ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of vascularized fibula reconstruction in treatment of distal tibial malignant and invasive tumors.MethodsBetween March 2012 and January 2018, 11 patients with distal tibial malignant and invasive tumors were treated with vascularized fibula reconstruction. There were 7 males and 4 females with an average age of 20 years (range, 16-39 years). There were 8 cases of osteosarcoma, 2 cases of invasive giant cell tumor of bone, and 1 case of hemangioendothelioma. The tumors were rated as benign stage 3 in 2 cases and malignant stageⅠA in 1 case, stageⅡA in 4 cases, and stage ⅡB in 4 cases according to the Enneking staging. The disease duration was 1-6 months (mean, 2.7 months). The limb function was evaluated by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, and the distal and proximal union of the transplanted fibula and the diameter of the fibula were examined by imaging.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 16-85 months (mean, 41 months). No tumor recurrence or metastasis occurred during the follow-up. The proximal and distal grafts in the 10 cases showed osseous healing, and the healing time was 7-12 months (mean, 10.1 months) at proximal end and 7-12 months (mean, 9.3 months) at distal end. In 1 case, the proximal end did not heal at 19 months, while the distal end healed at 13 months; proximal bone grafting was performed, and the proximal end healed. Among the 4 patients with distal screw fixation, 2 had peri-internal fixation fractures after graft healing, but no skin necrosis or infection occurred. All the 7 patients with distal steel plate fixation had no peri-internal fixation fracture, but 1 patient developed anterior tibial skin necrosis. At 12 months after operation, the diameter of fibula increased 1-5 mm (mean, 2.4 mm) by compared with that before operation. The MSTS score was 17-27 (mean, 22.8).ConclusionReconstruction of ankle joint with vascularized fibula can achieve satisfactory functional results, which is one of the feasible and worthy methods for the distal tibial malignant and invasive tumors.
Objective To assess the curative effect of the subtalararthrodesis on the serious subtalar joint with the posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.Methods From October 2000 to February 2006, 31 patients (18 males, 13 females; age 23-62 years, averaged 36.4years) with serious subtalar joint osteoarthrisis and stage Ⅱ posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were treated by the subtalar arthrodesis. The tibial tendon dysfunction involved 15 right and 16 left lower extremities, which were caused by retrograde osteoarthritis in 14 patients,sequel of an injury in 8 patients, infection in 7 patients, and anatomic structural abnormity in 2 patients. The treatment course averaged 9.5 months (range, 6-30 months). Before the subtalar arthrodesis, the injured tendons were repaired, and then the bone grafting was performed in the tarsus sinus. All of the patients were assessed before and after operation according to the Hindfoot scores system (American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS). Results Among the patients, 28 were followed up on an average of 23.6 months (range, 8-61 months). The AOFAS scores ranged from 45.30±1.08 before operation to 79.60±2.14 afteroperation. The pain indexes ranged from 15.40±2.23 before operation to 38.50±2.61 after operation. The functional indexes of the foot and ankle joint ranged from averaged 21.60±3.01 before operation to averaged 37.40±2.83 after operation. The statistical analysis of the t-test on all the above data showed that there was a significant difference between beforeoperation and after operation (P＜0.01). The angles between the longitudinal line of the talar and the calcaneal bone were 43.70±1.06° before operation and 29.40±0.98° after operation, and the deviation angles between the calcanealline and the talus were 48.20±0.85° before operation and 39.40±1.02° after operation. There was a significant difference between before operation and after operation (P＜0.01). Conclusion The subtalar arthrodesis combined with the bone grafting in the tarsus sinus and the repair of the injured tendons can effectivelycorrect the deformity of the deformity of the metapodium, relieve the pain, retin the adjacent joint motion ability, and this method can be recommended for the adult patient who suffers from serious subtalar osteoarthritis and stage Ⅱ osterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
Objective To review the latest research progress of fixation techniques of ankle arthrodesis.Methods The l iterature concerning the research of fixation techniques of ankle arthrodesis in recent years was reviewed. Then the characteristics and new research progress of different internal and external fixation techniques were analysed and compared. Results There are plenty of different types of internal and external fixation devices, each with distinct characteristics. Now it is widely considered that internal fixation is the first choice for end-stage ankle arthropathy. However, under the circumstances that patients with serious bone defect, chronic active infection, or extensive soft tissue damage are not suitable for internal fixation, ankle arthrodesis with external fixation is still a safe and effective method. Conclusion For severe or end-stage ankle arthropathy, ankle arthrodesis is a mature therapeutic way with exact effect. Researches on these two aspects, expansion of indications of internal fixation and comparison and combination of internal and external fixation techniques, need to be deepened, which is of great significance for choosing a better fixation method and acquiring a better therapeutic effect.
Objective To summarize the surgical technique of ankle arthrodesis using lateral malleolus osteotomy and locking proximal humeral plate internal fixation, and to evaluate the cl inical effectiveness. Methods Between March 2009 and June 2010, 18 patients with ankle joint disease were treated, including 8 cases of post-traumatic arthritis, 3 casesof rheumatoid arthritis, 5 cases of osteoarthritis, and 2 cases of post-traumatic necrosis of talus. There were 10 males and 8 females with an average age of 48 years (range, 36-67 years). The average disease duration was 3 years (range, 1-6 years). The main symptoms included swell ing, pain, and a l imited range of motion of the ankle. Four patients accompanied with ankle varus deformity and 2 patients with valgus deformity. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system, the preoperative score was 43.5 ± 10.2. An ankle arthrodesis using lateral malleolus osteotomy and locking proximal humeral plate internal fixation was performed in all patients. Results Superficial wound infection and partial skin necrosis occurred in 1 case respectively, and were cured after symptomatic treatment; the other incisions healed by first intention without compl ications. Sixteen patients were followed up 16 months on average (range, 1-2 years). The X-ray films showed that bone fusion was obtained at 8-16 weeks (mean, 12 weeks) after operation. The symptom was rel ieved completely in all patients at last follow-up without compl ication of implant failure, nonunion, and malunion. The postoperative AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 83.0 ± 6.3, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (t=26.20, P=0.00). Conclusion Ankle arthrodesis using lateral malleolus osteotomy and locking proximal humeral plate internal fixation has the advantages of feasible technique, the rigid fixation, and high fusion rate, soit may obtain a good cl inical effectiveness.
Objective To evaluate the effect of triple arthrodesison treating complications of calcaneus fractures. Methods From 1990to 2001, 12 patients with the complications of calcaneus fractures underwent the triple arthrodesis(subtalar,talaronavicular and calcaneocuboid joints). Ollier incision was applied to all patients. Peroneal tenolysis was required in 2 patients and a decompression and transposition of tibialnerve in 1 patient.Of the 12 patients, 7 were males and 5 were females. Their ages ranged from 29 to 64 years. Complications, like pain and deformity, occurred 5 to 22 months after the operation(18 months on average).Preoperative score, fibulocalcaneal distance, Bohler angle, differenceof talardeclination angle and height of hind foot were 40.00±5.22, 0.41±0.03 cm, 12.00±3.40°, 17.00±3.32° and 4.12±0.35 cm respectively. Results All patients were followed up from 3 to 13 years with an average of 7 years. Postoperative score, tibulocalcaneal distance, B[AKo¨]hler angle, difference of talar declination angle and height of hind foot were 75.00±6.46，0.73±0.02 cm， 31.00±5.61°，9.00±3.15° and 6.75±0.62 cm respectively. There were significant differences in these indexes(P＜0.05). Conclusion To evaluate the complications of calcaneus fractures and to adopt proper operative procedures are necessary. To restore theheight of hind foot and the anatomical relationship between hind foot and calcaneus is the key factor to success.
ObjectiveTo summarize the surgical treatment methods for avascular necrosis of the talus. Methods The recent domestic and international literature related to avascular necrosis of the talus was extensively conducted. The pathogenesis, surgical treatment methods, and prognosis were summarized. Results The clinical symptoms of avascular necrosis of the talus at early stage are not obvious, and most patients have progressed to Ficat-Arlet stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ and require surgical treatment. Currently, surgical treatments for this disease include core decompression, vascularized bone flap transplantation, arthroplasty, and arthrodesis, etc. Early avascular necrosis of the talus can be treated conservatively, and if treatment fails, core decompression can be considered. Arthrodesis is a remedial surgery for patients with end-stage arthritis and collapse, and in cases of severe bone loss, tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis and bone grafting are required. Vascularized bone flap transplantation is effective and plays a role in all stages of avascular necrosis of the talus, but the appropriate donor area for the flap still needs further to be studied. ConclusionThe surgical treatment and the system of treatment for different stages of avascular necrosis of the talus still need to be refined.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov external fixation and ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of late traumatic ankle arthritis. Methods Between June 2013 and June 2015, 27 patients with late traumatic ankle arthritis were treated with Ilizarov external fixation technique. There were 16 males and 11 females with an age of 27-69 years (mean, 45.7 years). Sixteen cases were on the left side, 11 on the right side. All the patients suffered from traumatic ankle fractures or ligament damages caused by initial traumas. After 6 months of standard conservative treatment, the results was invalid and all patients had ankle joint pain and movement disorders. The disease duration was 3-39 years (mean, 11.5 years). According to Takakura ankle arthritis staging, there were 16 cases in stage 3 and 11 cases in stage 4. The tibial-talar angle before operation was (102.55±4.02) ° measured on conventional double-feet loading anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and foot joint score was 45.72±6.45, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 8.61±1.96. Results All the patients were followed up 15-42 months (mean, 28.1 months). All ankles achieved bony fusion, the clinical healing time was 12.9 weeks on average (range, 11-18 weeks). No persistent bleeding in the incisions and needle tract occurred during the follow-up. There were 4 cases of mild needle infection, 2 cases of anterior dislocation of talus, and 3 cases with different degree of limited activity. No traumatic bone defect, bone disconnection, and false joint formation was observed. At 12 months after operation, the AOFAS ankle and foot joint score, VAS score, and tibial-talar angle were 80.53±9.14, 2.77±0.82, and (94.36±2.48)°, respectively, which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (t=16.17, P=0.00; t=14.28, P=0.00; t=9.01, P=0.00). The effectivenss was excellent in 9 cases, good in 13 cases, and fair in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 81.5%. Conclusion Satisfactory effectiveness can be obtained through Ilizarov external fixation and ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis, showing certain application prospect, while long-term effectiveness should be comfirmed by large sample randomized controlled trials.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis in the treatment of Stephens Ⅱand Ⅲ calcaneal fracture malunion. MethodsThe clinical data of 24 patients with severe calcaneal fracture malunion treated by calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 4 females with an average age of 42.8 years (range, 33-60 years). Conservative treatment of calcaneal fracture failed in 19 cases and operation failed in 5 cases. Stephens classification of calcaneal fracture malunion was type Ⅱ in 14 cases, and type Ⅲ in 10 cases. Preoperative Böhler angle of calcaneus was 4.0°-13.5° (mean, 8.6°), Gissane angle was 100°-152° (mean, 119.3°). The time from injury to operation was 6-14 months (mean, 9.7 months). American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at last follow-up. Bone healing was observed and the healing time was recorded. The talocalcaneal height, talus inclination angle, Pitch angle, calcaneal width, and hindfoot alignment angle were measured. Results Necrosis of the cuticle edge of the incision occurred in 3 cases, which were cured by dressing change and oral administration of antibiotic therapy. The other incisions healed by first intention. All the 24 patients were followed up 12-23 months, with an average of 17.1 months. The foot shape of the patients recovered well, the shoes were restored to the size before injury, and there was no anterior ankle impingement. Bone union was achieved in all patients, and the healing time ranged from 12 to 18 weeks, with an average of 14.1 weeks. At last follow-up, no adjacent joint degeneration occurred in all patients; 5 patients had mild foot pain during walking, which had no significant impact on daily life and work; no patient needed revision surgery. The AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was significantly higher than that before operation (P<0.001), the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 4 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. The VAS score, talocalcaneal height, talus inclination angle, Pitch angle, calcaneal width, and hindfoot alignment angle were significantly improved after operation (P<0.001). ConclusionCalcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis can effectively relieve hindfoot pain, correct talocalcaneal height, restore talus inclination angle, and reduce the risk of nonunion after subtalar arthrodesis.
Objective To explore perioperative management and postoperative effectiveness of hemophilia induced lesions of the foot and ankle. Methods Between June 1998 and February 2012, 10 cases (12 feet) of hemophilia induced lesions of the foot and ankle were treated with surgery, including 9 cases (11 feet) of hemophilia A and 1 case (1 foot) of hemophilia B. Single foot was involved in 8 cases and both feet in 2 cases, including 3 left feet and 9 right feet. All were males, aged from 13-41 years (mean, 22.6 years). Disease duration was 5-84 months (mean, 32.2 months). Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 43.2 ± 21.1. Short Form 36 Health Survey Scale (SF-36) score was 45.4 ± 20.0. All patients were given clotting factors (2 000-3 500 U) for pre-experiment and clotting factors substitution therapy was performed perioperatively. Four cases (4 feet) underwent arthrodesis, and 7 cases (8 feet) underwent Achilles tendon lengthening/tendon transposition (1 patient underwent tendon lengthening on the left foot and arthrodesis on the right foot). Results The operation time was 65-265 minutes (mean, 141.1 minutes); 1 case had 400 mL blood loss and 200 mL autogenous blood transfusion, the other cases had less than 50 mL blood loss and no blood transfusion. Wounds healed by first intention in all patients, no postoperative infection, deep vein thrombosis, or other complications occurred. All cases were followed up 6 months to 14 years and 3 months (median, 22 months). The X-ray films at last follow-up showed the patients undergoing arthrodesis obtained complete joint fusion. AOFAS scores at postoperative 6 months and last follow-up were 78.8 ± 14.7 and 75.8 ± 14.5, respectively; SF-36 scores were 76.6 ± 13.1 and 75.5 ± 13.2, respectively; and significant differences were found when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference between postoperative 6 months and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion For patients with hemophilia induced lesions of the foot and ankle, surgical treatment could relieve foot and ankle pain and improve the function. Clotting factors pre-experiment at preoperation and substitution therapy at perioperation can reduce the risk of severe postoperative hemorrhage.