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.     

Viscosupplementation for grade II osteoarthritis of the ankle: a prospective study at 18 months’ follow-up

Background  Viscosupplementation, with hyaluronan derivates injected into the intra-space of osteoarthritic joints, is now widely used for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This study evaluates the results in terms of pain and disability of intra-articular injections of hyaluronan derivates into the ankle joint in patients suffering from grade II primary or secondary osteoarthritis of the ankle. Methods  Twenty-one patients with a painful ankle and radiographic evidence of grade II osteoarthritis had three weekly intra-articular injections of 2 ml of hylan G-F 20 (10 mg/ml) into the ankle joint. The primary clinical outcome measurement was the ankle osteoarthritis score (AOS) at the baseline, and at 6, 12 and 18 months. Results  Significant improvement of the AOS from baseline was seen after 6 months (p=0.0001). This improvement was maintained over time with no further changes at 12- and 18-month follow-ups. Regarding pain, the AOS improved over time from the baseline to the 18-month follow up and became statistically significant at the 12- and 18-month follow-ups (p<0.05).     

Corrective-elongation osteotomy without bone graft for old ankle fracture with residual diastasis

The main principle for treatment of ankle fractures is anatomic reduction until bony union is achieved. Old fractures of the ankle with residual diastasis, however, may cause persistent pain, joint effusion, and range-of-motion limitation, and make eventual ankle arthrodesis inevitable. Restoration of the integrity of the ankle mortise is the determining factor for successful repair of this type of ankle fracture. Old ankle fracture, where malunion has already occurred, is a great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Twelve such patients were treated by means of reconstructive corrective-elongation osteotomy without bone graft at the authors' institution from 1997 to 1999. These patients had persistent symptoms and radiographic evidence of a fibula that had healed in a shortened, rotated position, resulting in widening of the ankle mortise. The average time interval between injury and reconstructive operation was 18 months. At follow-up, which averaged 34 months, greatly improved ambulation and level of joint function was noted for all patients, and follow-up x-ray confirmed good ankle mortise geometry. The short-term results for these patients were good, with further follow-up planned to determine efficacy long term. In conclusion, reconstructive corrective-elongation osteotomy is a worthwhile procedure for old ankle fracture with malunion, and it can also postpone degenerative change in the ankle joint.     

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.     

The Chiari pelvic osteotomy. A review of the long-term results

We report the clinical and radiographic results of the Chiari pelvic osteotomy in 49 hips (45 patients) at an average of 14 years after operation. Of these hips, over half had minimal or no pain, had good or excellent results as assessed by the Harris hip score, and could walk at least three miles; three-quarters, however, had a positive Trendelenburg sign. A younger age at operation and a painless hip with no radiographic evidence of degeneration before operation were associated with a higher hip score at review. The percentage of hips without degenerative changes fell from 68% before operation to 15% at final review. There were no major complications and it was found that a Chiari osteotomy need not interfere with normal childbirth.     

A surgical approach for flexible flatfeet in adults including a subtalar arthroereisis with the MBA sinus tarsi implant

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcomes and radiographic results of adult patients who had an operation for flexible flatfeet without any hindfoot osteotomies or fusions. METHODS: Twenty-eight feet in 23 patients with problems caused by their flexible flatfoot deformities had reconstructive foot and ankle surgery that included a subtalar arthroereisis (the restriction of the range of motion of a joint) with the Maxwell-Brancheau Arthroereisis (MBA) sinus tarsi implant. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Scale and a patient assessment questionnaire were obtained from all patients before surgery and at final follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs were analyzed to determine radiographic correction of the deformities. The average followup was 44 months. The MBA implant was surgically removed in 11 of 28 feet (39%) because of sinus tarsi pain. RESULTS: The average preoperative AOFAS score was 52 and had improved to 87 (p<0.00001) at final followup. The average response to four of five questions in the patient assessment had significantly improved (p<0.05). On a 10-point scale, average patient satisfaction was 8.3 points; 78% said that they would have the surgery again. Correction after surgery was significant (p<0.0001) in each of the three radiographic parameters evaluated for 'correction with MBA' and 'final correction.' With the numbers available, no significant differences could be detected after the MBA was removed. Complications included sinus tarsi pain in 46% (13) of the 28 feet in this study; after implant removal, 73% (8) of 11 feet had less discomfort than before surgery with AOFAS scores 80 or better. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery that included a subtalar arthroereisis with the MBA sinus tarsi implant resulted in favorable clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in 78% (18) of 23 patients. In spite of the high incidence of temporary sinus tarsi pain until the implant was removed, this operative approach compares favorably with other operations for flexible flatfoot deformities in adults.     

Radial shortening osteotomy for treatment of Kienb?ck's disease.

Sixteen patients who had radial shortening osteotomy for treatment of Kienb?ck's disease were reviewed. Ulnar minus variance averaged 3.3 mm. All patients had conservative management that failed. Six were stage II, six were stage III, and four were stage IV. Average follow-up was 4.5 years. In all patients osteotomies united within 3 months. Thirteen patients were totally relieved of pain, and three had mild pain. Motion in the dorsal palmar plane improved, on average, 15 degrees. Grip strength increased 20% to 30% after the operation. Follow-up radiographs did not show continued collapse of carpal height or disease progression except in one patient. No radiographic evidence of degenerative changes at the distal radioulnar joint materialized. As a safe, reliable, and consistently successful method of managing Kienb?ck's disease, we strongly recommend radial shortening. Excluding the rare extended stage IV disease in which midcarpal arthritis with or without intercarpal instability is present, we have successfully applied this technique to all stages of Kienb?ck's disease. We recognize that further collapse and progression of disease may occur in stage III and IV disease, as was evident in one patient 5 years after osteotomy.     

Degenerative arthritis of the ankle secondary to long-standing lateral ligament instability.

Long-standing lateral ligament instability of the ankle results in unbalanced loading of the medial joint space and the possible development of degenerative arthritis. Thirty-six patients who had had lateral ankle instability for at least ten years and complaints of increasing ankle pain evidence degenerative changes of the articular cartilage over the medial half of the talar and tibial surfaces of the ankle joint. These changes were minimally apparent on roentgenograms unless weight-bearing roentgenograms were made, but arthroscopy of the joint accurately revealed the extent of degeneration. After reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments, fourteen of twenty-two patients with mild to moderate arthritic changes showed both symptomatic improvement and demonstrable widening of the medial joint space on weight-bearing roentgenograms. Four of five patients with severe degenerative arthritis subsequently had a total ankle replacement.     

Twenty-five years followup of patients who had valgus osteotomy for arthritic hips

We reviewed the long-term outcomes of intertrochanteric valgus femoral osteotomies in patients with arthritic hips to clarify any influencing factors. One hundred six patients (127 hips) were followed up during an average of 25 years. The average age of the patients at surgery was 42 years. The preoperative extent of degenerative change was classified radiologically into one of four grades according to the criteria of T?nnis. Radiographic measurements of acetabular coverage were made using AP radiographs obtained immediately after surgery. Thirty-eight patients (41 hips) had total hip arthroplasties; the 25-year survival rate was 69%. Radiologic evaluations of patients with mild preoperative degenerative changes (T?nnis Grade 1) improved and good clinical outcomes were obtained. In addition, radiologic evaluations of patients whose hips had better acetabular coverage (center-edge angle > 0 degrees, sharp angle < 50 degrees, or acetabular head index > 60%) also improved. However, radiographic measurements did not influence clinical scores. The mean score of patients younger than 50 years at surgery was higher than patients older than 50 years. The mean score of patients with unilateral hip involvement was higher than patients with bilateral involvement. Therefore, valgus osteotomies seem appropriate for younger patients with unilateral involvement.     

Surgical treatment of post-traumatic malalignment of the ankle

Post-traumatic malalignment is evident in cases of malunion of ankle fractures. This condition predisposes to the development of chronic pain, functional impairment, and finally post-traumatic arthritis. The aim of this paper is to present a joint-saving surgical treatment of post-traumatic ankle malalignment. It is based on the review of a series of patients who developed fracture malunion and were treated with articular reconstruction.Twenty-two ankle fractures, which malunited and resulted into valgus deformity and fibular shortening are presented. Pre-reconstruction and mid-term follow-up evaluation included the AOFAS score and standard weight-bearing radiographs. Surgical treatment consisted in articular reconstruction with malleolar osteotomies. Post-operatively, the non-weight-bearing period extended to 6 weeks post-surgery, while full weight-bearing was allowed at 12 weeks on average.All osteotomies healed, while no intra-operative or early post-operative complications were reported. The average pre-operative AOFAS score was 45, while post-operatively climbed to 87. At the last follow-up, on average at 5-years post-surgery, 10 patients reported “excellent” function, 7 “good”, 3 “fair” and 2 “poor” function. The correction of the malalignment was maintained in 20 cases. The two patients with poor function and loss of reduction underwent ankle fusion.Articular reconstruction with malleolar osteotomies is indicated for the treatment of ankle post-traumatic malalignment, offering reduction of pain, improvement of the ankle function, delaying the development of post-traumatic arthritis, and minimising the need of radical surgery such as ankle fusion or prosthetic replacement. Moreover, once a correct alignment of the joint is achieved, secondary surgery, if necessary, can be performed more easily, and with better results.     

Arthroscopically assisted arthrodesis of the ankle joint

In 26 patients we performed an arthroscopically assisted arthrodesis of the ankle. The patients' ages ranged from 31 to 69 years. The male: female ratio. Sixteen patients had posttraumatic degenerative joint disease, three patients suffered from a previous infection, four patients had rheumatoid arthritis, and three patients had an osteochondritis dissecans in their past history. The time taken for surgery ranged from 65 to 135 min. Compared with open procedures we documented less postoperative swelling and minor use of analgesics. Time of follow-up was a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 75 months. In 22 patients we found solid fusion at the time of follow-up. Fusion was accomplished by 2 months postoperatively in four patients, by 3 months in nine patients, by 4 months in another six patients, and by 6 months in 3 patients. Three patients did not evidence any bony fusion, but they were free of pain. In one patient an open revision was necessary. According to our experience, we recommend arthroscopically assisted arthrodesis of the ankle in patients with degenerative joint disease without rotational or varus/valgus malalignment, severe bone defects or neuropathic disease.     

Idiopathic cavovarus and lateral ankle instability: recognition and treatment implications relating to ankle arthritis

Hindfoot malalignment and chronic lateral ankle instability may lead to degenerative ankle arthritis. We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients with 13 cavovarus feet. None of the patients had underlying neurologic disorders. All patients presented with a history consistent with chronic lateral ankle instability, clinically with cavovarus feet, and radiographically with varying degrees of varus talar tilt and ankle arthritis. Ankles with severe degenerative change were fused. The ankles with mild or moderate change underwent calcaneal osteotomy with lateral ligament reconstruction and/or dorsiflexion osteotomy of the first metatarsal. A quantitative radiographic Coleman block test was utilized to aid in the preoperative planning of the calcaneal and metatarsal osteotomies. All patients had correction of preoperative deformity and resolution of pain and instability. Recognition of the association between cavovarus and chronic ankle instability and degenerative ankle arthritis may be important in developing the appropriate treatment strategy in this patient population.     

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.     

Osteotomies of the distal tibia and hindfoot for ankle realignment

Asymmetric load of the ankle joint often results in degenerative disease. Although reconstructive surgery, including osteotomies above and beneath the tibiotalar joint, is possible, there are little data with respect to its evidence. This article presents general considerations for osteotomies around the osteoarthritic ankle and elaborates a rationale for the technical procedure. Additional measures for correcting the deformed and malaligned hindfoot are also elucidated.As a principle, opening-wedge and closing-wedge osteotomies are possible in one or more planes. In some instances, inframalleolar osteotomies are also necessary to achieve proper alignment of the foot. If present, imbalance of soft tissues, such as incompetence of ligaments and insufficiency of tendons, must also be addressed.Our results have shown that osteotomies above and beneath the ankle joint are able to correct deformities and incongruencies at the tibiotalar joint over the years, thus avoiding further cartilage wear. In some patients, the tibiotalar joint regained a regular joint space that can be attributed to potential regeneration of cartilage. In all but a few cases (<5%), arthrodesis or total ankle replacement has been successfully avoided. This benefit is even more important because mostly younger, active patients are involved, and long-term results after arthrodesis and total ankle replacement are critical. Therefore, our treatment strategy is to correct the deformity first to achieve a well-aligned and balanced tibiotalar joint. If necessary, total ankle replacement is considered in a second stage.     

Anatomical reconstruction of chronic lateral ligament injury of the ankle using pedicle tendon of the extensor digitorum longus

BACKGROUND: Since 1989, we have performed ligament reconstruction using the extensor digitorum longus tendon as a pedicle graft for patients with chronic lateral instability of the ankle. METHODS: Of those patients who underwent arthroscopy during the operation, thirteen joints were evaluated at an average follow-up of 7 years and 2 months. The overall average postoperative score was 95.4 points on Karlsson's score for the ankle ligament. Instability scores improved by 8.5-24.6 points. Our anatomical reconstructive surgery showed generally excellent functional results, with cosmetic advantages because of a short incision and preservation of the entire peroneus brevis tendon, which plays an important role in extra-articular dynamic stabilization. RESULTS: At final follow-up, pain was present in one joint in the group without chondral injury at the time of reconstruction ( n=6). However, pain was still present at the final follow-up in five of the group with chondral injury ( n=7). Chondral injury incurred during ligament reconstruction may have caused the residual ankle pain even after 7 years of postoperative follow-up. There was a statistically significant relationship between chondral injury and ankle pain at final follow-up.     

Low tibial osteotomy for moderate ankle arthritis

Low tibial osteotomy is one of the significant advances of ankle reconstruction techniques that has been made recently in an effort to halt arthritis in its early stages and leave fusion as the last, not the only, alternative treatment of ankle arthritis. From 1989 to 1995, we performed 18 low tibial osteotomies which included 6 cases of post-traumatic arthritis and 12 cases of degenerative arthritis. The ages of the 7 male and 11 female patients ranged from 18 to 78 years with an average of 41.9 years. The follow-up period lasted a mean of 47.7 months, ranging from 25 to 82 months. The average functional score changed from 49.6 pre-operatively to 88.5 at the last follow up, and showed yearly improvement. Complications included one case of late infection and two cases of implant failure, none of which led to nonunion. The indication for low tibial osteotomy is the intermediate stage of moderate ankle arthritis with a medial joint lesion and intact lateral facet. Using pressure redistribution on the joint surface, this procedure is an alternative treatment for ankle arthritis which may save an arthritic ankle from the fate of fusion or at least postpone fusion surgery. Received: 14 September 1999     

Joint distraction in treatment of osteoarthritis: a two-year follow-up of the ankle.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with an incidence exceeding 10% of the adult population. In end stages, OA can result in severe restriction of activity and consequent disability. For these severe cases of OA, no effective remedy is available yet. Joint distraction is a new experimental approach in treatment of OA. Studied in retrospect it appeared that this treatment results in prolonged clinical improvement in the case of ankle OA. Presently the results of a prospective two-year follow-up are given. METHODS: Patients with severe ankle OA, who were considered for joint fusion (arthrodesis), were treated with distraction, by use of an Ilizarov external ring fixator. Distraction was carried out for 3 months during which full weight bearing (walking) was allowed. Standardized clinical examination was conducted before and at yearly intervals after treatment, including physical examination, functional ability questionnaire, pain scale, joint mobility, and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: More than two thirds of the patients improved significantly as shown by physical examination, functional ability questionnaires and pain scale; effects were progressive in the second year of follow-up. On average, joint mobility and radiographic joint space were preserved, whilst improvement was observed in a significant number of patients. DISCUSSION : Results of the present prospective study confirm the findings of the previous retrospective study and suggest that Ilizarov joint distraction is a promising treatment for severe ankle OA, at least delaying the need for a joint fusion. Considering the high prevalence of OA and the lack of a remedy for this disorder, Ilizarov joint distraction as a treatment for OA may have great medical, social and economic impact.     

Arthroscopic arthrodesis of the ankle joint.

SUMMARY: The authors report on 15 cases of arthrodesis of the ankle joint performed by operative arthroscopy. The follow-up ranges from 1 to 3 years, and 100% of the ankle joints achieved fusion at an average of 11.5 weeks. Two of the patients had some hindfoot pain, probably because of degenerative changes to their subtalar joints, even with this short follow-up. Five patients required further surgical treatment to correct complications related to infection, symptomatic hardware, or subtalar joint arthritis. Although the fusion rate is certainly encouraging, this procedure in the senior author's hand has a significant complication rate.     

The periacetabular osteotomy. Minimum 2 year followup in more than 100 hips.

The results of 123 periacetabular osteotomies in 115 patients were reviewed at an average clinical followup of 4.3 years. The average age of the patients at the time of the operation was 32.9 years. The preoperative diagnosis was congenital dysplasia in 101 hips, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in 10 hips, Charcot Marie Tooth disease in four hips, epiphyseal dysplasia in three hips, congenital coxa vara in two hips, slipped capital femoral epiphysis in one hip, and posttraumatic and postinfectious dysplasia in one hip each. The ilioinguinal approach was used in 67 hips and the modified Smith-Petersen approach was used in 56 hips. A periacetabular osteotomy was combined with an intertrochanteric osteotomy and/or trochanteric transfer in 32 hips. Ten hips underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabular rim fracture and 18 arthrotomies were performed at the time of periacetabular osteotomy. The average Harris hip score increased from 65 points preoperatively to 89 points at latest followup. The average Merle d'Aubigne score increased from 13.6 points preoperatively to 16.3 points at latest followup. Overall, 83% of the hips were rated clinically as good to excellent. Seven hips have undergone total hip arthroplasty and six subsequent intertrochanteric osteotomies were performed. The majority of the major complications occurred when the osteotomy was performed through the ilioinguinal approach. The latest followup radiographic severity of osteoarthrosis, according to the criteria of T?nnis, improved or was unchanged in 117 hips (95%), and progressed in only six hips (5%). The majority of the hips with preoperative changes in the periarticular bone showed some evidence of regeneration, which was shown by a decrease in the subchondral sclerosis, disappearance of cysts, or healing of an acetabular rim fracture. The short term results of the periacetabular osteotomy are encouraging from the standpoint of improvements in clinical scores and in the appearance of the joint.     

Korrekturosteotomien am distalen Unterschenkel und Rückfuß

Asymmetric load of the ankle joint often results in degenerative disease. Although reconstructive surgery, including osteotomies above and beneath the tibiotalar joint, is possible, there are little data with respect to its evidence. This article presents general considerations for osteotomies around the osteoarthritic ankle and elaborates a rationale for the technical procedure. Additional measures for correcting the deformed and malaligned hindfoot are also elucidated. As a principle, opening-wedge and closing-wedge osteotomies are possible in one or more planes. In some instances, inframalleolar osteotomies are also necessary to achieve proper alignment of the foot. If present, imbalance of soft tissues, such as incompetence of ligaments and insufficiency of tendons, must also be addressed. Our results have shown that osteotomies above and beneath the ankle joint are able to correct deformities and incongruencies at the tibiotalar joint over the years, thus avoiding further cartilage wear. In some patients, the tibiotalar joint regained a regular joint space that can be attributed to potential regeneration of cartilage. In all but a few cases (<5%), arthrodesis or total ankle replacement has been successfully avoided. This benefit is even more important because mostly younger, active patients are involved, and long-term results after arthrodesis and total ankle replacement are critical. Therefore, our treatment strategy is to correct the deformity first to achieve a well-aligned and balanced tibiotalar joint. If necessary, total ankle replacement is considered in a second stage.