 months follow-up. Posterior ankle impingement diagnosis could be masked by co-incidental asymptomatic peroneal tendon subluxation in pediatric patients.     

踝关节外侧结构重建治疗踝关节外侧不稳

目的：探讨踝关节外侧结构重建在治疗慢性踝关节外侧不稳中的作用。方法：回顾分析2005年7月至2008年1月收治的13例慢性踝关节不稳患者,男10例,女3例;年龄24～45岁,平均33岁。13例均采用自体半束腓骨短肌腱解剖重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带（Sammarco法）,手术前后按踝关节评分系统进行评分,评分项目包括稳定性、疼痛、活动能力、X线表现。结果：13例均获随访,时间6～32个月,平均16.4个月,患者踝关节评分在稳定性、疼痛、活动能力等方面均有所改善,踝关节评分由术前的平均（43.54±7.04）分提高至术后的（73.38±4.17）分,手术前后差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。全部患者对手术表示满意。结论：采用半束自体腓骨短肌腱解剖重建距腓前韧带及跟腓韧带的方法治疗踝关节外侧不稳,操作便利,对于以关节不稳为主要表现的患者,疗效确切。     

踝关节镜前后联合入路治疗踝关节撞击综合征

目的 :分析踝关节镜前后联合入路对踝关节撞击综合症患者镜下行清理的临床疗效及术中注意事项。方法:回顾性分析自2011年4月至2015年4月采用踝关节镜治疗并获得完整随访的17例踝关节撞击综合症患者,其中男12例,女5例;手术时年龄22~47岁,平均32.4岁。结合患者临床症状和影像学评估予踝关节镜清理,并去除引起症状的撞击部位,术后常规予非甾体消炎药和关节内注射透明质酸钠治疗。采用AOFAS(美国足踝外科协会)后足-踝评分,Ogilvie-Harris踝关节评分对术前情况及术后末次随访情况进行评分。结果:17例手术中情况:关节镜下显示前外踝撞击征8例,前内踝撞击征2例,前踝撞击征2例,后踝撞击征2例,3例为同时合并前后踝撞击。术中清除增生的骨赘,引起撞击的下胫腓前韧带远侧束,距腓前韧带,滑膜组织和疤痕组织。4例同时合并关节软骨损伤,软骨损伤面积约1 mm×3 mm至1.5 mm×4 mm大小。术中同时采用直径1.2 mm的克氏针行钻孔微骨折处理。17例术后随访时间8~24个月,平均14.3个月。AOFAS评分由手术前的62.30±5.20增加至术后的87.60±5.40。Ogilvie-Harris踝关节评分由手术前的6.70±0.98增加至术后的12.80±1.21。术后患者均无神经血管损伤,无伤口感染,愈合不良等并发症。患者有不同程度的踝关节肿胀,于术后4~8周逐步消失。结论:对踝关节撞击综合症患者,前后联合入路可以有效清除引起踝关节撞击的骨性撞击和软组织撞击,结合术后非甾体消炎药和关节内注射透明质酸钠治疗,可以有效缓解踝痛症状,达到较好的治疗效果。     

Eccentric ankle arthritis in the sagittal plane: a novel description of anterior and posterior ankle arthritis

BackgroundTo report radiographic characteristics of anterior and posterior ankle arthritis, which demonstrates the eccentric narrowing of either aspect of the tibiotalar joint in the sagittal plane.MethodsRadiographic analysis of 19 ankles with anterior arthritis and 16 ankles with posterior arthritis was performed, which were defined as having both (1) eccentric narrowing of the anterior or posterior tibiotalar joint space on lateral radiographs and (2) talar tilt angle less than 4 degrees on anteroposterior radiographs. Measured radiographic parameters were: Talar tilt angle, medial distal tibial angle (MDTA), talar center migration (TCM), anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA), tibial axis-to-talus ratio (TT ratio), talo-first metatarsal (Meary) angle, hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), hindfoot moment arm, and mechanical axis deviation (MAD). An Intergroup comparison analysis, including a normal control group, was also performed.ResultsThe TT ratio was significantly different between each group, indicating a distinct talus position in the sagittal plane. The anterior group had a significantly larger TCM than the control group and lower ADTA compared to other groups, indicating medial translation of the talus and anterior opening of the tibial plafond. The posterior group demonstrated a significantly higher Meary angle and lower HAA compared to other groups and lower MDTA compared to the control group, indicating lower medial longitudinal arch, valgus heel alignment, and varus tibial plafond. The MAD was significantly higher in both the anterior and posterior groups than the control group, indicating varus lower limb alignment.ConclusionAnterior ankle arthritis demonstrated anteromedial translation of the talus and anterior opening of the tibial plafond. Posterior ankle arthritis was associated with the lower medial longitudinal arch and hindfoot valgus, indicating an association with flatfoot deformity. Both anterior and posterior ankle arthritis were associated with varus lower limb alignment.     

The geometrical axis of the talocrural joint—Suggestions for a new measurement of the talocrural joint axis

BackgroundDespite intensive research there is no consensus about the talocrural joint axis. The aim of the present study is a new method to determinate the geometric rotational axis of the talocrural joint.MethodsWe analyzed 98 CT-scans of full cadaver Caucasian legs. We generated three-dimensional reconstruction models of the talus. A best fitting cone was orientated to the talar articular surface. The geometric rotational axis was defined to be the axis of this cone.ResultsThe geometric rotational axis of the talocrural joint is orientated from lateral–distal to medial–proximal (85.6° ± 10 compared to anatomical tibial axis in torsional plane), from posterior–distal to anterior–proximal (81.43° ± 44.35 compared to anatomical tibial axis in sagittal plane) and from posterior–medial to anterior–lateral (169.2° ± 5.91 compared to intermalleolar axis in axial plane).ConclusionsThe consideration of our results might be helpful for better understanding of ankle biomechanics.     

Arthroscopic release of flexor hallucis longus tendon using modified posteromedial and posterolateral portals in the supine position

BackgroundThe flexor hallucis longus (FHL) is a known site of pathological conditions. FHL stenosing tenosynovitis presents as posterior medial ankle pain or great toe discomfort and is often associated with a catching sensation of the great toe. There are a wide variety of open procedures for the treatment of FHL stenosing tenosynovitis.ObjectiveArthroscopic treatment may circumvent some of the complications associated with open surgical treatment of the hindfoot.MethodsArthroscopic surgery was completed in the supine position using modified posteromedial and posterolateral portals. A 70° arthroscope allowed for circumferential evaluation of the ankle through the posterolateral portal including the subtalar areas and the entire FHL tendon for release using basket forceps and a 3.5 mm shaver.ResultsThis method allows for decompression of the FHL from the entrance of the fibro-osseous tunnel to the knot of Henry. Active and passive range of motion of both the ankle and toes was encouraged postoperatively. The patient returned to sporting activity 6 weeks after surgery.ConclusionsEndoscopic treatment of the FHL stenosing tenosynovitis is presented as an alternative to an open surgical procedure; it may reduce wound complications and may allow for an earlier return to sport.     

Reliability of Achilles Tendon Resting Angle and Calf Circumference measurement techniques

BackgroundThe resting angle of the ankle joint may be altered following apparently successful management of Achilles tendon rupture. The reliability of the Achilles Tendon Resting Angle and Calf Circumference measurements was determined.MethodsThree test–retest measurements for reliability assessment were performed on 16 healthy subjects: 10 males and 6 females.ResultsThe mean left Achilles Tendon Resting Angle was mean 50.1° (range [26–61]), ICC 0.92 (CI [0.83–0.97]), SEM 2.4°. The mean right Achilles tendon resting angle was mean 49.9° (range [26–60]), ICC 0.91 (CI [0.80–0.96]), SEM 2.6°. The mean left calf circumference was mean 38.5 cm (range [33.3–44.2]), ICC 0.97 (CI [0.94–0.98]), SEM 0.6 cm, and the mean right calf circumference was mean 38.4 cm (range [33.3–43.6]), ICC 0.97 (CI [0.94–0.99]), SEM 0.5 cm.ConclusionsThe Achilles Tendon Resting Angle and Calf Circumference at 15 cm from the antero-medial joint line had excellent test–retest reliability. These are simple, quick and inexpensive measurements, which have the potential to correlate with tendon elongation and functional outcome. The Achilles tendon resting angle may be used as a guide to tendon length during intra-operative repair and rehabilitation     

Length change pattern of the ankle deltoid ligament during physiological ankle motion

BackgroundLength change pattern of the ankle deltoid ligament during physiological ankle motion is still confused currently and had not been studied in vivo.MethodsThe deltoid ligaments from 7 cadaveric specimens were dissected. Lengths of each band during 30° plantarflexion to 20° dorsiflexion were measured. A dual fluoroscopy imaging system was utilized to capture the images of hindfoot joint of 7 healthy subjects during the stance phase of walking. 3D bone models were reconstructed from CT images. Lengths of each band were calculated after model-image registration utilizing a solid modeling software. Percentage of length variation and poses when the bands were in maximum extension were documented among each band.ResultsThe anterior border of tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL) had only 1.7% length variation in vitro and 5.7% length variation in vivo. The tibionavicular ligament, tibiospring ligament, and deep anterior tibiotalar ligament were in maximum extension at 30° plantarflexion, however, superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament, deep posterior tibiotalar ligament, and the posterior border of TCL were in maximum extension at 20° dorsiflexion. The tibionavicular ligament, tibiospring ligament, and deep anterior tibiotalar ligament were in maximum extension during foot flat. The TCL was in maximum extension during midstance. The superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament and deep posterior tibiotalar ligament were in maximum extension during heel off and toe off.ConclusionThe length of TCL did not change during ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The bands anterior to and posterior to the TCL showed different length change pattern during physiological ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.     

Damage patterns in polyethylene fixed bearings of retrieved total ankle replacements

IntroductionPoor long-term outcomes continue to hinder the universal adoption of total ankle replacements (TAR) for end stage arthritis. In the present study, polyethylene inserts of TARs retrieved at revision surgery were analyzed for burnishing, scratching, mechanical damage, pitting, and embedded particles.MethodsFourteen retrieved polyethylene inserts from a fixed bearing total ankle replacement design currently in clinical use were analyzed. Duration of time in vivo was between 11.5 months and 120.1 months. Three investigators independently graded each articular surface in quadrants for five features of damage: burnishing, scratching, mechanical damage, pitting, and embedded particles.ResultsNo correlation was found for burnishing between the anterior and posterior aspects (p = 0.47); however, scratching and pitting were significantly higher on the posterior aspect compared to the anterior aspect (p < 0.03). There was a high correlation between burnishing and in vivo duration of the implant (anterior: R = 0.67, p = 0.01, posterior: R = 0.68, p = 0.01).ConclusionThe higher concentration of posterior damage on these polyethylene inserts suggested that prosthesis-related (design) or surgeon-related (technique) factors might restrict the articulation of the implant. The resulting higher stresses in the posterior articular surfaces may have contributed to the failure of retrieved implants Keywords: Retrieval, Polyethylene Damage, Total Ankle Replacement.