Supramalleolar Osteotomy With Distraction Arthroplasty in Treatment of Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis With Large Talar Tilt Angle: A Case Report and Literature Review

We treated a 57-year-old female with modified Takakura stage 3B varus ankle osteoarthritis. Her preoperative talar tilt angle was 21.3°. The patient wished to avoid ankle joint arthrodesis or replacement. Therefore, medial opening wedge supramalleolar osteotomy with fibular osteotomy was used for her varus ankle osteoarthritis. Also, fixed medial distraction arthroplasty was performed to improve her talar tilt. After 3 months, the external device was removed, and the patient was allowed partial weightbearing and began full weightbearing 4 months postoperatively after the osteotomy site had reached bony union radiographically. At the 3-year follow-up visit, a radiograph showed the medial ankle joint space enlargement had been maintained. The talar tilt angle had decreased to 3.3°, and the modified Takakura stage had improved to stage 1. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale score had improved from 26 points preoperatively to 85 points at 3 years postoperatively. Our findings suggested that good clinical and radiologic results can be achieved with supramalleolar osteotomy combined with distraction arthroplasty in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis with a large talar tilt angle.     

踝关节骨折畸形愈合的重建手术

目的 总结踝关节骨折畸形愈合重建术的临床疗效.方法 2006年1月至2009年1O月,共收治23例踝关节陈旧性骨折畸形愈合患者.男14例,女9例;平均年龄45岁(21～69岁).初次受伤至最终重建术平均间隔18个月(12～36个月),其中11例患者曾接受切开复位内固定术.术前常规行X线及CT检查,对畸形进行个体化评估:所有患者均有不同程度的腓骨短缩或旋转,合并内、外翻畸形者4例,下胫腓联合间隙增宽者5例.对所有腓骨短缩或旋转的患者行腓骨延长截骨术,内外翻畸形则行开放或闭合楔形截骨,而下胫腓增宽者则须行下胫腓功能性融合.术后定期行影像学随访评估骨愈合情况,记录并发症发生情况,并采用美国骨科足踝外科协会(American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝关节与后足功能评分来评估治疗效果.结果 共21例患者获随访,平均随访36个月(12～58个月).所有随访患者均无感染、内固定失败、骨不连、畸形复发等发生.影像学随访显示于术后平均12周(10～14周)骨愈合,且力线恢复良好.AOFAS踝关节与后足功能评分从术前平均28分(15～39分)改善为术后1年平均82分(70～94分).2例患者因严重创伤性关节炎分别于术后18个月和术后2年行踝关节融合术.结论 对于踝关节骨折畸形愈合的患者,通过早期重建手术恢复腓骨长度和旋转及踝穴的匹配,踝关节功能可获得极大的改善,也可延缓创伤性关节炎的发展.

Abstract：

Objective To summarize the clinical outcomes of reconstruction of malunited ankle fractures.Methods From January 2006 to October 2009,23 malunited ankle fractures were treated in our department.All deformities were evaluated individually based on pre-operatively X-ray and CT scan.Varying degrees of fibular shortening or rotational deformity were found in all patients,with 4 cases of varus or valgus deformity,and 5 of a widen syndesmosis.Then different reconstructive techniques were chosen according to the type of malunion:a lengthening fibular osteotomy was performed in patients with fibular shortening or rotational deformity;an opening or closing wedge osteotomy was chosen correspondingly in patients with varus or valgus deformity;functional fusion of syndesmosis was performed in cases of widen syndesmosis.The postoperative follow-up included standard radiography to evaluate bone union;relative complications were also recorded and functional outcome were assessed with American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS)ankle-hindfoot scores.Results Twenty-one patients were followed up with an average period of 36 months (12-58 months).There were no complications of infection,implant failure,nonunion or malunion.Solid union with a favorable alignment was obtained at an average of 12 weeks (10-14 weeks).The mean pre-operative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 28 (15-39).While the score increased to 82 (70-94) one year after operations.But 2 patients underwent ankle arthrodesis correspondingly 18 months and 24 months post-operatively due to severely post-traumatic arthritis.Conclusion An early realignment reconstruction of the length and rotation of fibula and the congruity of ankle mortise may improve the ankle function and slow down the development of post-traumatic arthritis for patients who suffered from malunited ankle fractures.     

Evans跟骨外侧延长术治疗距跟联合合并后足外翻畸形

目的探讨Evans跟骨外侧延长术治疗距跟联合合并后足外翻畸形的疗效。方法2014年1月—2017年10月,采取Evans跟骨外侧延长术治疗10例(13足)距跟联合合并后足外翻畸形患者。男6例(8足),女4例(5足);年龄13~18岁,平均15.8岁。病程10~14个月,平均11.5个月。患侧跟骨外翻、前足外展、足弓低平。疼痛部位:跗骨窦4足、距跟联合5足、踝关节4足。Silverskiold试验腓肠肌腱膜紧张3例(4足),跟腱挛缩7例(9足)。术前美国矫形外科足踝协会(AOFAS)踝与后足评分为(46.54±9.08)分,行走1 km后疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为(6.54±0.88)分。术后采用AOFAS踝与后足评分、VAS评分,以及X线片测量距骨-第1跖列角(talar-first metatarsal angle,T1MT)、距舟覆盖角(talonavicular coverage angle,TCA)、距骨倾斜角(talar-horizontal angle,TH)、跟骨倾斜角(calcaneal pitch angle,CP)、跟骨外翻角(heel valgus angle,HV),评价手术疗效。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。10例患者均获随访,随访时间12~30个月,平均18个月。末次随访时,AOFAS踝与后足评分为(90.70±6.75)分,VAS评分为(1.85±0.90)分,均较术前明显改善(t=-23.380,P=0.000;t=35.218,P=0.000)。X线片复查示截骨均达骨性愈合,愈合时间为2~4个月,平均3个月。末次随访时,T1MT、TCA、TH、HV均较术前明显降低,CP明显提高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。随访期间1例(1足)疼痛缓解不明显,1例(1足)出现腓肠神经皮支损伤症状。结论对于距跟联合合并后足外翻畸形患者,Evans跟骨外侧延长术可以有效纠正畸形、缓解疼痛。     

Ludloff截骨治疗中重度拇外翻的临床疗效观察

目的研究Ludloff截骨术对中、重度拇外翻的治疗效果。方法 2007年9月至2008年10月对26例（34足）中、重度拇外翻患者使用Ludloff截骨配合远端软组织手术进行矫形手术治疗,截骨使用螺钉固定。男4例,女22例,年龄48～67岁,平均58岁。术后采用AOFAS评分对患足进行临床功能评价,同时拍负重位足的正侧位X线片进行影像学评价,比较术后AOFAS评分及跖拇角和第一二跖间角的变化,了解患者的满意程度。结果平均随访时间25个月（19～36个月）。在最后一次随访时,31足基本无痛,3足偶有疼痛或轻微疼痛。患者对拇外翻畸形纠正满意。AOFAS评分为从术前的51分（27～65分）提高到术后的88分（72～96分）,HVA从术前的31°（21°～42°）改善为10.3°（7°～15°）,IMA从术前的17°（16°～23°）改善为术后的7.8°（6°～10°）。23例（31足）患者对治疗效果满意,3例（3足）比较满意。所有患者均对外形满意。没有严重的并发症出现。结论 Ludloff截骨术是治疗中重度拇外翻可靠有效的方法。     

踝关节融合治疗创伤后踝关节炎

 目的 探讨踝关节融合治疗创伤后踝关节炎的早期临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2012年5月,采用踝关节融合治疗并获得随访的47例创伤后踝关节炎患者资料,男28例,女19例;年龄14～72岁,平均44岁;均为Morrey-Wiedeman 3期踝关节炎,其中17例合并距下关节炎;31例有明显足内外翻畸形或马蹄足畸形,16例外观大致正常。采用Kofoed踝关节评分、美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS)踝与后足评分、Maryland足部评分及视觉模拟评价(visual analogue scale, VAS)评价术前及末次随访时足踝关节功能。结果 47例患者均获得随访,随访时间为5～52个月,平均25个月。末次随访时踝关节均融合,其中1例术后出现感染,经去除内固定及清创后踝关节融合。43例主观满意度为非常满意或满意,4例为一般,满意率为91.5%(43/47)。Kofoed评分,末次随访时平均为(80.96±6.07)分,与术前(48.11±5.00)分比较,差异有统计学意义;AOFAS评分,末次随访时平均为(82.21±4.26)分,与术前(53.38±5.52)分比较,差异有统计学意义;Maryland评分,末次随访时平均为(88.94±5.14)分,与术前(49.74±5.71)分比较,差异有统计学意义;VAS评分,末次随访时平均为(2.28±1.10)分,与术前(7.89±0.87)分比较,差异有统计学意义。踝关节正位X线片中,22例踝融合于中立位,19例外翻< 5°,3例外翻5°～10°,2例内翻< 5°,1例内翻5°～10°;侧位X线片中,32例踝融合于背伸中立位,12例跖屈5°以内,3例跖屈5°～10°。结论 踝关节融合治疗严重的创伤后踝关节炎早期即可纠正畸形、缓解疼痛与重建功能,是治疗创伤后踝关节炎的良好选择。     

Ilizarov Gradual Distraction Correction for Distal Tibial Severe Varus Deformity Resulting from Epiphyseal Fracture: Case Report and Literature Review

We present a case of a 13-year-old female with severe varus deformity and limb discrepancy resulting from epiphyseal fracture. The preoperative tibial articular surface angle was 64.1°, and the affected tibia was 14 mm shorter than the contralateral tibia. She underwent a medial open osteotomy and fibular osteotomy with gradual distraction correction using Ilizarov fixator. The deformity was corrected at 3 months, and the external fixator was removed when bony union was achieved 6 months postoperatively. At 9 months after surgery, the patient could play basketball without feeling pain. At the last follow-up, namely 36 months after the operation, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot-ankle score was improved from 58 to 90, the patient was pain free, and the radiological measurements were nearly normal. Ilizarov fixator gradual distraction correction for distal tibial severe varus deformity is a safe and cost-effective method that can yield excellent radiological and clinical outcomes.     

Benefit of Adding Fibular Osteotomy to Open-Wedge,Valgus, Distal Tibial Osteotomy for Correcting Varus Ankle Arthritis: An In Vitro Study

Early-stage varus ankle arthritis can usually be treated with a medial, open-wedge, valgus, distal tibial osteotomy; however, the value of adding a fibular osteotomy has been debated. We sought to determine the increase in the maximum medial osteotomy gap and correction angle provided by fibular osteotomy. In 3 sequential experiments on 12 fresh cadaveric legs, we first performed a medial open-wedge, valgus, distal tibial osteotomy alone. Second, we added a transverse fibular osteotomy. Finally, we added a blocked fibular osteotomy. In each experiment, we measured the maximum corrected osteotomy gap and the maximum correction angle. Correction was defined as the absence of lateral cortex diastasis and talocrural joint incongruity. The mean ± standard deviation maximum osteotomy gaps and correction angles were 8.40 ± 1.6 mm and 10.70° ± 3.3° for the tibial osteotomy alone, 15.70 ± 4.6 mm and 20.20° ± 5.6° for the tibial plus transverse fibular osteotomy, and 16.67 ± 3.7 mm and 20.56° ± 4.6° for the tibial plus transverse plus blocked fibular osteotomies, respectively. The corresponding median maximum correction angles were 10° (range 8° to 18°), 19.5° (range 14° to 30°), and 20° (range 14° to 28°). The osteotomy gap and correction angle in the distal tibial and transverse fibular osteotomy were significantly greater than those in the distal tibial osteotomy alone (p < .001 for both) but not in the distal tibial and blocked fibular osteotomy (p = .62 for the gap and p = .88 for the correction angle). Our data support the clinical use of adjunct transverse fibular osteotomies. The blocked fibular osteotomy provided no additional benefit.     

Comparison of open lateral release and transarticular lateral release in distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus correction

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in clinical and radiographic outcomes between conventional open lateral soft tissue release (OLSTR) and transarticular lateral soft tissue release (TLSTR) in patients undergoing distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) for hallux valgus (HV) correction.

Methods

This study included weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs of 138 patients (185 feet) with HV that underwent DCMO and Akin phalangeal osteotomy at a mean age of 51.7 years (21–74) with a mean 26 months of follow-up between June 2004 and June 2010. Patients were classified into two groups: OLSTR as group 1 (84 feet) and TLSTR as group 2 (101 feet). We evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes between the two groups using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux score, visual analogue scale pain score, hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and complications, pre- and post-operatively.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups except for post-operative complications such as first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) stiffness (group 1) and post-operative hallux varus (group 2).

Conclusions

Clinical and radiographic outcomes between OLSTR and TLSTR in HV correction using DCMO were not significantly different except for post-operative limitation of motion of the first MTPJ and hallux varus tendency. Different precautions should be taken into account when choosing the type of lateral soft tissue release due to possible complications associated with each technique.     

Total ankle replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis commonly experience involvement of the ankle and hindfoot. Severe pain and functional limitations may develop as a result of tibiotalar arthritis, requiring surgical treatment. The advantages of total ankle arthroplasty over ankle arthrodesis include preservation of motion and decreased stresses on the midfoot and subtalar joints. Previous experience with early design ankle replacements revealed high complication rates and as much as 75% of component loosening. Modern ankle implants have been designed to achieve uncemented fixation with less articular constraint. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had total ankle replacement using two different types of second-generation ankle implants were examined clinically and radiographically. The average postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 81 of a possible 100, at a mean of 6.4 years after surgery. Radiographically, 88.5% of implants were stable without evidence of subsidence at a mean of 6.3 years. Three tibial components had subsided at an average of 7 years. There was evidence of tibial osteolysis with the Buechel Pappas Low Contact Stress implant in 11.5% of patients. Total ankle replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, using a second-generation prosthesis, can provide reliable relief of pain and good functional results at intermediate-term followup, although the incidence of osteolysis warrants close followup.     

The Spike Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus: A Clinical and Radiological Evaluation

A distal metatarsal osteotomy with soft tissue correction is a frequently performed operation to correct mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. This is a prospective study of 28 feet in 25 patients who underwent spike osteotomy of the first metatarsal with medial capsulorraphy for symptomatic hallux valgus. The osteotomy is a distal metatarsal osteotomy with a spike fashioned in the plantar and lateral quarter of the proximal fragment and impacted into the trough created in the center of the distal fragment, providing lateral and plantar shift of the distal fragment. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's rating scale was used for functional assessment, and a visual analog scale gauged pain. The average follow-up was 27 months. The rating scale score improved from a mean preoperative value of 39/100 to 84/100. Twenty-six feet had complete pain relief, whereas 2 feet had a lesser degree of persistent metatarsalgia. A review of preoperative and postoperative radiographs showed that the hallux valgus angle improved from a mean 36 degrees preoperatively to 18 degrees postoperatively. Likewise, the mean 1 to 2 intermetatarsal angle improved from 13 degrees to 7.3 degrees. There was no incidence of avascular necrosis. Fourteen patients (16 feet) rated the outcome as excellent, 10 (11 feet) as good, and 1 patient with asymptomatic mild hallux varus deformity rated the result as fair. These results demonstrate that the spike osteotomy is a suitable operation for treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus.     

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.     

Modified technique for unipolar allograft ankle replacement: midterm follow-up. A case report

The management of tibiotalar arthritis remains a clinical challenge. Conventional treatment relies primarily upon arthrodesis or prosthetic arthroplasty. Fresh osteochondral total ankle allograft transplantation has been reported in limited cases. We report the case of a 42-year-old male who underwent a tibial refrigerated osteochondral allograft and a talar refrigerated osteochondral mosiacplasty. At 66-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated no limp with walking and was able to participate in tennis and snow skiing with no pain. His Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, total WOMAC score, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score were 0, 94, and 98, respectively. The final radiograph showed complete integration of the allograft with mild joint space narrowing. Osteochondral allografting for ankle arthritis may be considered an option in select patients.     

Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy with Posterior Tibial Tendon Reconstruction for the Flexible Flatfoot with Symptomatic Accessory Navicular

We investigated the clinical outcomes after medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular, in patients with flexible flatfoot with accessory navicular symptoms. From December 2008 to July 2011, 16 patients (21 feet) with a flexible flatfoot, symptomatic accessory navicular, and obvious heel valgus underwent medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and reconstruction with posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular bone. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and every 6 months thereafter. The clinical examination was undertaken using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and midfoot scores. The radiologic assessments included the arch height, calcaneus inclination angle, talocalcaneal angle, and talar first metatarsal angle on the lateral weightbearing radiograph. The talocalcaneal angle and talar first metatarsal angle was assessed on the anteroposterior view of the weightbearing foot. Heel valgus alignment was assessed on the axial hindfoot radiographs. The mean follow-up duration was 28.5 months (range 18 to 48). All patients were satisfied with the clinical results and were pain free 6 months postoperatively. No cases of wound infection or nerve injury developed. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 53.3 ± 6.5 to 90.8 ± 1.4 at the last follow-up visit (p < .01). The improvements in all radiographic parameters were statistically significant between the preoperative and last follow-up examinations (p < .01). The heel valgus of all patients was corrected. Our results have shown that medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular bone is an effective treatment of flexible flatfoot with symptomatic accessory navicular, associated with excellent clinical outcomes and correction of the deformity.     

Realignment-lengthening osteotomy for malunited distal fibular fracture

Purpose

Persistent displacement of ankle fractures increases the stresses on the articular cartilage and leads to degenerative arthritis. Correction of the ankle mortise restores the normal ankle biomechanics and should prevent the development of degenerative joint disease.

Methods

Seventeen patients were treated for symptomatic ankle joint due to malunited distal fibular fracture. There were eleven male and six female patients. Their ages ranged from 23 to 54 years (median 34 years). The procedure included transverse fibular osteotomy for restoration of the lateral malleolar alignment, acute distraction of the osteotomy to restore the fibular length with interpositional graft and reduction of subluxation of the distal tibio-fibular articulation. Internal fixation of the osteotomy was performed with plate and screws and trans-syndesmotic screws.

Results

Fibular lengthening was performed in all cases and ranged from six to 12 mm (median eight millimetres). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score preoperatively ranged from 40 to 74 (median 60) and at follow up ranged from 50 to 95 (median 79). Progression of ankles arthrosis occurred in one patient leading to ankle arthrodesis as a secondary procedure. Results were satisfactory in 12 cases (70.6 %), and unsatisfactory in five cases (29.4 %) due to stiffness and pain in the ankle joint. The follow-up ranged from 24 to 45 months (median 31 months).

Conclusion

Corrective osteotomy of fibular malunion produces considerable improvement provided that the patient does not have significant degenerative changes before surgery. The use of athrodiastasis of the ankle as a secondary procedure may be of value to improve the outcome.     

Supramalleolar lateral closing wedge osteotomy for the treatment of varus ankle arthrosis

BACKGROUND: Medial ankle joint pain with localized cartilage degeneration due to medial joint overload in varus malalignment of the hindfoot lends itself to treatment by lateral closing wedge supramalleolar osteotomy. METHODS: From 1998 to 2003, nine patients between the ages of 21 to 59 years were operated. The etiology of the malalignment and degeneration was posttraumatic in eight and childhood osteomyelitis in one. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs were analyzed to determine the correction of the deformity and the grade of degeneration. Function and pain were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. The average followup was 56 (range 15 to 88) months. RESULTS: The average time to osseous union was 10 +/- 3.31 weeks. There were no operative or postoperative complications. The average AOFAS score improved from 48 +/- 16.0 preoperatively to 74 +/- 11.7 postoperatively (p<0.004). The average pain subscore improved from 16 +/- 8.8 to 30 +/- 7.1 (p<0.008). The average tibial-ankle surface angle improved from 6.9 +/- 3.8 degrees of varus preoperatively to 0.6 +/- 1.9 degrees of valgus postoperatively (p<0.004). In the sagittal plane, the tibial-lateral-surface angle remained unchanged. At the final followup, two patients showed progression of radiographic ankle arthrosis grades. In one patient, it rose from grade 0 to I. In the other patient it advanced from grade II to III, with subsequent ankle arthrodesis required 16 months after the index procedure. Seven patients returned to their previous work. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral supramalleolar closing wedge osteotomy was an easy and safe procedure, effectively correcting hindfoot malalignment, relieving pain, restoring function, and halting progression of the degeneration in the short-term to mid-term in seven of nine patients.     

Synovial Metallosis After Ceramic Total Ankle Arthroplasty Treated With a Total Talar Prosthesis: A Case Report

Total ankle arthroplasty is a useful surgical procedure for osteoarthritis of the ankle, but aseptic loosening of components is an issue. We report here a case of aseptic implant loosening with metallosis after total ankle arthroplasty using the TNK ankle (Kyocera, Kyoto, Japan), which occurred despite the components being ceramic. We also report favorable results from our method of treatment using a total talar prosthesis in the revision surgery. During the revision surgery, synovial metallosis was found, probably related to superficial damage to the screw affixing the tibial component to the bone. Because both the tibial and talar components were loose, all the components and the remaining talar bone were removed. A new tibial component and a custom-made alumina-ceramic total talar prosthesis was inserted. Pain relief was achieved and maintained through the latest follow-up visit at 42 months after revision surgery. Dorsiflexion of the ankle improved from 0° to 5° and plantarflexion remained unchanged from its preoperative range of 20°. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from 38 to 80 points. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an alumina-ceramic total ankle prosthesis loosening caused by metallosis resulting from screw abrasion. Favorable treatment results were obtained by using a total talar prosthesis in the revision surgery.     

Three-Year Follow-Up Results of Combined Short Scarf Osteotomy With Akin Procedure for Hallux Valgus

The short scarf osteotomy has been developed as a less-invasive method of preserving the soft tissue envelope, at the same time maintaining the strength, correction, and utility of a classic long scarf osteotomy. We carried out a review of 166 short scarf osteotomies performed combined with the Akin procedure with a mean follow-up of 34.6 (range 28 to 38) months. These radiographic parameters were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and at 3 years. The functional evaluation was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal scale score. At follow-up, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal scale score improved from a preoperative average of 54.6 to a postoperative average of 92.8 (p < .001). The radiographic evaluation gave the following results: the preoperative hallux valgus angle of 27.92° improved to an average of 11.85° (p < .001); the preoperative inter metatarsal angle of 14.03° improved to an average of 9.64° (p < .001). There were no fractures during the procedure. There were no incidences of infection or recurrence of deformity. Three patients have to undergo metatarsophalangeal joint fusion because of progression of osteoarthritis of the joint. No avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head was seen. The short scarf osteotomy along with Akin procedure is minimally invasive compared to the standard scarf osteotomy. It is a simple technique with good mechanical strength, signifying excellent patient satisfaction while reconstructing normal anatomy and restoring radiological measurements with fewer complications.     

Distal Chevron Osteotomy with Lateral Soft Tissue Release for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Decided Using Intraoperative Varus Stress Radiographs

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of distal chevron osteotomy with lateral soft tissue release for moderate to severe hallux valgus. The patients were selected using criteria that included the degree of lateral soft tissue contracture and metatarsocuneiform joint flexibility. The contracture and flexibility were determined from intraoperative varus stress radiographs. From April 2007 to May 2009, 56 feet in 51 consecutive patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus had undergone distal chevron osteotomy with lateral soft tissue release. This was done when the lateral soft tissue contracture was not so severe that passive correction of the hallux valgus deformity was not possible and when the metatarsocuneiform joint was flexible enough to permit additional correction of the first intermetatarsal angle after lateral soft tissue release. The mean patient age was 45.2 (range 23 to 54) years, and the duration of follow-up was 27.5 (range 24 to 46) months. The mean hallux abductus angle decreased from 33.5° ± 3.1° to 11.6° ± 3.3°, and the first intermetatarsal angle decreased from 16.4° ± 2.7° to 9.7° ± 2.1°. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux-interphalangeal scores increased from 66.6° ± 10.7° to 92.6° ± 9.4° points, and 46 of the 51 patients (90%) were either very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. No recurrence of deformity or osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head occurred. When lateral soft tissue contracture is not severe and when the metatarsocuneiform joint is flexible enough, distal chevron osteotomy with lateral soft tissue release can be a useful and effective choice for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity.     

Mid-term results of Scarf osteotomy in hallux valgus

We performed a retrospective study on 178 Scarf osteotomies with a mean follow-up of 44.9 months (range 15–83 months). Clinical rating was based on the forefoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Weight bearing X-rays were used to perform angular measurements and assess the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP 1). At follow-up the mean AOFAS score had improved significantly (p < 0.001), but only 55% of the feet showed a perfect realignment of the first ray. Patients with a hallux valgus angle exceeding 30° and pre-existing degenerative changes at the MTP 1 joint displayed inferior clinical results (p < 0.05). Nearly 20% of the patients suffered from pain at the MTP 1 joint. This was clearly attributed to an onset or worsening of distinct radiographic signs of arthritis (p < 0.05) resulting in painfully decreased joint motion. Comparing radiographic appearance three months postoperatively and at follow-up, we found that radiographic criteria (hallux valgus, first intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus interphalangeus, MTP 1 joint congruency, arthritic lesions at MTP 1) worsened with time.     

Posterior Locking Plate Fixation of Bartoníček Type IV Posterior Malleolar Fracture: A Focus on Die-Punch Fragment Size

Die-punch fragments refer to articular cartilage and subchondral bone embedded in cancellous bone as part of an intra-articular fracture. Bartoní?ek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with associated die-punch fragments are rare, and the appropriate surgical approach remains unclear. We determined outcomes, and the effect of die-punch fragment size on outcomes, for 32 patients with Bartoní?ek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with die-punch fragments between January 2015 and December 2017. Mean follow-up for all patients was 23.8 (range 20.0-30.0) months. At the final follow-up visit, mean ankle dorsal extension was 24.6° and plantar flexion was 40.0°; American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 88.6 ± 4.3; visual analog scale weightbearing pain score was 1.5 ± 0.6; and Bargon traumatic arthritis score was 0.8 ± 0.4. There were no severe complications. We divided patients into a small-fragment (≤3 mm) group (n = 12) and large-fragment (>3 mm) group (n = 20). The Bargon scores at final follow-up were 0.5 and 1, respectively (P=.02). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for the other outcome scores at various time intervals. The posterolateral approach with distal locking plate internal fixation for Bartoní?ek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with die-punch fragments can result in excellent anatomical reduction of the collapsed articular surface and the displaced fragment from the tibial plafond, recovery of articular surface congruity, and maintenance of joint stability. Die-punch fragment size may not impact clinical and functional outcomes but may contribute to post-traumatic arthritis.