[Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde nails. Description of a hindfoot procedure after massive talus destruction]

New Method of Tibio-calcaneal-Navicular Arthrodesis After Talectomy

Background:

After astragalectomy, patients still have a shortening of the limb, which can require various reconstructive manipulations. We have developed a simple and versatile tibio-calcaneal-navicular arthrodesis (TCNA) technique to reduce limb shortening.

Methods:

The main difference from the standard method of arthrodesis between the tibia and calcaneus is that in our method after astragalectomy, the tibia rests with the anterior edge against the os navicularis, and the posterior edge against the calcaneus. We have observed 14 patients (2 were female, 12 were male) operated by a new method of tibio-calcaneal-navicular arthrodesis (TCNA) from 2003 to 2020 years with various forms of osteomyelitis, fractures, and septic necrosis of the talus. The average age of the patients was 42.2 (ranged 20-75) years. Observation results will be assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score 1-1.5 years after surgery and treatment time in the Ilizarov apparatus.

Results:

In all patients, the wounds healed by primary intention. The average time of immobilization in the apparatus was 4.9 (ranged 3.5-6) months. The average limb shortening 2.0 ± 0.5 cm. AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score (n = 14) in all patients came up to 77.9 ± 6.8 (min 68, max 86) SD 12.8. Nonunion was noted in the region of the anterior edge of the tibia in 1 patient (7.1%), and in another patient a painless nonunion was formed (7.1%). Patients wore ordinary footwear without arch supporter and with heels up to 2 cm.

Conclusion:

Good and satisfactory results were obtained in all patients. The new TCNA method allows restoring the supporting ability of a limb, reduces shortening, and improves the quality of life for patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series, low-quality cohort or case- control studies.

Clinical applications of allografts in foot and ankle surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to systematically analyse current literature on the use of allografts in the surgical treatment of foot and ankle disorders in adult patients. Based on this study, we propose evidence-based recommendations.

METHODS

The database for PubMed was searched for all published articles. No timeframe restrictions were applied. Clinical studies eligible for inclusion met the following criteria: performed on patients over 18 years old; subject to surgical treatment of foot and ankle disorders; with report on the outcome of the use of allografts; with a report and assessment of pain and function, or equivalent; minimum follow-up of 1 year was required. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies for full-text analysis from title and abstract. 107 studies were included from 1113 records. Studies were grouped according to surgical indications into ten categories: musculoskeletal tumours (n = 16), chronic ankle instability (n = 15), ankle arthritis (n = 14), osteochondral lesions of the talus (n = 12), Achilles tendon defects (n = 11), other tendon defects (n = 9), fusions (n = 9), fractures (n = 8), hallux rigidus (n = 3) and other indications (n = 10).

RESULTS

Most studies displayed evidence level of IV (n = 57) and V (n = 39). There was one level I, one level II and nine level III studies. Most studies reported allografting as a good option (n = 99; 92.5%). Overall complication rate was 17% (n = 202).

CONCLUSIONS

Fair evidence (Grade B) was found in favour of the use of allografts in lateral ankle ligament reconstruction or treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Fair evidence (Grade B) was found against the use of allogeneic MSCs in tibiotalar fusions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Management of Osteomyelitis and Bone Loss in the Diabetic Charcot Foot and Ankle

Bone loss and destruction due to diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) and osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle is a challenging clinical condition when lower extremity preservation is considered. Resection and excision of osteomyelitis and associated nonviable soft tissue can lead into large osseous and soft tissue defects that will most likely need the utilization of bone grafting and subsequent arthrodesis for stability and anatomic alignment. In the diabetic population with peripheral neuropathy, osseous instability can lead to subsequent lower extremity deformity, ulceration, infection and/or amputation. This article reviews the surgical approach in the presence of diabetic CN and concomitant osteomyelitis.

Commercially available trabecular metal ankle interpositional spacer for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis secondary to severe bone loss of the ankle

Retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal nailing arthrodesis has proved to be a viable salvage procedure; however, extended bone loss around the ankle has been associated with high rates of nonunion and considerable shortening of the hindfoot. We present the surgical technique and the first 2 cases in which a trabecular metal™ interpositional spacer, specifically designed for tibiotalocalcaneal nailing arthrodesis, was used. The spacer can be implanted using either an anterior or a lateral approach. An integrated hole in the spacer allows a retrograde nail to be inserted, which provides excellent primary stability of the construct. Trabecular metal™ is a well-established and well-described material used to supplement deficient bone stock in surgery of the spine, hip, and knee. It has shown excellent incorporation and reduces the need for auto- and allografts. The trabecular metal™ interpositional ankle spacer is the first trabecular metal spacer designed specifically for ankle surgery. Its shape and variable size will make it a valuable tool for reconstructing bone loss in tibiotalocalcaneal nailing arthrodesis.