Sport activity levels following ankle fusion

Return to sports after total ankle arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Technological developments and implants newer generation allowed to expand the indications for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with aim to maintain active lifestyles. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined chance of return to sport, achievable activity level, the type of patients and the sport type after TAA.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed. Meta-analysis was performed if the same outcomes scores were reported at least by 4 studies. PRISMA guidelines were used. Risk of bias was assessed through the MINORS criteria. Included studies reported data and outcomes related to sport in patients undergoing TAA.

Result

Initial search results yielded 483 articles; 11 articles were included in the review process. The chance to return to sport increases after TAA, achieving a mean sport participation rate of 61.9% postoperatively. Until to 92% of patients was able to return to their preoperative level of activity. Meta-analysis showed a significant postoperative improvement in the most represented outcomes scores. Especially, young, male, with lower BMI, and affected by non-inflammatory osteoarthritis were those who returned to sport reporting significantly better outcomes scores. The most frequent postoperative sports included cycling, swimming, hiking and gymnastic. Only few patients practiced impact sport.

Conclusions

Current literature does not allow to advise TAA for young and active patient who want to play sports after surgery. Selected patients undergoing TAA can return to sport after surgery, and the most approachable activities are low demanding sport. However, no strong evidence is available to support these findings. Further prospective randomized studies are necessary to establish more accurate expectations concerning sport activity after TAA implantation.

Level of evidence

Level II, systematic review.

Management of a rare giant cell tumor of the distal fibula: A case report

BACKGROUND

Aggressive giant cell tumor of the distal fibula is so rare that no consensus on a surgical strategy has been reached. Thus, an appropriate treatment strategy is still important to discuss.

CASE SUMMARY

A 61-year-old man who had been experiencing progressive swelling of the left lateral malleolus accompanied by pain for half a year was presented at our hospital. He had never been treated prior to coming to our hospital. Preoperative imaging revealed a 10 cm × 6 cm mass located in the body of the distal fibula. Pathological biopsies confirmed it was a giant cell tumor. Preoperative examination revealed he had dilated cardiomyopathy with class 3 cardiac function. The cardiologist and anesthesiologist determined that he could tolerate the operation, but the operation should be as short and minimally invasive as possible. With the patient’s consent, we performed a tibiotalar fusion and followed up with him for 2 years, finding no recurrence and a satisfactory recovery.

CONCLUSION

Tibial talus fusion is an effective method for the treatment of distal fibula tumors.

[Open or arthroscopic arthrodesis of the ankle joint : Which is better?]

Due to the change in the age structure in Germany and the steadily increasing number of fractures, arthrosis of the upper ankle joint, mainly caused by posttraumatic conditions, is becoming more and more relevant in routine trauma surgery and orthopedics. Patients suffer from reduced functionality and quality of life as well as immobilizing pain. In addition to an ankle joint prosthesis arthrodesis of the upper ankle joint offers an alternative for the treatment of advanced arthrosis. When performing an arthrodesis there is basically the option of both open and arthroscopic procedures to prepare the joint and remove the cartilage. In both procedures the upper ankle joint is usually fixed with 2-3 cannulated compression screws. Comparative studies to date have shown an advantage of the arthroscopic technique in terms of complication rate, length of hospitalization, proportion of ossification and functional outcome. The indications for arthroscopic fusion should be strictly considered, especially in the case of malalignment, as major axis corrections are difficult to perform. In such cases, open fusion of the upper ankle joint still seems superior to the arthroscopic method.