Tibiotalar Arthrodesis with the Tibial Compression Nail

Abstract Objective: Arthrodesis of the ankle joint in proper position (neutral position in respect to flexion/extension, 5° external rotation, 0–5° of valgus). Pain-free weight bearing of the affected limb. Indications: Painful osteoarthritis of the ankle joint resistant to conservative approaches even in the presence of poor bone quality of the distal tibia such as after pilon fractures and osteoporosis. Failure of other methods of internal fixation. Contraindications: Osteitis. Partial necrosis of the talar dome. Medullary canal of tibia not patent. Surgical Technique: Lateral approach and resection of lateral malleolus. If the joint position is normal, removal of articular cartilage of tibia and talus. If axial correction is necessary, wedge resection of articular surfaces with underlying bone. Opening of proximal tibial medullary canal, insertion of compression nail into tibia and talus. Compression osteosynthesis and cancellous bone grafting. Alternatively, the arthrodesis can be achieved with the dowel technique. Results: Between September 1993 and March 2001, 137 patients (43 women, 94 men, average age 49 years [21–79 years]) were operated. Follow-up of 110 patients after 42 months: successful bony fusion in 99 patients (90%). In six patients (5.5%) the goal of treatment was obtained after revision with recompression of the nail and bone grafting. Nonunion in five patients (4.5%). Complications: one tibial shaft fracture, one hematoma needing evacuation, three superficial infections, and eight deep infections. Three patients developed an osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint. 70 patients (63.6%) reported an improvement, 37 (33.6%) no notable change of symptoms, and three (2.7%) a deterioration. The following is a reprint from Operat Orthop Traumatol 2005;17:407–25 and continues the new series of articles at providing continuing education on operative techniques to the European trauma community. Reprint from: Operat Orthop Traumatol 2005;17:407–25 DOI 10.1007/s00064-005-1151-1     

Anatomic Aspects of Tibiotalocalcaneal Nail Arthrodesis

During the past 15 years, tibiotalocalcaneal nail arthrodesis has become an established procedure for the treatment of specific disorders of the hindfoot and ankle. However, controversy exists regarding the proper starting point for obtaining and maintaining the correct hindfoot position to allow successful fusion. One of the challenges with this procedure is aligning the tibial canal with the central talus and calcaneus for placement of the intramedullary nail. We performed a cadaver study to evaluate the radiographic and anatomic position of the tibial canal and the central talus as it relates to placement of a retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal nail. In our subjects, guide wires directed in an antegrade fashion down the tibial canal were more likely to enter lateral to the midline of the talus and miss the calcaneal body medially. These data have revealed a mismatch among the central axis of the tibia, talus, and calcaneus. Surgeons must pay careful attention to wire placement across these 3 bone segments during retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal nailing.     

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.     

Die Versorgung der posttraumatischen Arthrose des oberen Sprunggelenks durch die S.T.A.R.-Sprunggelenkprothese

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the upper ankle joint by implantation of an uncemented total ankle joint prosthesis. INDICATIONS: Painful osteoarthritis of any kind affecting the upper ankle joint with adequate joint stability, without significant bone deformity of the ankle axes (deviation of the lower leg axis in the distal third in the horizontal and sagittal planes < or = 20 degrees ), without manifest osteoporosis, with normal peripheral vascularity, correct alignment of the hindfoot, minimal sports expectations on the part of the patient, and good residual range of motion. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Avascular talus necrosis > or = 25%. Degenerative neuropathic joint disease (Charcot's joint). Acute or chronic ankle joint infection. Sensory or motor dysfunction of the foot. Preceding arthrodesis of the ankle with resection of the malleoli. Medial instability of the upper ankle joint. Tibiotalar varus or valgus deformity > 20 degrees . SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Anterior approach to the upper ankle joint. Resection of the distal tibial joint surface and the cranial talar surface including the sides of the talus. Uncemented implantation of the talar cap, and the tibial component. Insertion of a polyethylene sliding core. RESULTS: From January 2004 to March 2005, 13 patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis were treated by implantation of an uncemented S.T.A.R. ankle prosthesis (Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement). The indication for total joint replacement in all cases was advanced osteoarthritis of the upper ankle joint that could no longer be managed by conservative treatment. In one patient, the medial malleolus fractured intraoperatively and had to be stabilized with a screw. There was neither deep nor superficial infection. One patient developed persistent chronic regional pain syndrome without radiologic evidence. After an average follow-up period of 6.8 months (3-12 months), the range of motion had improved in all patients from 10-0-20 degrees to 15-0-30 degrees on average. The AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) Hindfoot Score improved from 53 to 89 points.     

The Teramoto distal tibial oblique osteotomy (DTOO): surgical technique and applicability for ankle osteoarthritis with varus deformity

We have devised a medial peri-articular osteotomy, the distal tibial oblique osteotomy (DTOO), and have used this technique since 1994 for ankle osteoarthritis of advanced and late stages associated with varus inclination. This report describes the surgical technique and its applicability. DTOO can be used for cases of varus ankle osteoarthritis with a range of the ankle joint movement of at least 10° or more. The osteotomy is obliquely directed cut across the distal tibia from proximal-medial to distal lateral and is of an opening-wedge type with the centre of rotation coincident with the centre of the tibiofibular joint. A laminar spreader instrument is inserted in the osteotomy to open the wedge until the lateral surface of the talar body is seen on X-ray to be in contact and congruent with medial articular surface of the lateral malleolus. Common obstacles which may prevent this contact and congruency are bony spurs present on the anterior side of fibula or on the lateral side of the tibia; these require removal. The opening-wedge osteotomy is held in position by an Ilizarov external fixator or internally fixed with a plate. Bone graft is taken from the iliac crest and inserted into the open wedge. If, after completion of the osteotomy, the dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint does not exceed 0°, a Z-lengthening is performed of the Achilles tendon. In the DTOO for ankle osteoarthritis, the contact area of the ankle joint increases and decreases the load pressure per unit area. Furthermore, as the width of the ankle mortice is restored through the realignment of the body of the talus, instability at the ankle joint decreases. There is additional improvement with restoration of the inclination of the distal tibial articular surface as this directs the hindfoot valgus and corrects the alignment of the foot, with consequent improvement of ankle pain.     

Die supramalleoläre, subtraktive, valgisierende Tibiaosteotomie bei Varusarthrose des Sprunggelenks

OBJECTIVE: The aim of supramalleolar osteotomy of the tibia in the management of varus deformity of the upper ankle joint is to shift load bearing away from the severely degenerated medial part of the joint to the lateral part and thus restore physiological alignment of the hindfoot and a plantigrade foot. The intention is to reduce pain and to postpone the need for total endoprosthesis or arthrodesis. INDICATIONS: Painful degeneration of the ankle joint with varus deformity that has proven resistant to conservative treatment, i.e., > 15 degrees axial malalignment of the tibiotalar joint axis. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Severe ankle joint degeneration that restricts movement. Florid infections. Extensive bone and soft-tissue defects. Osteonecrosis of the talus with necrotic regions > 50%. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Anterior approach to the upper ankle joint and supramalleolar wedge-shaped resection of a predetermined bone wedge with lateral base. The desired correction is precisely calculated during preoperative planning. Subsequently, lateral approach over the distal fibula. Resection of a more proximal segment from the fibula. Closure of the tibial osteotomy (closed wedge) and osteosynthesis of the fibula. RESULTS: A supramalleolar valgus osteotomy (closed wedge) was performed in 27 patients from 2002 to 2006. Preoperatively, there was an average varus deformity of 27 degrees , which was corrected to 6 degrees on average postoperatively. 21 patients were very satisfied at follow-up, three patients required joint replacement during the later course, and another three patients needed arthrodesis.     

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.     

Arthrodesis for ankle osteoarthritis after harvesting of free vascularized fibular bone: a case report

Introduction Although free vascularized fibular bone grafting is a good method for the reconstruction of large bone defects, it might cause morbidity of the donor leg. Progression of ankle osteoarthritis, valgus deformity and instability of the donor leg subsequently leading to arthrodesis has rarely been reported. Materials and methods A 53-year-old man suffered from a left tibial comminuted and Gustilo type IIIb open fracture. A folded free vascularized osteoseptocutaneous flap was harvested from the right fibula and transferred to the left tibial bone defect. After the reconstructive surgery, the patient obtained a solid union of the left tibial shaft uneventfully. Ten years later, he suffered intermittent pain on his right ankle. Plain radiographs revealed progressive tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Right ankle arthrodesis with crossed cannulated screws fixation and osteosynthesis of the fibula to the tibia and talus were performed. However, this procedure failed due to a deep infection and osteomyelitis. A revision of the failed ankle fusion was performed by using a vascularized iliac bone flap to strut the anterolateral aspect of the tibiotalar bone defect. A ventral plate fixation and supplementary onlay bone grafting were applied across the anterior aspect of the tibiotalar joint. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient had no pain and resumed his regular daily activities. Conclusions Harvesting of the fibula may cause longterm ankle osteoarthritis that requires ankle arthrodesis. In revision arthrodesis a ventral plate fixation and vascularized iliac bone flap may be the treatment of choice, neutralizing the large moment due to the long lever arms.     

Arthrodese (mit/ohne Korrektur) des oberen und unteren Sprunggelenks

Objective

Restoration of a stable and plantigrade foot in deformities of the ankle and/or hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the ankle and subtalar joints.

Indications

Deformities at the ankle and/or hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the ankle and subtalar joint. Failed (corrective) arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joints. Fused ankle and degeneration of the subtalar joint. Failed total ankle replacement with insufficient substance of talar body and/or degeneration of subtalar joint. Massive hindfoot instability.

Contraindications

Active local infection or relevant vascular insufficiency, possible preservation of the ankle or subtalar joint (relative contraindication).

Surgical technique

Prone position and posterolateral approach to ankle and subtalar joints (alternative supine position/anterior approach; lateral position/lateral approach). Exposition of ankle and subtalar joints and removal of remaining cartilage. Optional corrective osteotomies and/or bone grafting. Correction and optional fixation of the corrected position with 2.0 mm K-wires. Mechanically navigated insertion of a retrograde guide wire in projection of the tibial axis and insertion of a second guide wire through the entry point of the nail lateral and dorsal to the tibial axis. Reaming and insertion of the A3 nail with a distal double bend; one posterior and one lateral, and a proximal bend corresponding to a slight recurvatum. Insertion of locking screws into the calcaneus, talus and tibia (twice with optional static or dynamic locking). Optional compression between calcaneus and talus, and between tibia and talus. Insertion of a drainage and layer-wise closure.

Postoperative management

For the first 6 weeks 15 kg partial weight bearing in an orthosis, followed by full weight bearing in a stable standard shoe.

Results

In October 2010 (n?=?2) and from 15 October 2011 to 13 April 2012 (n?=?26) 28 arthrodeses (with/without correction) with A3 fixation were performed. In all cases, exact nail placement was achieved. Thirteen cases completed follow-up (3–11 months) and showed timely fusion and full mobilization.     

Penetration injury of the hindfoot following intramedullary nail fixation of a tibial fracture

Technical errors during intramedullary nail insertion are not uncommon. We report a case of tibial guide wire penetration into the distal tibial articular surface, the talus and the calcaneus during insertion of the nail with the ankle dorsiflexed. This has not been reported in the past. Computerized tomogram was a useful tool in the diagnosis. This complication was associated with long-standing ankle pain, which however eventually settled. We advise frequent use of biplanar C-arm image during the insertion of the guide wire, the reamer and tibial nail into the medullary canal of the tibia or other long bones. None of these instruments should be forced through. Once the knobbed guide wire is exchanged to a straight guide wire, the wire should not be forced through or reamed over, and the nail should be introduced over the guide wire with caution. Early intraoperative identification and recording of this iatrogenic accident is necessary in order to explain the situation to the patient and modify treatment accordingly.     

Minimally invasive ankle arthrodesis with a retrograde locking nail after failed fusion

Abstract A retrograde nail with posterior-to-anterior (PA) locking into os calcis, talus and tibia was used to correct deformity and achieve fusion after failed fusion. A variety of methods have been published to achieve union of the ankle and subtalar joint in a failed fusion situation. We have studied a retrograde locking nail technique through a 2.5-cm incision in the non-weightbearing part of the sole of the foot. Remaining cartilage in the ankle joint, where necessary, was percutaneously removed through an anterior approach and the locking nail was inserted after reaming of os calcis, talus and tibia. Locking screw insertion was in the sagittal plane (p.a. direction), in talus os calcis and tibial diaphysis using a nail mounted jig. Ten patients were entered in the study (age 27-60 years). The initial aetiology for attempted fusion was post-traumatic in nine cases and rheumatic in one case. There were 25 previous operations in the cohort not leading to fusion. An additional temporary external fixator was used in four cases to reach and maintain the optimum position for the procedure. The intervention time was 30-75 min. Dynamisation of the nail was performed after four months under local anaesthesia. The mean duration of follow-up was 4 years (3-5.5 years). Radiologically and clinically, fusion was achieved in 16 weeks (range, 12-20 weeks). There was no loosening of the implant or implant failure. A leg length discrepancy was avoided using this technique. There was one complication with varus malunion in a heavy smoker which united after corrective osteotomy, revision nailing and bone grafting. Patient satisfaction was measured on a scale (not visual analogue) of 0 (not satisfied) to 10 (completely satisfied); overall satisfaction averaged 9.5 points (range, 6-10 points). The postoperative ankle-hindfoot score of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society averaged 73.5 points (range, 61-81 points). Retrograde locked nailing with locking in the sagittal plane is a reliable minimally invasive procedure to achieve fusion of the ankle and the subtalar joint after failed fusion.     

Die tibiokalkaneare Arthrodese mit retrograd eingebrachtem Kompressionsnagel

Operation goal

Arthrodesis of the upper and lower ankle joint because of problematic bone positioning or failed arthrodesis. Osteosynthesis procedure using a retrograde compression nail. To achieve stable, fully weight-bearing osteosynthesis for early, pain-free mobilization.

Indications

Rearthrodesis because of failure of the conventional arthrodesis technique and development of osteoarthritis of the lower ankle joint. Painful osteoarthritis of the upper ankle joint because of inadequate perfusion or a major bone defect because of sclerosis or necrosis. Primary arthrodesis because of facture of the lower leg (pilon tibial) with joint involvement and preexisting osteoarthritis.

Contraindications

Acute osteitis/osteomyelitis, sclerosis in the marrow of the distal tibia, malalignment of the distal tibial shaft and local soft tissue inflammation.

Surgical technique

Preparation of the articular surface of the upper and lower ankle for arthrodesis using a transfibular approach. If necessary, correction of bone defects with iliac crest spongiosa. Stabile osteosynthesis by retrograde insertion of a compression nail.

Postoperative Management

A split lower leg cast on the 2nd postoperative day, mobilization of the patient with underarm crutches with floor contact for 2?weeks, then with application of a lower leg walking cast for 8?weeks with partial weight-bearing for 4?weeks and full weight-bearing for the last 4?weeks of cast fixation. X-ray controls immediately postoperatively, then after 6 and 12?weeks.

Results

From 2006 to 2008, 12?patients (7?men, 5?women; mean age 59?years) with various indications were treated with retrograde insertion of a compression nail. All patients were routinely controlled radiologically and clinically after 2, 4, 8 and 12?weeks. Follow-up was carried out at 6, 12 and 24?months. All arthrodeses showed osseous consolidation 16 weeks postoperatively. Ten?patients were able to use full weight-bearing without pain after 12 weeks. Two?patients reported experiencing pain after walking for 2?h. In total three complications occurred: one hindfoot healed with varus malalignment; one patient fell, fracturing the lower leg above the nail; one distal locking screw loosened.     

Die Vier-Schrauben-Arthrodese des oberen Sprunggelenks

OBJECTIVE: Arthrodesis of the ankle at 90 degrees and perfect axial alignment for restoration of a painless function. Early functional postoperative care. INDICATIONS: Painful posttraumatic or idiopathic osteoarthritis of the ankle either unresponsive to conservative measures or where these measures are not expected to be successful. Posttraumatic malalignment of the ankle, paralysis or instability, that cannot be improved or eliminated by joint-preserving measures. Joint destruction after infection. Failure of total joint replacement. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Acute osteitis. Poor skin or soft-tissue conditions. Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Anterior approach, judicious resection of the remaining articular cartilage. Freshening of the zones of sclerosis. Preservation of the anatomic shape of the mortise. Correction of malalignments in the sagittal and frontal planes and placement of the talus in line with the tibial axis. Tibiotalar stabilization with four 7.3-mm self-cutting cannulated cancellous lag screws or with four 6.5-mm cancellous lag screws. RESULTS: Between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1998 this technique was performed in 50 ankles of 48 patients. 40 patients could be followed up for an average of 5.6 years (4.8-7.6 years). No serious complications. The average compensatory movement of the Chopart joint amounted to 26 degrees . Osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint was seen in 13%, and of the talonavicular joint in 12.5% of patients. Preexisting osteoarthritis of these joints remained in general unchanged. The AOFAS Score was assessed pre- and postoperatively. Preoperatively, 17.5% of patients showed a satisfactory and 82.5% a poor score. Postoperatively, 52.5% had an excellent, 30% a good, 10% a satisfactory, and 7.5% a poor outcome.     

One-stage tibial deformity correction and ankle arthrodesis for ankle osteoarthritis and tibial malalignment after low tibial osteotomy

IntroductionThere are no reports on one-stage corrective tibial opening wedge osteotomy and arthrodesis for osteoarthritis of the ankle and tibial malalignment after distal tibial osteotomy.Presentation of caseThe patient was a 70-year-old woman who presented with complaints of ankle pain and lower limb deformity after tibial osteotomy performed for ankle arthritis 17–18 years earlier. Clinical examination revealed marked swelling around the ankle joint and pain and tenderness at the joint line. Imaging showed tibial malalignment and severe osteoarthritic changes in the ankle. The patient had valgus deformity of 21° and recurvatum deformity of 4°. In two months, she admitted to Department of Orthopedics at Tokushima University Hospital in Japan and we performed one-stage corrective tibial opening wedge osteotomy and ankle arthrodesis with an anterolateral plate through a lateral longitudinal incision. After removal of the previous implants, the remaining articular cartilage and osteophytes were removed from the tibial and talar surfaces. After debridement of the talar trochlea and tibial plateau, the center of rotation and angular deformity of the tibia was cut transversely and a 1-cm bone graft obtained from the removed fibula was inserted into the osteotomy site, which decreased the tibial malalignment. An anterolateral locking plate was inserted over the anterior and lateral sides of the tibia, and the ankle was fused using 2 cannulated screws.DiscussionThe patient wore an above-knee splint for 6 weeks to avoid weight-bearing followed by gradual weightbearing with a brace thereafter. Osseous fusion was achieved after about 3.5 months. Radiographs obtained at the 2-year follow-up visit showed complete union of the tibia and talus. Full correction of valgus and recurvatum deformity was achieved, and the patient was able to perform daily activities with almost no pain.ConclusionWe reported a rare case of ankle osteoarthritis and tibial malalignment that was successfully treated with one-stage corrective tibial opening wedge osteotomy and ankle arthrodesis using an anterolateral plate via a transfibular approach.     

Reorientierende Arthrodese des oberen Sprunggelenks in der 4-Schrauben-Technik

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of the ankle has gained wide acceptance as a first-line treatment option for painful posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The technique using four to five lag screws for internal osteosynthesis is a safe and biomechanically stable method to obtain a sound ankle fusion with good to excellent long-term results in the majority of patients. Malalignment hazards are minimized by preservation of the ankle mortise. METHODS: The meticulous resection of all cartilage and sclerotic bone as well as an atraumatic surgical technique are essential for preventing major complications. The need for revision surgery is minimized by correction of talar malalignment, fusion with the foot in a 90 degrees position and preoperative evaluation of the subtalar joint. In a series of 40 ankle fusions fixed with the lag screw technique, 82.5% good to excellent results were obtained after 5.6 (4.8-7.6) years. No infection, stress fracture or non-union was seen. RESULTS: In cases of osteitis, osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, and poor soft-tissue condition, external fixation techniques are preferred. In the presence of severe loss of bone stock at the distal tibia, stability can be achieved by using a compression nail for tibiotalar fusion without additional subtalar arthrodesis.     

Evaluation of hindfoot dimensions: a radiological study

BACKGROUND: Realignment of the foot and good ligament balancing are mandatory for successful reconstruction of complex hindfoot disorders. This is why references for restoration of the normal anatomy and function are necessary when considering surgical reconstruction, such as osteotomies, arthrodeses, and total ankle replacement. However, no data are available regarding the normal anatomical dimensions on standard radiographs of the hindfoot. The purpose of this radiographic study was to define relevant and reproducible measures on lateral hindfoot radiographs and to assess their reliability. METHODS: Lateral radigraphic views were taken of 100 consecutive patients (37 women, 63 men) who consulted the emergency room for foot trauma. Dimensions assessed were the talar coverage by the tibia, the angle of the distal tibial joint plane to the tibial axis (tilt), the width of the tibia, the height of the talus, the joint radius of the ankle joint, and the offset of the center of rotation from the tibial axis. RESULTS: The tibial coverage of the talus was 88.1 (SD = 6.7) degrees, the tibial tilt was 83 (SD = 3.6) degrees, the width of the distal tibia was 33.6 mm (SD = 3.6 mm), the radius of the ankle joint was 18.6 mm (SD = 2.3 mm) with an anterior offset of the center of rotation of 1.7 mm (SD = 2.1 mm), and the height of the talus was 28.2 mm (SD = 4.0 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Several easily accessible measures on radiographs were found to be reliable in describing normal hindfoot anatomy and therefore may be used to evaluate hindfoot disorders. Additionally, because any reconstruction of the hindfoot should aim to correct the feet in a physiological way, these references may be helpful in the preoperative planning for treatment of complex deformities and posttraumatic disorders.     

Distal fibular length needed for ankle stability

BACKGROUND: The fibula is commonly used for bone grafts. Previous clinical and biomechanical studies have suggested that the length of the residual portion of the distal part of the fibula has an important effect on the long-term stability of the ankle joint. However, we cannot find clear-cut guidelines for the amount of bone that can be harvested safely. METHODS: Using six normal fresh-frozen cadaver legs, motions of the tibia, talus and calcaneus were measured. The fibula was cut sequentially 3 cm from the proximal tip of the fibula and distally 10 cm, 6 cm, and 4 cm from the distal tip of the lateral malleolus. The angular motion of each bone was measured while a medial and lateral traction force of 19.6 N was applied to the proximal tibia. Angles of the tibia, talus, and calcaneus were measured. RESULTS: Sequential resection of the fibula increased the inversion angles of the ankle joint. The proximal 3-cm cut increased the inversion angle from 42.1 +/- 6.2 degrees to 49.6 +/- 3.6 degrees, and the distal 4-cm cut increased the angle from 57.6 +/- 6.6 degrees to 67.4 +/- 5.9 degrees. The rotational angles were almost constant with sequential resections of the fibula; however, the distal 4-cm cut increased the rotational angle from 11.3 +/- 25.1 degrees to 78.7 +/- 37.5 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The whole fibula including the head is essential for the stability of the ankle joint complex, and the distal fibula is responsible for stabilizing the ankle mortise during external rotation and inversion. We recommend fixation of the syndesmosis or bracing to prevent ankle joint instability with rotation of the talus in the mortise, especially when the distal fibula is shortened 6 cm or more.     

Changes in tibiotalar joint contact areas following experimentally induced tibial angular deformities

Six cadaveric legs were stripped of all soft tissue excluding the interosseous membrane and the tissues about the ankle joint and foot. Angular deformities were simulated in all planes to a maximum of 15 degrees for proximal, middle, and distal third levels following tibial resection and same-level fibular osteotomy. Anterior ankle arthrotomies allowed exposure to the tibiotalar joint so that contact area could be measured with pressure-sensitive film inserted between the tibia and talus. An angular deformity of 15 degrees or less produced no significant alteration in the contact area of the ankle joint for proximal and middle third tibial levels. Distal tibial deformities showed a dramatic change in the contact area, with as much as a 42% decrease in contact area for anterior deformities. The contact shape for distal third angular deformities of 10 degrees and 15 degrees in all planes also tended to elongate, with a shift to more lateral contact noted. Although minor degrees of angular malalignment had little effect on ankle contact for proximal and middle third levels, it would appear that distal third deformities produce a greater change in ankle joint contact; thus, fractures at the distal level should be managed to minimize the possibility of tibial malalignment.     

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。     

Treatment of distal tibia fractures without articular involvement: a systematic review of 1125 fractures

BACKGROUND: The management of unstable distal tibia fractures remains challenging. The mechanism of injury and the prognosis of these fractures are different from pilon fractures, but their proximity to the ankle makes the surgical treatment more complicated than the treatment tibial midshaft fractures. A variety of treatment methods have been suggested for these injuries, including nonoperative treatment, external fixation, intramedullary nailing, and plate fixation. However, each of these treatment options is associated with certain challenges. Nonoperative treatment may be complicated by loss of reduction and subsequent malunion. Similarly, external fixation of distal tibia fractures may result in insufficient reduction, malunion, and pin tract infection. Intramedullary nailing can be considered the "gold standard" for the treatment of tibial midshaft fractures, but there are concerns about their use in distal tibia fractures. This is because of technical difficulties with distal nail fixation, the risk of nail propagation into the ankle joint, and the discrepancy between the diaphyseal and metaphyseal diameter of the intramedullary canal. Open reduction and internal plate fixation results in extensive soft tissue dissection and may be associated with wound complications and infections. The optimal treatment of unstable distal tibia without articular involvement remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to review the outcomes of different treatment methods for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The English literature was systematically reviewed and the rates of malunion, nonunion, infection, fixation failure, and secondary surgical procedures were extracted.