Radiographic Outcomes of Isolated Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis With Varying Fixation Technique

Subtalar joint (STJ) arthrodesis is a well-established and accepted surgical procedure utilized for the treatment of various hindfoot conditions including primary or posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis, hindfoot valgus deformity, hindfoot varus deformity, complex acute calcaneal fracture, symptomatic residual congenital deformity, tarsal coalition, and other conditions causing pain and deformity about the hindfoot. Union rates associated with isolated subtalar joint arthrodesis are generally thought to be favorable, though reports have varied significantly, with non-union rates ranging from 0 to 46%. Various fixation constructs have been recommended for STJ arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic union in a 2-screw fixation technique to a 3-screw fixation technique for patients undergoing primary isolated STJ arthrodesis. To this end, we retrospectively reviewed 54 patients; 26 in the 2-screw group and 28 in the 3-screw group. We found the median time to radiographic union to be 9 weeks for the 2-screw cohort and 7 weeks for the 3-screw cohort. Additionally, we found that the 2-screw fixation cohort had a radiographic non-union rate of 26.9% while the 3-screw cohort had no non-unions. We conclude that the use of a 3-screw construct for isolated STJ arthrodesis has a lower non-union rate and time to union when compared to the traditional 2-screw construct and should be considered as a fixation option for STJ arthrodesis.     

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.     

Pre and Postoperative Analysis of Flatfoot Reconstruction Sparing the Talonavicular Joint

Surgical correction of a flatfoot deformity is controversial. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the structural radiographic changes of the flatfoot deformity while maintaining the mobile adapter of the foot. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 56 patients that underwent this procedure comparing their pre- to postoperative angular changes during a follow-up period. The mean age of our study cohort was 53.6 (range, 20-77) years and mean follow-up period was 23 (range, 4-73) months. Radiographic union was achieved in 48 patients (86%). Forty-six patients (82%) had all required radiographs completed through final follow-up visit. We illustrated statistically significant changes to the talonavicular, Meary, talocalcaneal, calcaneal inclination, and talar declination angles, and navicular height at 3 months and final follow-up. This study suggests surgical correction of the flatfoot deformity that fused the subtalar but spared the talonavicular joint appears to achieve and maintain radiographic angular changes and achieve union.     

Radiographic Analysis of the Lateral Column Lengthening Procedure in Stage II Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Adult acquired flat foot deformity (AAFD) is a progressive, tri-planar deformity involving collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, valgus deformity of the rear foot, and abduction of the mid-foot on the rear foot. There are a wide variety of surgical treatment options for this deformity, including lateral column lengthening (LCL) which results in tri-planar correction of AAFD. We retrospectively reviewed weightbearing preoperative radiographs and weight-bearing 6-week postoperative radiographs of 34 patients with stage II AAFD who underwent LCL (with and without concurrent procedures) with a minimum of 1-year of follow up. Outcomes, including complications and postoperative differences in 6 types of angle measurements were evaluated. Radiographic evaluation showed statistically significant differences in preoperative and postoperative measures in the following angles: calcaneal inclination, Meary's, Simmons, talocalcaneal, and metatarsus adductus (each p ≤ .05). Postoperative Engel's angle difference did not reach statistical significance (p = .07). Paired t tests showed TN coverage angles increased greater with LCL plus a Cotton osteotomy as compared to isolated LCL. Additionally, there was no significant difference in TN coverage angle based on LCL graft size (p = .20). Furthermore, the distance of the osteotomy from the calcaneocuboid joint on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs did not significantly predict TN coverage angle change.Our study suggests that LCL corrects AAFD in three planes while decreasing the metatarsus adductus angle. LCL appears to be more effective when performed with a Cotton osteotomy. Wedge size (6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm) and osteotomy location did not demonstrate a relationship with postoperative TN coverage angle or incidence of lateral column overload.     

Posterior Tibial Tendon Allograft Reconstruction for Stage II Adult Acquired Flatfoot: A Case Series

Surgical treatment for a stage II adult acquired flatfoot has consisted of reconstruction of the diseased posterior tibial tendon with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, combined with osteotomies to address the underlying deformity. This case series presents an alternative to tendon transfer using allograft tendon for posterior tibial tendon reconstruction. Four patients who underwent stage II flatfoot reconstruction with posterior tibial tendon allograft transplantation were included. All patients had preoperative radiographs demonstrating flatfoot deformity and magnetic resonance imaging showing advanced tendinopathy of the posterior tibial tendon. Allograft tendon transplant was considered in patients demonstrating adequate posterior tibial tendon excursion during intraoperative assessment. Additional procedures were performed as necessary depending on patient pathology. Postoperatively, all patients remained non-weightbearing in a short leg cast for 6 weeks. Radiographs performed during the postoperative course demonstrated well-maintained and improved alignment. No complications were encountered. Each patient demonstrated grade 5 muscle strength and were able to perform a single-limb heel rise at the time of final follow-up. The average follow-up duration was 19.0 months. Flexor digitorum longus transfer has been studied extensively for stage II adult acquired flatfoot. However, the flexor digitorum longus has been shown to be much weaker relative to the posterior tibial tendon, and concern remains regarding its ability to recreate the force of the posterior tibial tendon. Our results demonstrate that posterior tibial tendon allograft reconstruction combined with flatfoot reconstruction is a reasonable option. This alternative has the advantage of preserving the stronger muscle without disturbing regional anatomy.     

Surgical Management of Stage 2 Adult and Pediatric Acquired Flatfoot Without Tendon Transfer or Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Study

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a common pathology of the foot and ankle. Numerous techniques are available to reconstruct the flatfoot. Fusions and tendon transfers are popular methods; however, a wide range of complications have been associated with these procedures. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the outcomes of reconstructive surgery for flatfoot correction without tendon transfer or arthrodesis. We performed a retrospective study of 43 patients and 56 feet who had undergone flatfoot reconstructive surgery from November 2011 to June 2016, with a mean follow-up period of 60 weeks (range 12 to 60 months). Each patient demonstrated a stage 2 flatfoot deformity classified using the Johnson and Strom classification. Depending on the patient's deformity, the procedures consisted of different variations of gastrocnemius recession, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, Evans osteotomy, and Cotton osteotomy. Six different preoperative and postoperative angles were radiographically measured on each foot studied. In all cases, the differences in the preoperative versus postoperative measurements were statistically significant (p?<?.003). We believe the foot and ankle surgeon can correct flatfoot deformity with the use of extraarticular procedures and create a plantigrade functional foot without fusion or tendon transfer.     

Radiographic Outcomes Following Primary Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Hallux Abductovalgus Deformity

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic outcomes of primary metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis for hallux abductovalgus deformities. Between January 2004 and March 2009, 56 consecutive patients (58 feet) underwent primary arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) for severe hallux abductovalgus deformity and or hallux rigidus. Results were assessed by primary radiographic outcome measurements (hallux valgus and first-second intermetatarsal angle). Overall, the mean hallux valgus (HA) angle improved significantly from 31.9° to 13.4° (P < .01). The mean first-second intermetatarsal (IM) angle correction was also signficantly reduced from 14.0° to 9.7° (P < .01). When separated by deformity group (mild, moderate, and severe), the mean hallux valgus and first-second intermetatarsal angles demonstrated statistically significant correction in all groups when comparing preoperative and postoperative values (P < .01). Primary arthrodesis provides predictable radiographic outcomes and effective correction for patients with differing severity of hallux abductovalgus deformity and arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. A separate proximal osteotomy for severe metatarsus primus varus correction may not be necessary because of the correction achieved at the metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis level. The results of this study demonstrate that as the severity of the preoperative deformity increases, the amount of postoperative radiographic (HA and IM angle measurement) correction after MTPJ arthrodesis will improve correspondingly.     

Plantar Measurements to Determine Success of Surgical Correction of Stage IIb Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a degenerative disease causing medial arch dysfunction. Surgical correction has typically involved tendon reconstruction with calcaneal osteotomy; however, the postoperative changes have not been fully characterized. The present study assessed the success of surgical correction of Stage IIb adult acquired flatfoot deformity through changes in plantar pressures and patient-generated outcome scores. With Institutional Review Board approval, 6 participants were evaluated before and after surgery using pedobarography, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form questionnaire. The plantar pressures were recorded using a TekScan HRMat^® during walking and in a 1- and 2-foot stance. The resulting contour maps were segmented into 9 regions, with the peak pressure, normalized force, and arch index calculated. Surgical effects were analyzed using paired t tests. Postoperatively, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form questionnaire scores increased significantly from 180 ± 78 to 360 ± 136 (p < .03) and 47 ± 18 to 71 ± 19 (p = .06), respectively. During the 2-foot stance, the normalized force had increased significantly in the lateral midfoot (p < .03), although no significant differences were found in peak pressures. No significant differences were observed in the 1-foot stance. During walking, the normalized force increased significantly in the lateral mid- and forefoot (p < .05). The peak pressure increased significantly in the lateral forefoot (p < .01). The arch index values demonstrated no significant changes. The increased questionnaire scores indicated that surgical correction improved the self-perceived health of the participants. Lateral shifts in the peak pressure and normalized force suggest that forefoot and midfoot loading is altered postoperatively, consistent with the goal of offloading the dysfunctional arch. Thus, the present study has demonstrated that surgical treatment of adult acquired flatfoot deformity can be accurately assessed using patient-reported outcome measures and plantar pressures.     

Subjective and Objective Outcomes of Ankle Joint Arthrodesis with Either Ilizarov or Internal Fixation

After arthroplasty, arthrodesis of the ankle joint is the most common method to treat advanced ankle osteoarthritis. The goal of the study was to assess the subjective and objective outcomes in 2 different types of fixation for ankle joint arthrodesis.We retrospectively assessed 47 patients who had undergone ankle joint arthrodesis with fixation either via an Ilizarov apparatus (group 1) (n = 21) or cannulated screws (group 2) (n = 26). The outcomes were measured by: (1) the quantity of analgesics administered, (2) the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle–hindfoot score, (3) general patient satisfaction, (4) the patients’ decision to undergo the same procedure given another chance, and (5) the necessity of blood transfusion during hospitalization. Data was collected at the last postoperative follow-up visit. The AOFAS scores in group 1 and group 2 patients were 73.9 ± 13 and 72.7 ± 14.3, respectively. In group 1, 17 patients (81%) were very satisfied with the results, while in group 2, 19 patients (73%) were very satisfied with the results (p = .043). Two group 1 patients (10%) and four group 2 patients (15.3%) reported that they were satisfied with the outcomes (p = .035). Two patients (10%) from group 1 and three patients (11%) from group 2 were fairly satisfied. Seventeen patients (81%) after arthrodesis with Ilizarov fixation and 21 patients (81%) after arthrodesis with internal fixation would choose the same procedure given the opportunity to choose again. In group 1 there were no patients who required blood transfusion; in group 2 one patient (4%) required blood transfusion; the difference was statistically significant (p = .039). Nineteen group 1 patients (90%) were administered an analgesic preoperatively, while postoperatively only 6 (29%) required analgesics. In group 2, 24 patients (92%) were administered analgesics preoperatively, with 8 (31%) of them still requiring analgesics postoperatively. Ankle arthrodesis patients from both group 1 and group 2 achieved good subjective and objective results of treatment. We noted slightly better results in the Ilizarov apparatus group.     

Lateral Column Lengthening for Acquired Adult Flatfoot Deformity Caused by Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Stage II: A Retrospective Comparison of Calcaneus Osteotomy with Calcaneocuboid Distraction Arthrodesis

In this study, clinical and radiological results after lateral column lengthening by calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis and calcaneus osteotomy were compared. Thirty-three patients (35 feet) treated with lateral column lengthening by distraction arthrodesis (14 patients, 16 feet; group I) or by calcaneus osteotomy (19 patients, 19 feet; group II) for adult-acquired flatfoot deformity caused by stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were compared retrospectively. Mean follow-up was 42.4 months (range, 6-78 months) for group I and 15.8 months (range, 6-32 months) for group II (P < .001). The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was determined, 4 variables were measured on preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs, and a number of independent and outcome variables, including patient satisfaction, were recorded. Group 2 had a significantly higher American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score compared with group I (mean, 85 vs. 72, respectively; P < .02) at time of last follow-up, and there were no dissatisfied patients in group I, whereas 2 patients in group II were dissatisfied with the result of the operation. All radiological results were significantly better at time of follow-up in both groups (except for talocalcaneal angle in group I), although no significant differences were noted in the amount of change in radiographic measurements between the groups. No significant correlation was found between follow-up time and radiographic improvement, indicating stable radiographic measurements over time. In group II, 13 mild calcaneocuboid subluxations were observed. In both groups, 1 nonunion and 1 wound complication occurred. Based on our experience with the patients described in this report, we recommend lateral column lengthening by means of calcaneus osteotomy rather than distraction arthrodesis of the calcaneocuboid joint, for correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.     

Clinical Value of Radiographic Staging in Patients Diagnosed With AJCC Stage III Melanoma

Background

Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage III melanoma represent patients with high risk of systemic relapse. This study evaluates the clinical utility of standardized radiographic staging.

Methods

Consecutive asymptomatic patients underwent standardized radiographic staging workup within 6 weeks of diagnosis. True- and false-positive rates and number of additional examinations generated after a positive initial report were quantified. All suspicious findings were further studied by biopsy and/or by clinical or radiologic assessment.

Results

Fifty-eight patients underwent complete radiographic staging. Nineteen (33%) had ulcerated primary tumors. Forty-two patients (73%) presented with clinically negative lymph nodes that were positive on sentinel lymph node biopsy. Lymph node involvement was classified as N1a in 54%, N2a in 19%, N2b in 3%, and N3 in 22% of patients. Among 204 staging examinations in 58 patients, 52 (25%) were initially reported as positive. Three percent of all examinations proved truly positive; 23% were falsely positive. Analyzed per patient, in 37 (64%) of 58 patients, at least one examination was initially reported as positive. However, only 3 patients (5%) had a true-positive and 34 (59%) had at least one false-positive report. The positive reports of the staging scans generated 45 additional examinations (0.78 per patient).

Conclusions

Radiographic staging in asymptomatic patients with stage III melanoma detects a low number of patients with unsuspected systemic disease. The ratio of falsely to truly positive is approximately 11:1. Radiographic screening should only be considered in patients with high-risk prognostic features or symptoms, or in the context of clinical trials.     

Osteoarthritis of the Fourth and Fifth Tarsometatarsal Joint After Calcaneo-Cuboid Distraction Arthrodesis in Flatfoot Correction

Lateral column lengthening procedures are typically performed in patients with flatfoot deformity. There have been reports of complications caused by lateral column lengthening. In this study, clinical and radiographic osteoarthritis of the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joints were retrospectively assessed as complications after lateral column lengthening. Seventeen stage II flatfeet belonging to 15 patients were included. The mean age of the subjects was 64.2 ± 7.7 (range 52-80) years. The average lateral column lengthening length achieved was 12.7 ± 2.2 (range 8-15) mm. The average duration of follow-up postsurgically was 57.2 ± 37.7 (range 4-110) months. The pain group (n = 8), who postoperatively experienced weightbearing pain in the plantar-lateral aspect of the foot and/or tenderness at the dorsal-lateral, and the no-pain group (n = 9) were compared. All patients in the pain group underwent lateral column lengthening of 10 mm or more. However, there were no significant differences in age, body mass index, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, and the lateral column lengthening amounts between the groups. In the pain group, all patients had osteoarthritic changes in the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joints. In all subjects, 11 feet were diagnosed osteoarthritis. Patients with pain had a significantly lower postoperative first talometatarsal angle (p ≤ .05). Osteoarthritis of the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joints as complications after lateral column lengthening in flatfoot is first reported. Our study indicated a high possibility of osteoarthritis in patients who had pain in the lateral aspect of the foot after lateral column lengthening.     

Outcomes of Hindfoot Arthrodesis Supplemented With Bioactive Glass and Bone Marrow Aspirate: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Foot and ankle surgeons continue to explore bone graft alternatives that will be comparable to the reference standard of autologous bone. The purpose of the present study was to consider the outcomes of hindfoot arthrodesis supplemented with bioactive glass in patients at risk of delayed union and nonunion. We performed a retrospective radiographic review of 29 consecutive patients (48 joints) who had undergone arthrodesis of ≥1 joint of the hindfoot (ankle, subtalar, talonavicular, calcaneocuboid). All patients included in the present study had a minimum of 1 documented risk factor for osseous nonunion (history of previous nonunion, trauma, smoking, diabetes, Charcot arthropathy, obesity, age >65 years at surgery). The patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 weeks or until radiographic healing had been achieved. We found 12 (25.0%) nonunions across all 48 joints supplemented with bioactive glass. We found 4 (16.7%) nonunions in the subtalar joint, 1 (11.1%) in the calcaneocuboid joint, and 1 (11.1%) in the talonavicular joint. We found that hindfoot arthrodesis procedures supplemented with bioactive glass resulted in an incidence of union comparable to that with autograft and other bone graft substitutes.     

Screw Internal Fixation and Ilizarov External Fixation: A Comparison of Outcomes in Ankle Arthrodesis

The purpose of this study was to compare the mid-term clinical outcomes between screw internal fixation and Ilizarov external fixation in patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis and to elucidate the differences between the 2 fixation methods. This study investigated 43 ankles in 41 patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis at 1 of the 2 study institutions. There were 15 men and 26 women, and their mean age was 66.2 (range 49 to 87) years. The primary disease included osteoarthritis (OA) (79%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (16.3%), and Charcot joint (4.7%). Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the surgical approach: the screw group (S) and the Ilizarov group (I). The following items were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups: patient characteristics, Tanaka-Takakura classification based on preoperative plain X-ray images, duration of surgery, blood loss, surgical complications, time to start weightbearing, and the Japanese Society of Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) standard rating system for the ankle-hindfoot. Duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the S group (162.3 versus 194.9 min), and the amount of blood loss was also significantly lower in the S group (29.2 versus 97.5 ml). Preoperative JSSF scale was significantly lower in the I group (44.8 versus 33), but postoperative JSSF scale was not significantly different between the 2 groups (82.1 versus 77.9). The S group had satisfactory clinical outcomes with a shorter duration of surgery and smaller amount of blood loss than the I group. However, severe patients in the I group achieved similar treatment outcomes.     

Analysis of Micromotion in a Talonavicular Arthrodesis With and Without a Calcaneal Displacement Osteotomy in a Cadaver Model

The isolated talonavicular joint arthrodesis can be beneficial to correct midfoot deformities involving the talonavicular joint, including collapsing pes planovalgus. Studies show that isolated talonavicular arthrodesis has a higher nonunion rate because of micromotion; thus, other procedures should be used in conjunction with it. We sought to determine if adding an adjunctive medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy helps to reduce the ground reactive force and, therefore, the micromotion on the talonavicular joint. We used 4 below-knee limbs to study the force placed on the joint in an isolated talonavicular arthrodesis compared with the same procedure with an adjunctive calcaneal osteotomy under weightbearing simulation. A 0.5-inch circular force sensing resistor was placed within the talonavicular and used to check the force on the joint after a 5-lb force was added to the proximal limb. The resistance was quantified with force measured as a direct inverse. This procedure was performed 3 times for each limb. The mean resistance before and after calcaneal osteotomy was analyzed with use of the paired t test. In the pre–calcaneal osteotomy sites, the mean resistance given in 200 kΩ was 388.2 ± 565.9 compared with 1016.6 ± 482.7 in the post–calcaneal osteotomy sites (p = .02). Findings from this cadaver study indicate reduction in forces to the talonavicular joint with an adjunctive calcaneal osteotomy. We conclude that it can be a beneficial adjunctive procedure for patients at a high risk of nonunion, such as those with obesity or diabetes or those who smoke. These patients could benefit from the decreased micromotion that the adjunctive procedure allows.