Reconstruction of the chronically failed deltoid ligament: a new technique

BACKGROUND: Chronic deltoid ligament insufficiency that results in valgus tilt of the talus within the ankle mortise (stage IV adult acquired flatfoot) represents a difficult and so far unsolved problem in foot and ankle surgery. If left uncorrected, the deltoid failure with malalignment predisposes to early ankle arthritis and the need for ankle arthrodesis or possibly ankle arthroplasty. METHODS: Five consecutive patients with deltoid ligament insufficiency resulting in a valgus tilt were treated with a deltoid reconstruction. Reconstruction of the deltoid ligament was done by passing a peroneus longus tendon graft through a bone tunnel in the talus from lateral to medial and then through a second tunnel from the tip of the medial malleolus to the lateral tibia. RESULTS: At a minimum 2-year followup, all patients had correction of the talar tilt. One patient had 9 degrees of valgus tilt remaining compared to 15 degrees preoperatively, and the procedure was considered a failure. The remaining four patients had correction of the valgus tilt to 4 degrees or less. CONCLUSION: Although not uniformly successful, deltoid ligament reconstruction using a tendon graft through appropriate bone tunnels can reconstruct the deltoid ligament and correct the valgus talar tilt. Successful results were achieved when combined with correction of flatfoot deformity, which is considered a necessary part of the procedure.     

Stage IV posterior tibial tendon rupture

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity progresses through well defined stages as set out by Johnson and Strom. Myerson modified this classification system with the addition of a fourth, more advanced stage of the disease. This stage describes the involvement of the tibiotalar joint in addition to the hindfoot malalignment seen in stages II and III. This most advanced stage is comprised of a hindfoot valgus deformity, resulting from degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon, with associated valgus tilting of the talus within the mortise. The deformity at the tibiotalar joint may or may not be rigid. Although rigid deformities are still best treated with fusions of the ankle and hindfoot, supple tibiotalar deformity may be treated with joint sparing procedures involving reconstructive procedures of the foot and deltoid ligaments.     

Radiographic Analysis and Clinical Efficacy of Hindfoot Arthrodesis With Versus Without Cotton Osteotomy in Stage III Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Forefoot varus develops as a result of longstanding adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). This occurs with varying degrees of deformity and flexibility. Residual forefoot varus following hindfoot realignment in AAFD can lead to lateral column loading and a persistent pronatory moment in efforts to reestablish contact between the forefoot and the ground. The Cotton osteotomy may serve as a reasonable adjunct procedure to help avoid complications and poor outcomes associated with residual forefoot varus in patients undergoing hindfoot arthrodesis for stage III AAFD. The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing isolated hindfoot arthrodesis to patients undergoing hindfoot arthrodesis with adjunctive cotton osteotomy. We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients matched based upon age, sex, and comorbidities who underwent hindfoot reconstruction for the treatment of stage III AAFD between 2015 and 2019. A retrospective radiographic review was performed on standard weightbearing radiographs including anterior-posterior and lateral views preoperatively, postoperatively at the initiation of full weightbearing, and at final follow-up. Statistical analysis utilizing paired t test to calculate p values where <.05 was statistically significant. At final follow-up, radiographic measurements showed statistically significant differences in CAA, calcaneal inclination, talo-calcaneal, and talar tilt (p value <.05). The Cotton osteotomy group showed a quicker return to presurgical activity level and a decreased incident of tibiotalar valgus. Our study suggests that the Cotton osteotomy can address residual forefoot varus and potentially prevent further progression of ankle valgus in AAFD when used in combination with hindfoot arthrodesis.     

Supramalleolar osteotomies for degenerative joint disease of the ankle joint: indication, technique and results

Patients with varus or valgus hindfoot deformities usually present with asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis. In-vitro biomechanical studies have shown that varus or valgus hindfoot deformity may lead to altered load distribution in the tibiotalar joint which may result in medial (varus) or lateral (valgus) tibiotalar joint degeneration in the short or medium term. The treatment of asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis remains challenging, because more than half of the tibiotalar joint surface is usually preserved. Therefore, joint-sacrificing procedures like total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis may not be the most appropriate treatment options. The short- and midterm results following realignment surgery, are very promising with substantial pain relief and functional improvement observed post-operatively. In this review article we describe the indications, surgical techniques, and results from of realignment surgery of the ankle joint in the current literature.     

成人获得性平足的软组织重建

目的总结成人获得性平足(adult-acquired flatfoot deformity,AAFD)软组织重建的基础和临床研究进展。方法广泛查阅近年关于AAFD软组织修复和肌腱转移的相关文献,并进行综述。结果针对AAFD的软组织重建手术可分为静力性和动力性重建两种,其中静力性重建以弹簧韧带的修复重建为主;动力性重建术式较多,趾长屈肌腱转移术常用,但其生物力学效果欠佳,对于胫后肌功能正常的患者Cobb手术效果更佳。结论对于AAFD需根据畸形类型和分期选择软组织重建术式。     

Effect of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Coronal Alignment of the Ankle Joint

BackgroundThe effect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the ankle joint is not entirely clear. The purpose of this study is to assess postoperative changes in the coronal alignment of the ankle joint in patients undergoing TKA for various degrees of knee deformity.MethodsThis retrospective study included 107 patients who had undergone TKA for primary osteoarthritis. In all cases, preoperative coronal alignment deformity of the knee was corrected in an attempt to restore the native mechanical axis of the knee. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to the degree of knee coronal alignment correction achieved intraoperatively: group 1 (<10° varus/valgus correction, n = 60), group 2 (≥10° varus correction, n = 30), and group 3 (≥10° valgus correction, n = 17). Knee/ankle alignment angles were measured on full-length, standing anteroposterior imaging preoperatively and postoperatively and included the following: hip-knee-ankle angle, tibial plafond inclination (TPI), talar inclination (TI), and tibiotalar tilt angle.ResultsSignificant changes in ankle alignment, specifically with regard to TPI (9.5° ± 6.9°, P < .01) and TI (8.8° ± 8.8°, P = .03) were noted in the ≥10° valgus correction group compared to the other 2 groups. Regardless of the degree of knee deformity correction, TKA did not lead to significant changes in the tibiotalar tilt angle.ConclusionA correction of ≥10° in a genu valgum deformity can affect ankle joint alignment, leading to alterations in TPI and TI. These findings need to be taken into consideration in assessing candidates for TKA as a possible cause of postoperative ankle pain.     

A Critical Radiographic Analysis of Coronal Plane Deformity Correction Using a 3-Piece Mobile Bearing Ankle Joint Replacement: A Retrospective Study of 25 Patients

Total ankle replacement can be a viable option for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis associated with coronal plane deformity. With proper ankle balancing, a well-aligned ankle implant can be maintained over time and provide successful patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic and subjective outcomes in patients with ankle arthritis along with coronal plane deformity who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with a 3-piece mobile-bearing implant. Our primary inclusion criterion was patients who demonstrated more than 5° of tibiotalar coronal deformity in either varus or valgus direction. Sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent total ankle replacement were reviewed. Of these, 25 (39.7%) met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen (64%) patients had a varus deformity (Group 1) and 9 (36%) had valgus deformity (Group 2) preoperatively. Alignment was evaluated radiographically at 5 different intervals: preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6, 12, and 36 months postoperative. In patients with varus deformity, the mean tibiotalar angle was 12.6°, 0.8°, 1.0°,1.0°, and 0.8° for preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6, 12, and 36 months, respectively. The same measurements and intervals for patients with valgus deformity were found to be 10.3°, 1.4°, 1.6°, 1.4°, and 1.4°. A statistically significant difference was observed in preoperative and postoperative coronal plane deformity. This correction was maintained at final follow-up visit. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores and visual analogue scale scores were recorded as well, and statistically significant improvements in preoperative and postoperative scores were found (p < .001). In conclusion, coronal plane deformity correction of the ankle can be accomplished and maintained in total ankle replacement procedures with proper soft tissue balancing and osseous procedures as indicated.     

Mitigating Risk of Ankle Valgus From Ankle Osteochondroma Resection Using a Transfibular Approach: A Retrospective Study With Six Years of Follow-Up

To prevent worsening of ankle valgus and functional repercussions, a distal inter-tibiofibular osteochondroma can be removed using a transfibular approach. We evaluated the difference between the preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar tilt at the last follow-up examination and the clinical and radiologic outcomes. We included 10 consecutive ankles that had undergone removal of an osteochondroma using a transfibular approach. The mean patient age was 10.6 years. One ankle was lost to follow-up. The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 5.9 years. The mean preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar tilt was 7.2° and 7.1°, respectively, with no significant difference. The mean postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 92.4. Tibiofibular synostosis developed in 7 cases. Osteochondroma recurred in 1 case. The transfibular approach stabilizes ankle valgus and is associated with good functional outcomes. However, it is an extensive procedure associated with postoperative synostosis and, thus, should be considered primarily when surgical access for an anterior approach is limited.     

Repair of the Deltoid Ligament Using Posterior Tibial Tendon Autograft:A Novel Technique

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a progressive disorder secondary to advanced degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon, leading to the abduction of the forefoot, valgus rotation of the hindfoot, and collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. Eventually, the disease becomes so advanced that it begins to affect the deltoid ligament over time. This attenuation and eventual tear of the deltoid ligament leads to valgus deformity of the ankle. Surgical correction of PTTD is performed to protect the ankle joint at all costs. Generally, this is performed using osteotomies of the calcaneus and repair or augmentation of the deltoid ligament. Unfortunately, there has been no universal procedure adapted by foot and ankle surgeons for repair or augmentation of the deltoid ligament. Articles have discussed the use of suture and suture anchors, suture tape, nonanatomic allograft repair, nonanatomic autograft repair with plantaris, peroneal and extensor halluces longus tendons to repair and augment the deltoid ligament. There is very little literature, however, in regard to using the posterior tibial tendon to augment the deltoid ligament in accordance with hindfoot fusion for end-stage PTTD deformity. In general, the posterior tibial tendon in triple and medial double arthrodesis is generally removed because it is thought to be a pain generator. This article presents a case study and novel technique using the posterior tibial tendon to augment and repair the laxity of the deltoid ligament in an advanced flatfoot deformity.     

The role of the fibula in varus and valgus deformity of the tibia: a biomechanical study

It has been suggested that a supramalleolar osteotomy can return the load distribution in the ankle joint to normal. However, due to the lack of biomechanical data, this supposition remains empirical. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to determine the effect of simulated supramalleolar varus and valgus alignment on the tibiotalar joint pressure, in order to investigate its relationship to the development of osteoarthritis. We also wished to establish the rationale behind corrective osteotomy of the distal tibia. We studied 17 cadaveric lower legs and quantified the changes in pressure and force transfer across the tibiotalar joint for various degrees of varus and valgus deformity in the supramalleolar area. We assumed that a supramalleolar osteotomy which created a varus deformity of the ankle would result in medial overload of the tibiotalar joint. Similarly, we thought that creating a supramalleolar valgus deformity would cause a shift in contact towards the lateral side of the tibiotalar joint. The opposite was observed. The restricting role of the fibula was revealed by carrying out an osteotomy directly above the syndesmosis. In end-stage ankle osteoarthritis with either a valgus or varus deformity, the role of the fibula should be appreciated and its effect addressed where appropriate.     

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.     

Natural history of multiple hereditary osteochondromatosis of the lower extremity and ankle.

In this study the authors evaluated the natural history of the ankle joint in patients with multiple hereditary osteochondromatosis. Thirty-eight subjects with an average age of 42 years completed a detailed subjective questionnaire and underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation of their ankles. Three subjects (8%) indicated their ankle involvement affected their vocation, and 12 (32%) were limited in recreational sports. Seven patients (18%) had pain in at least one ankle on a weekly basis, with an average ankle pain score of 2.2. Ankle range of motion averaged 50 degrees and subtalar motion was considered normal in two thirds of ankles. Radiographic evaluation documented an average tibiotalar tilt of 9 degrees of ankle valgus, with evidence of degenerative joint disease noted in 14 ankles (19%). Those with arthritic changes had significantly more tibiotalar tilt and diminished ankle range of motion compared with those without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. These findings document measurable decreases in ankle function and suggest that correction or prevention of excessive tibiotalar tilt may be warranted to improve outcome.     

Medial column procedures in the correction of adult acquired flatfoot deformity

AAFD is a complex problem with a wide variety of treatment options. No single procedure or group of procedures can be applied to all patients with AAFD because of the variety of underlying etiology and grades of deformity. As the posture of the foot progresses into hindfoot valgus and forefoot abduction through attenuation of the medial structures of the foot, the medial column begins to change shape. The first ray elevates and the joints of the medial column may begin to collapse. Careful physical examination and review of weight-bearing radiographs determines which patients have an associated forefoot varus deformity that may require correction at the time of flatfoot reconstruction. Correction of an AAFD requires a combination of soft-tissue procedures to restore dynamic inversion power and bony procedures to correct the hindfoot and midfoot malalignments. If after these corrections forefoot varus deformity remains, the surgeon should consider use of a medial column procedure to recreate the “triangle of support” of the foot that Cotton described.5 If the elevation of the medial column is identified to be at the first NC or the first TMT joint, then the joint should be carefully examined for evidence of instability, hypermobility, or arthritic change. If none of these problems exist, then the surgeon can consider use of the joint-sparing Cotton medial cuneiform osteotomy to correct residual forefoot varus. However, if instability, hypermobility, or arthritic change is present, then the surgeon should consider use of an arthrodesis of the involved joint to correct residual forefoot varus. Either procedure provides a safe and predictable correction to the medial column as part of a comprehensive surgical correction of AAFD.     

Hemiepiphyseal stapling for ankle valgus in multiple hereditary exostoses

If left uncorrected, valgus ankle deformity in multiple hereditary exostoses can cause significant disability in skeletally immature children and in adults. Various management methods have been described, including hemiepiphyseal stapling, transphyseal screw placement, fibular-Achilles tenodesis, distal tibial osteotomy, and ablative epiphyseodesis. In this article, we report the cases of 3 skeletally immature children who had undergone hemiepiphyseal stapling of the medial distal tibial epiphysis for correction of valgus ankle deformity in multiple hereditary exostoses. Correction of the tibiotalar axis, in relation to chronological and bone age, was evaluated. Hemiepiphyseal stapling of the medial distal tibial epiphysis provides ipsilateral corrective potential while allowing staple removal for reversal of growth retardation. This procedure is useful in the management of ankle valgus in multiple hereditary exostoses.     

Chronic deltoid ligament insufficiency repair with Internal Brace™ augmentation

BackgroundPatients with chronic deltoid ligament insufficiency (CDLI) present a challenging situation. Although numerous procedures have been described, optimal treatment is still a matter of debate. While the treatment armamentarium ranges from simple ligament repair to complex reconstructions with or without realignment osteotomies, direct repair augmented with an Internal Brace? device appears to be an attractive intermediate option. We investigated functional outcomes and complications in patients with CDLI operated on using Internal Brace? augmentation.MethodsA prospective study was conducted. Patients were included if they presented medial ankle pain and/or giving way, exhibited asymmetric flexible hindfoot valgus, failed conservative treatment, and had a positive MRI evaluated by an independent radiologist. Patients with stage IV flatfoot deformity, neuropathy and/or inflammatory arthritis were excluded. CDLI was confirmed intraoperatively with the arthroscopic drive-through sign. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using FAAM, SF-36 and grade of satisfaction. Paired t-tests were used to assess FAAM and SF-36 scores variation.ResultsThirteen patients met inclusion criteria. No patient was lost to follow-up, with a mean follow-up time of 13.5 months (range 6-21). Preoperative FAAM and SF-36 scores improved from 58.7 to 75.3 and from 60.2 to 84.4 postoperatively, respectively (p<.01). Two implant failures were observed, with no apparent compromise of construct stability. No patient was re-operated.ConclusionsOur results suggest that deltoid ligament repair with Internal Brace? augmentation in patients with CDLI is a reliable option with good functional outcomes and high satisfaction grade in short term follow-up.Level of evidence: Level IV.     

Mediales Schmerzsyndrom nach Sprunggelenkprothesenimplantation

Total ankle replacement is an increasingly recommended treatment for patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The increasing experience with this procedure explains its acceptance as a therapeutic option in complex cases as part of reconstruction surgery. However, the complication rate including failure of the prosthesis should not be underestimated. Previous studies have shown that most patients developed ankle osteoarthritis secondary to previous trauma. Patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis often have varus or valgus misalignment of the hindfoot. In cases with incorrectly addressed hindfoot misalignment and/or incorrectly positioned prosthesis components, pain may remain postoperatively because of biomechanical dysbalance and asymmetrical load. The pain is mostly localized on the medial side the so-called medial pain syndrome. The following classification of the medial pain syndrome has been established in our practice: type I medial impingement/contracture of medial ligaments, type II valgus deformity, type III varus deformity, type IV combined varus-valgus deformity.     

Fibular-Achilles tenodesis for paralytic ankle valgus

Children with myelomeningocele often develop progressive valgus deformity of the ankle that may be concomitant with, or mistaken for, paralytic hindfoot valgus. The same deformity is encountered in children who sustain lower motor neuron deficits. It is imperative to obtain an anteroposterior weight-bearing radiograph of the ankles to differentiate and document the degree of ankle valgus. To address the ankle deformity, we employed the fibular-Achilles tenodesis described by Westin. We are reporting our experience with 18 patients (32 ankles) who underwent this procedure. We noted improvement in relative fibular length and reduced talar tilt in 26 ankles (81.2%). In addition, there was some improvement in the orientation of the hindfoot; rotational deformity was unaffected.     

Medial pain syndrome in patients with total ankle replacement

Total ankle replacement is an increasingly recommended treatment for patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The increasing experience with this procedure explains its acceptance as a therapeutic option in complex cases as part of reconstruction surgery. However, the complication rate including failure of the prosthesis should not be underestimated. Previous studies have shown that most patients developed ankle osteoarthritis secondary to previous trauma. Patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis often have varus or valgus misalignment of the hindfoot. In cases with incorrectly addressed hindfoot misalignment and/or incorrectly positioned prosthesis components, pain may remain postoperatively because of biomechanical dysbalance and asymmetrical load. The pain is mostly localized on the medial side the so-called medial pain syndrome.The following classification of the medial pain syndrome has been established in our practice: type I medial impingement/contracture of medial ligaments, type II valgus deformity, type III varus deformity, type IV combined varus-valgus deformity.     

A long-term study of the donor-site ankle after vascularized fibula grafts in children

We reviewed the long-term course of the donor-site ankle after vascularized fibula grafts in 13 children. The preventive and therapeutic effects of the tibio-fibular metaphyseal synostosis (T-F synostosis) against valgus ankle deformity, which is one of the postoperative donor-site problems, were evaluated based on three radiologic and clinical parameters. Thirteen patients were divided into two groups: patients with or without simultaneous T-F synostosis when the fibula was taken. Three patients underwent T-F synostosis secondarily after the development of the valgus deformity. Follow-up periods averaged 12.4 years. In the patients with primary T-F synostosis, valgus deformity was only observed in one case. No functional disorder of the ankle joints was observed after T-F synostosis. In the patients without T-F synostosis, all the patients younger than 8 years old showed valgus deformity, in which the tilting angle averaged 6.3 degrees. In the three patients who underwent T-F synostosis secondarily, the tilting angle normalized in cases in which the fixation was performed when the lateral wedging was in a mild stage. There was a statistically significant difference in valgus tilt angle between the two groups (with or without T-F synostosis). © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Technique Tip: Correcting Malalignment of the Talus Using a Pin-Based Distracter During Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis

It is technical demanding work to perform arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis to treat end-stage ankle osteoarthritis with excessive talar tilt. This article aimed to provide an effective technique tip for the treatment of Takakura stage 3b ankle osteoarthritis with a talar tilt angle more than 15 degrees under arthroscopy. A conventional anterior arthroscopic approach is used. After arthroscopic examination and debridement, one pin which is parallel to the distal tibial surface is inserted into the tibial side of the ankle, the other pin which is parallel to the talar dome surface is inserted into the talar side of the ankle, both at the coronal plane. Then a distracter is used in the medial side to open the interspace of the tibiotalar joint and correct the talar tilt through the 2 pins, under which circumstance the tibiotalar joint surface can be well prepared. Next an anti-distracter is used in the lateral side to close the tibiotalar interspace and correct the talar tilt through the 2 pins, in which condition 3 fully threaded cannulated lag screws can be inserted through guide pins in a cross pattern to fix the ankle joint. We used the pin-based distracter to open and close tibiotalar interspace, correct the talar tilt and maintain a good mechanical axis for fusion, and the outcomes were good.