Deltoid ligament reconstruction with autologous gracilis tendon in chronic medial ankle instability after ankle fracture surgery: A case report

Biomechanical Analysis of Ankle Stability Following Deltoid Ligament Repair and Reconstruction

Background: The deltoid ligament has been shown to contribute to the stability of the ankle mortise, preventing valgus talar tilt, external rotation (ER), and translation. Research to date assessing the appropriateness of deltoid repair to reintroduce medial stability to a fractured ankle is unclear. Deltoid ligament reconstruction using autograft or allograft has been proposed in cases of chronic deltoid insufficiency. This biomechanical study sought to assess the stability offered by deltoid repair and reconstruction compared to the native deltoid ligament in its intact and defunctioned states. Materials and Methods: Twelve (six pairs) fresh frozen cadaveric lower extremities with intact deltoid ligaments underwent biomechanical assessment in a custom-made multiaxial testing apparatus. Each specimen was tested in plantarflexion/dorsiflexion (PF/DF), inversion/eversion (IV/EV), and internal rotation (IR)/ER and analyzed for angular range of motion (ROM) and stiffness. The specimens were tested with an intact deltoid ligament and following disruption via transection. Subsequently, paired specimens were randomized to either deltoid repair or reconstruction. A single double-loaded suture anchor was used to repair the deep and superficial deltoid ligaments. The tibialis anterior tendon was used as an autograft in the reconstruction group. Results: Normalized ROM and stiffness were significantly different in deficient specimens compared to all other groups during PF/DF. During IR/ER, the deficient ankle was significantly different from the intact and repair state. For IV/EV, deficient specimen ROM was significantly greater than the intact or repair states, while the stiffness for the deficient ankles was significantly less. Conclusion: Deltoid repair and reconstruction were comparable in returning the ankles to an intact state and conferring stability. These results suggest that in cases with insufficient or unstable deltoid ligament where repair is not possible, reconstruction has the potential to be a reliable alternative, but further studies are warranted to understand all advantages/disadvantages.

Morphometric and Anatomical Analysis of the Deltoid Ligament Complex: A Cadaveric Study in the Southeast Asian Population

Introduction The deltoid ligament complex (DLC) confers stability of the ankle joint. This study quantitatively analyzes the morphometry of the DLC in the Southeast Asian population, highlighting anatomical variations relevant to surgical procedures. Methodology Seven embalmed amputated limbs were dissected. The width and length of the superficial and deep layers with their corresponding bands were measured using a metric ruler. Results The mean width of the superficial layer of the DLC was 20.43 + 2.72 mm at the origin, 20.00 + 1.07 mm at midway, and 15.29 + 1.28 mm at insertion. The tibionavicular ligament (TNL), tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL), deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (dPTTL), and the deep anterior tibiotalar ligament (dATTL) were present in all specimens. In the superficial layer, the mean length of the TNL and TCL was 38.57 + 3.58 mm and 34.29 + 6.47 mm, respectively. In the deep layer, the mean length of the dPTTL and dATTL was 18.71 + 1.83 mm and 20.29 + 2.31 mm, respectively. Conclusion While the prevalence of the components of the DLC varies widely across the literature, it was present in all specimens of our study. The longest and shortest bands of the DLC were the TNL and dPTTL, respectively, concurring with current literature. However, the mean length of TCL, dPTTL, and dATTL in the Southeast Asian population appeared to be longer than that reported in a meta-analysis of European cadaveric studies. Knowledge of the morphology and anatomical variations of each component of the DLC in the Southeast Asian population is crucial to improve surgical management of medial ankle instability.

Postoperative Imaging of the Ankle: Ligament and Tendon Reconstruction

Tendon and ligament disorders are common indications for ankle surgery. Numerous surgeries and related modifications, ranging from simple repairs and debridement to complex reconstructions with tendon transfers or graft, are available. Knowledge of postoperative imaging appearances of common ankle surgeries is critical to identify complications and aid assessment of clinical treatment failure. This comprehensive review article discusses the surgical indications, techniques, imaging appearances, and complications-specifically those related to minimally invasive or arthroscopic surgery-for various ankle and foot conditions. It includes anatomical (Brostrom type) and nonanatomical lateral ligament repairs for ankle instability. Medial compartment procedures are described, such as peroneal tendon and retinacular repairs, as well as treatments for progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity, formerly known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or acquired flatfoot deformity. We also examine posterior compartment procedures, focusing on Achilles tendon repairs. Primary imaging modalities covered are magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, and radiographs, including expected postoperative appearances and the usefulness of each modality.

Investigation into the effect of deltoid ligament injury on rotational ankle instability using a three-dimensional ankle finite element model

Background

Injury to the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle may cause ankle instability and, when combined with deltoid ligament (DL) injury, may lead to a more complex situation known as rotational ankle instability (RAI). It is unclear how DL rupture interferes with the mechanical function of an ankle joint with RAI.

Purpose

To study the influence of DL injury on the biomechanical function of the ankle joint.

Methods

A comprehensive finite element model of an ankle joint, incorporating detailed ligaments, was developed from MRI scans of an adult female. A range of ligament injury scenarios were simulated in the ankle joint model, which was then subjected to a static standing load of 300 N and a 1.5 Nm internal and external rotation torque. The analysis focused on comparing the distribution and peak values of von Mises stress in the articular cartilages of both the tibia and talus and measuring the talus rotation angle and contact area of the talocrural joint.

Results

The dimensions and location of insertion points of ligaments in the finite element ankle model were adopted from previous anatomical research and dissection studies. The anterior drawer distance in the finite element model was within 6.5% of the anatomical range, and the talus tilt angle was within 3% of anatomical results. During static standing, a combined rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and anterior tibiotalar ligament (ATTL) generates new stress concentrations on the talus cartilage, which markedly increases the joint contact area and stress on the cartilage. During static standing with external rotation, the anterior talofibular ligament and anterior tibiotalar ligament ruptured the ankle's rotational angle by 21.8% compared to an intact joint. In contrast, static standing with internal rotation led to a similar increase in stress and a nearly 2.5 times increase in the talus rotational angle.

Conclusion

Injury to the DL altered the stress distribution in the tibiotalar joint and increased the talus rotation angle when subjected to a rotational torque, which may increase the risk of RAI. When treating RAI, it is essential to address not only multi-band DL injuries but also single-band deep DL injuries, especially those affecting the ATTL.

Maisonneuve fracture treated with suture-button system stabilization combined with plate and arthroscopic assistance (SBPAA): Clinical and radiological evaluation in short-medium period

The aim of this study was to estimate the time needed for patients with Maisonneuve fractures to return to routine activities, after treatment with a suture-button system stabilization combined with plate and arthroscopic assistance (SBPAA).

METHODS

The study included 13 patients treated at our surgical department from January 2018 to June2022. Specific radiographical follow-up and periodic checks were performed in a short -to-medium term period, to evaluate syndesmosis evolution and tibiofibular overlap with medial clear space (MCS).

RESULTS

Progressive recovery and improvement were observed during follow-up from both radiographic and clinical perspective. Data showed that patients were able to return to full weight-bearing walking around the ninth week and to sport activities in 7.5 months. Long-term complications associated with residual joint stiffness, complex regional pain syndrome, or wound complications were observed in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative arthroscopy represent a valid diagnostic tool to better recognize and evaluate osteochondral lesions in case of syndesmosys. The study demonstrates the importance of intraoperative arthroscopy for recognizing and treating associated osteochondral lesions with proper syndesmosis evaluation. Plate associated to double TightRope represent valid solution to functionally fix and reduce fractures. Additionally, it imitates the normal syndesmosis's anatomy and provides elasticity and robustness, guaranteeing a rapid return to sporting activity. Data and casuistry support these findings.

Safe Talar Tunnel Placement During Reconstruction of the Deep Layer of the Deltoid Ligament: A Comparison of 4 Different Anatomic Landmarks on the Lateral Malleolus

Background

Deltoid ligament reconstruction of the ankle can be considered when the ruptured ligament is insufficient for direct repair.

Purpose

To compare the safety of talar tunnels oriented toward 4 different anatomic landmarks on the lateral malleolus during reconstruction of the deep layer of the deltoid ligament (DDL).

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

A total of 30 computed tomography scans of the ankle joint in healthy adults were collected to generate 3-dimensional models. Virtual talar tunnels with a diameter of 5 mm and with different lengths (20.0, 25.0, and 30.0 mm) were created from the talar insertion of the DDL and were oriented toward the talar neck as well as the most anterior, the most distal, and the most posterior points of the distal fibula. The minimal safe distance (MSD) of a drilling route was calculated for the tunnels, and the safe distance from the end of the tunnel to the bone surface was measured for each tunnel. The nonpaired Student t test was used to detect differences among the safe distances of the 4 different bone tunnels.

Results

For the 20.0-mm tunnels, the safe distance of the tunnel oriented toward the talar neck (5.90 ± 1.16 mm) did not meet the MSD (6.0 mm). For the 25.0-mm tunnels, the safe distances of the tunnels oriented toward the talar neck (4.53 ± 1.13 mm) and the anterior point of the fibula (5.91 ± 1.52 mm) did not meet the MSD (6.9 mm).

Conclusion

Tunnels that were 5 mm in diameter and 20.0 and 25.0 mm in length, oriented toward the most distal or most posterior point of the distal fibula, were safe for DDL reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance

Knowledge of safe talar tunnel placement is important, especially to avoid bone surface penetration during DDL reconstruction.

Deltoid ligament injury and repair

The deltoid ligament is the primary stabilizer of the medial side of the ankle joint. It is a complex structure with an origin at the medial malleolus from where it spreads fan shaped distally with an insertion into the medial side of the talus, calcaneus and navicular bone. This chapter gives an overview of the anatomy, function, and pathology of the deltoid ligament.The deltoid ligament can become insufficient as a result of an ankle injury or prolonged strain. In the acute setting, deltoid insufficiency often coincides with multi ligament injury the ankle joint; syndesmosis injury, or ankle fractures. Management in the acute phase remains a subject of debate. Some orthopedic surgeons have a tendency towards repair, whereas most trauma surgeons often treat the deltoid nonoperatively. In the chronic setting the ligament complex is often elongated as a result of prolonged strain. It often coexists with a hindfoot valgus, as is the case in planovalgus feet. In such a case a realignment procedure should be combined with the deltoid repair.

The Use of Low-Profile Angular-Stability Plates in a "Nutcracker" Tarsal Navicular Fracture Combined with a Cuboid Fracture: ORIF Experience

BACKGROUND

Clear recommendations about the optimal treatment of traumatic tarsal navicular fractures are still very debated in the literature, and this is due to several factors: navicular fractures are rare and often misdiagnosed injuries, they are frequently associated with other fractures or a dislocation of the midfoot, and the current knowledge is based on few papers mainly considering a limited number of cases and dealing with different therapeutic approaches. The treatment of navicular body fractures is controversial and burdened by a high incidence of complications; in particular, Sangeorzan type III comminuted fractures represent a real challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. An accurate preoperative planning, a scrupulous surgical technique aimed at restoring volume and bony anatomy, and the use of low-profile angular-stability plates can lead to optimal clinical and functional results, decreasing the chances of arthritic evolution of mid-foot joints.