ObjectiveTo review the cause, treatment, and prevention of complications of retrograde intramedullary nail fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis and enhance the recognition on the complications of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. MethodsThe recent literature concerning intramedullary nail fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was consulted and reviewed. ResultsThere are intraoperative and postoperative complications of intramedullary nail fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, and the causes, treatment, and prevention of complications are various. ConclusionProgress of retrograde intramedullary nail fixation increases the successful rate of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. However, there is still a high complication rate, so strict preoperative assessment and skilled surgical technique are necessary to prevent complications.
ObjectiveTo review the advance of the first tarsometatarsal joint fusion (Lapidus operation) in treating hallux valgus. MethodsThe relevant literature about Lapidus operations in recent years was reviewed and analyzed. ResultsLapidus operation is used to correct deformities through three steps of osteotomy, fusion, and fixation. With the development of this operation and its diversities, surgeons can make adjustment according to the individual differences of state of illness in patients. ConclusionLapidus operation is the final choice for the hallux valgus, with the operation technology becoming more and more mature and the fixation materials and operative instruments more and more advanced. Lapidus operation will be diversified with the constantly appearance of new technologies like arthroscopy.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and operative methods to treat first metatarsal diaphysis comminuted fractures with mini-plate via medial approach. MethodsBetween January 2012 and January 2013, 15 patients with first metatarsal shaft comminuted fractures were treated. There were 11 males and 4 females (6 left feet and 9 right feet) with an average age of 38.6 years (range, 27-56 years). The injury causes included falling injury in 6 cases, crash injury of heavy object in 7 cases, and sprain in 2 cases. The left side was involved in 6 cases and the right side in 9 cases. The time from injury to operation was 8.5 days on average (range, 7-10 days). According to AO classification, all cases were rated as 81(T)-C2 type. The surgical treatments included open reduction and internal fixation with mini-plate by medial approach. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all cases, and no infection occurred. Twelve patients were followed up 18 months on average (range, 12-24 months). All fractures healed well, and the mean time of bone union was 11.5 weeks (range, 10-14 weeks). No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was observed. At last follow-up, the patients could walk with full weight-bearing, and had no pain. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, the mean score was 85.2 (range, 76-96). ConclusionAnatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are important for first metatarsal comminuted fracture, which is the key point for recovery of foot form and foot arch function. And the medial approach could achieve full exposure and improve the cosmetic results.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of double arthrodesis to correct flatfoot deformity with pes valgus. MethodsBetween May 2009 and May 2012, 12 patients with flatfoot deformity and pes valgus were treated using subtalar and talonavicular joints arthrodesis through a single medial incision approach. There were 5 males and 7 females with an average age of 53.3 years (range, 21-78 years), including 5 left feet and 7 right feet. Of them, 11 cases had posterior tibial tendon dysfunctions; 6 cases were at Johnson-Strom stageⅢ, 5 cases at stageⅡ(c); and 1 case had tarsal coal ition. Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were 48.75±3.46 and 6.08±1.14, respectively. ResultsThe mean operation time was 85.6 minutes (range, 65-125 minutes). Eleven patients were followed up for 19.4 months on average (range, 13-30 months). All of the cases obtained primary healing of incision, with no complication of infection and nerve or blood vessel injury. X-ray film showed that the mean time of bone union was 9.8 weeks (range, 7-18 weeks); no bone nonunion occurred. No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was observed. Pain occurred at the calcaneal-cuboid joint (1 case) and at fixation site (1 case), and was relieved after symptomatic treatment. The mean AOFAS score and VAS score were significantly increased to 81.36±2.98 and 0.72±0.11 respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores (t=19.946, P=0.000; t=16.288, P=0.000). ConclusionSubtalar and talonavicular joints arthrodesis by a single medial incision approach is a useful alternative to tri ple arthrodesis for the correction of flatfoot deformity with pes valgus