Salvage of the septic ankle with concomitant tibial osteomyelitis

Staged Joint Arthrodesis in the Treatment of Severe Septic Ankle Arthritis Sequelae: A Case Report

Septic ankle arthritis is a devastating clinical entity with high risks of morbidity and mortality. Prompt treatment is necessary because delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to irreversible damage that may occur on the articular surface, resulting in cartilage erosion, infective synovitis, osteomyelitis, joint deformity, and pain and joint dysfunction. An aggressive surgical approach is required when a joint infection causes severe limb-threatening arthritis. A 58-year-old woman visited our clinic with increasing pain in the right ankle, which had been present for the previous 2 months. She complained of discomfort in daily life due to deformity of the ankle; limping; and severe pain in the ankle even after walking a little. The patient reported a history of right-ankle injury while exiting a bus in her early 20s. Plain radiographs of the right ankle joint revealed that the medial malleolus was nearly absent in the right ankle joint on the anteroposterior view, and severe varus deformity was observed with osteoarthritic changes because of joint space destruction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse synovial thickening of the destroyed tibiotalar joint with joint effusion. Hybrid 99mTc white blood cell single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography showed increased uptake along the soft tissue around the ankle joint; uptake was generally low in the talocrural and subtalar joints. A two-stage operation was performed to remove the infected lesions and correct the deformity, thus enabling limb salvage. The patient was nearly asymptomatic at the 6-month follow-up, with no discomfort in her daily life and nearly normal ability to carry out full functional activities. She had no complications or recurrent symptoms at the 1-year follow-up. We have described a rare case of a staged limb salvage procedure in a patient with chronic septic arthritis sequelae. For patients with severe joint deformity because of septic ankle sequelae, staged arthrodesis is a reliable method to remove infected lesions, solve soft tissue problems, correct deformities, and maintain leg length.

Lower Limb Muscle Flaps: The Reverse Peroneus Brevis Flap

Chronic ulcerations of the lower extremity centered around the lateral malleolus, medial malleolus, Achilles tendon, or anterior ankle are complex and difficult to heal with conventional treatment modalities. With the evolution of orthoplastics and microsurgery techniques, the peroneus brevis muscle flap has been shown to be simple, versatile, and effective in management of small to medium-sized soft tissue defects that may or may not have exposed bone, tendon, or both. This article reviews the peroneus brevis muscle flap in lower extremity reconstruction and presents pertinent real-world cases of its applications as a tool for limb salvage and orthoplastic reconstruction.

What Is the Treatment "Algorithm" for Infection After Ankle or Hindfoot Arthrodesis?

RECOMMENDATION

There is no universal algorithm for addressing the infected ankle or subtalar arthrodesis. A potential algorithm created by consensus is.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Consensus.

DELEGATE VOTE

Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus).

Nontuberculous mycobacterial osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can have severe consequences and a poor prognosis. Physicians therefore need to be alert to this condition, especially in immunocompromised patients. Although the pathogenesis of NTM osteomyelitis is still unclear, studies in immunodeficient individuals have revealed close relationships between NTM osteomyelitis and defects associated with the interleukin-12-interferon-γ-tumor necrosis factor-α axis, as well as human immunodeficiency virus infection, various immunosuppressive conditions, and diabetes mellitus. Culture and species identification from tissue biopsies or surgical debridement tissue play crucial roles in diagnosing NTM osteomyelitis. Suitable imaging examinations are also important. Adequate surgical debridement and the choice of appropriate, combined antibiotics for long-term anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy, based on in vitro drug susceptibility tests, are the main therapies for these bone infections. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination might have limited prophylactic value. The use of multiple drugs and long duration of treatment mean that the therapeutic process needs to be monitored closely to detect potential side effects. Adequate duration of anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy together with regular monitoring with blood and imaging tests are key factors determining the recovery outcome in patients with NTM osteomyelitis.

Outcome of arthrodesis of the hindfoot as a salvage procedure for complex ankle pathology using the Ilizarov technique

Achieving arthrodesis of the ankle can be difficult in the presence of infection, deformity, poor soft tissues and bone loss. We present a series of 48 patients with complex ankle pathology, treated with the Ilizarov technique. Infection was present in 30 patients and 30 had significant deformity before surgery. Outcome was assessed clinically and with patient-reported outcome measures (Modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (MAOFAS) scale and the Short-Form (SF-36)).

Arthrodesis was achieved in 40 patients with the Ilizarov technique alone and in six further patients with additional surgery. Infection was eradicated in all patients at a mean follow-up of 46.6 months (13 to 162). Successful arthrodesis was less likely in those with comorbidities and in tibiocalcaneal fusion compared with tibiotalar fusion.

These patients had poor general health scores compared with the normal population before surgery. The mean MAOFAS score improved significantly from 24.3 (0 to 90) pre-operatively to 56.2 (30 to 90) post-operatively, but there was only a modest improvement in general health; the mean SF-36 improved from 44.8 (19 to 66) to 50.1 (21 to 76). There was a major benefit in terms of pain relief.

Arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique is an effective treatment for complex ankle pathology, with good clinical outcomes and eradication of infection. However, even after successful arthrodesis general health scores remain limited.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:371–7.

Metaphyseal locking compression plate as an external fixator for the distal tibia

PURPOSE

Recently we coined the term supercutaneous plating using a locking compression plate (LCP) as an external fixator. The use of this technique in peri-articular areas is facilitated by the development of anatomical plates with various screw sizes. The purpose of this report is to describe our results using the metaphyseal locking plate (LCP) as an external fixator in the treatment of infected post-traumatic problems of the distal tibia.

METHODS

Between August 2008 and January 2012 a total of seven patients underwent external plating ("supercutaneous plating") of the distal tibia using a metaphyseal locking plate. Average age was 43 years (range 20-79). Six out of seven patients had a documented infection at the time of external plate application. All patients in this cohort were followed prospectively at regular intervals by the senior author (PK).

RESULTS

The plate was in situ for an average of 17.5 weeks (range 6-60). There were no clinically significant pin site infections. In four patients the plate was kept in place until there was complete consolidation. In three patients the external plate was exchanged for formal internal fixation once the infection had subsided. At the latest follow-up (average 12.8 months, range 4-31), all patients were fully weight bearing with a fully healed tibia. All patients were infection-free with well-healed wounds.

CONCLUSION

Infection of the distal tibia after treatment of traumatic and post-traumatic problems is a challenging problem. It is common practice that after initial debridement and hardware removal, temporary bony stabilisation is provided by external fixation. Most external frames for the lower leg are bulky and cumbersome, causing significant problems for the patient. To circumvent these issues, we have successfully used an anatomically-contoured metaphyseal locking compression plate as external fixator in a series of seven patients for acute or post-traumatic problems of the tibia.

Limb salvage in Charcot foot and ankle osteomyelitis: combined use single stage/double stage of arthrodesis and external fixation

BACKGROUND

Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot/ankle is a devastating complication of diabetes. Along with neuroarthropathy, osteomyelitis can occur which can result in amputation. This prospective study evaluated a limb salvage procedure as an alternative to amputation through surgical treatment of osteomyelitis of the midfoot or the ankle and stabilization with external fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five patients with Charcot arthropathy and osteomyelitis underwent debridement and attempted fusion with an external fixator. Chart and radiograph review was performed to assess the success of the fusion and eradication of infection.

RESULTS

Out of 45 patients, 39 patients healed using emergent surgery to drain an acute manifestation of the infection while maintaining the fixation for an average of 25.7 weeks. Two patients were treated with intramedullary nail in a subsequent surgical procedure. In four patients, the infection could not be controlled, therefore a major amputation was carried out.

CONCLUSION

For select patients, external fixation proved to be a reasonable alternative to below-knee amputation.

Ankle arthrodesis

Numerous techniques for ankle arthrodesis have been reported since the original description of compression arthrodesis. From the early 1950s to the mid 1970s, external fixation was the dominant technique utilized. In the late 1970s and 1980s, internal fixation techniques for ankle arthrodesis were developed. In the 1990s, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis was developed for ankle arthrosis with minimal or no deformity. The open technique is still widely used for ankle arthrosis with major deformity. For complex cases that involve nonunion, extensive bone loss, Charcot arthropathy, or infection, multiplanar external fixation with an Ilizarov device, with or without a bone graft, may achieve successful union. The fusion rate in most of the recently published studies is 85% or greater, and may depend on the presence of infection, deformity, avascular necrosis, and nonunion.

Management of complications of open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures

The management of complications resulting from the open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures is discussed in detail. The initial radiographic findings of the most common postsurgical complications of ankle fracture reduction are briefly discussed, namely lateral, medial, and posterior malleolar malunion or nonunion, syndesmotic widening, degenerative changes, and septic arthritis with or without concomitant osteomyelitis. Emphasis is placed on the management of these complications, with a review of the treatment options proposed in the literature, a detailed discussion of the authors' recommendations, and an inclusion of different case presentations.

An approach to the failed ankle arthrodesis

Ankle arthrodesis remains the gold standard of surgical treatment for advanced ankle joint arthritis. Failure can occur as a result of infection, nonunion or malunion, resulting in pain and poor function. This paper offers a systematic approach to preventing, and managing these problems should they occur. Revision arthrodesis performed with a detailed understanding of the appropriate alignment and mechanics of the ankle joint, combined with meticulous attention to understanding and reversing the cause of the failure can result in successful salvage and restoration of function.

Ankle arthrodesis: the simple and the complex

Ankle arthrodesis is by no means a simple surgery. It requires preoperative planning, meticulous preparation of bony surfaces, cognizance of ankle positioning, and rigidity of fixation. The procedure also requires enough experience on the part of the operating surgeon to recognize important patient factors and to determine which type of ankle arthrodesis is most appropriate for that specific patient.

Spontaneous bilateral ankle and midfoot sepsis in a nonimmunocompromised patient

We describe a 70-year-old nonimmunocompromised woman with spontaneous bilateral ankle and midfoot sepsis and a deep-space abscess of the right lower leg. Salvage of both limbs was achieved by aggressive bilateral soft-tissue and osseous debridement, including a four-compartment fasciotomy of the right lower leg, antibiotic-loaded polymethyl methacrylate bone cement implantation, delayed allogeneic bone grafting of the osseous defects impregnated with autologous platelet-rich plasma bilaterally, and external fixation immobilization, implantable bone growth stimulation, and split-thickness skin graft coverage of the right lower leg, ankle, and foot. Osseous incorporation of the bone grafts bilaterally occurred 8 weeks after surgery. No soft-tissue or osseous complications occurred during the postoperative period or at 18-month follow-up except for arthrofibrosis in the right ankle; there was no evidence of recurrent abscesses, sequestrum, or wound-related problems. A review of the literature regarding bilateral pedal sepsis and the techniques used for limb salvage in this patient are presented in detail.

The management of lower extremity wounds using topical negative pressure

The delivery of topical pressures at subatmospheric levels to heal acute and chronic wounds has been widely reported. This article reviews the role of this therapeutic modality to treat wounds of the lower extremity. Recent literature is re-viewed, and mechanisms of action of this process are also discussed.

Retrospective Analysis of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Open Foot Wounds with Significant Soft Tissue Defects

OBJECTIVE

To compare treatment outcomes of open foot wounds with significant soft tissue defects using either negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or standard wet-to-moist saline-soaked gauze dressings.

SUBJECTS

: Forty-seven subjects with open wounds with significant soft tissue defects.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of sequentially selected records of patients treated with NPWT or standard wet-to-moist dressings.

RESULTS

Risk of complications, subsequent foot surgeries, and hospital readmissions (secondary outcomes) were all reduced by 70% or more for the patients treated with NPWT. Length of stay during readmissions tended to be shorter; rates of wound cavity filling and wound healing (primary outcomes) tended to be greater with NPWT, although the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Patients included in the study treated with NPWT had fewer foot-related complications, less additional foot surgery, and fewer readmissions for the study foot than did patients treated with standard therapy. Further research using randomized clinical trials is needed to confirm the findings of the current study's data.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Wound cavity filling time and time to complete closure were similar in both study groups, despite the fact that patients receiving NPWT were older, had larger wounds, and had poorer nutrition. NPWT may be an effective modality for the healing of open wounds with significant defects and for reducing subsequent care.

Fusion of the Septic Ankle: Experience with 15 Cases Using Hybrid External Fixation

BACKGROUND

In cases of septic joint destruction, an unfavorable situation of soft tissues and chronic osteomyelitis are responsible for high failure rates of ankle fusions. We wanted to evaluate the control of infection and the fusion rate using hybrid external fixators for the fusion of the septic ankle in a prospective study.

METHODS

From 1996 to 1998, 15 arthrodeses were performed using hybrid external fixators. All patients had a combination of bone and soft tissue infections. Fourteen patients suffered from sequelae of posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and one patient suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. In 14 patients, pathogens could be identified; in 87%, Staphylococcus aureus was found. Eight patients had relevant concomitant diseases.

RESULTS

The preservation of limbs by solid tibiotalar fusion was achieved in 14 patients (93%). One patient maintained an infected pseudarthrosis. During the 12-month follow-up, three patients had a fistula that persisted, with two patients having a solid arthrodesis. Full weight-bearing was possible for all the patients with a successful fusion. Seventy-five percent of the patients that had not retired at the time of the study regained their fitness for work.

CONCLUSION

The hybrid external fixator presents a successful alternative for those arthrodeses of ankle joints where complications such as bone/joint infections or poor soft tissue conditions occur.

Free tissue transfer: an advanced strategy for postinfection soft-tissue defects in the upper extremity

Surgical treatment of severe, necrotizing infections frequently leave compound defects that require complex reconstructive procedures. In the upper extremity, local flap coverage is limited because of the size of the lesions. Regarding the results of early microsurgical coverage of complex postinfectious defects of the lower extremity, the goal of this study was to evaluate the role of free tissue transfer in the treatment of severe infections in the upper extremity. Between 1994 and 1999, 24 patients with major defects as a result of severe necrotizing infections in the upper extremity underwent free tissue transfer. Parameters assessed included the success of infection control, flap survival rate, salvage of the extremity, and an outcome analysis by the Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand score and a visual analog scale. Patient age ranged from 17 to 75 years (average age, 50.8 years). Previous treatment of 11 patients in outlying hospitals included 4.2 operative procedures and a delay of admission to the authors' unit of 89 days. The average defect size after debridement was 10.0 x 14.4 cm. Twenty-four free flaps including 16 muscle or musculocutaneous flaps, 4 chimeric flaps from the subscapular system, and 4 osteocutaneous flaps were performed for reconstruction. The overall flap survival was 95.8%. One temporalis fascia flap (TPF) was lost as a result of vascular thrombosis, and three flaps underwent successful revision of the anastomoses. Eight patients required further minor surgical treatment. The Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand score yielded an average of 41.5 points, which represents a moderate impairment of activities of daily living. Visual analog scale assessment demonstrated an overall high satisfaction (9.5 points; range, 1-10 points). The data demonstrate that even in severe necrotizing infections resulting in complex acute or chronic defects, limb salvage and infection control can be achieved successfully with radical debridement and early free tissue transfer.

External fixation of the foot and ankle. Elective indications and techniques for external fixation in the midfoot

Although external fixation is widely used for treatment of fractures, limb deformities, and bone lengthening; use of external devices is still evolving. Elective cases for treatment of the midfoot and published research on external fixation specifically for surgical treatment of midfoot pain and deformity are scarce. Indications for elective external fixation in the midfoot are limited because rigid internal fixation in this area is relatively easy and successful. This article discusses podiatric conditions that can be treated advantageously by external fixation when elective surgery is done. The article also describes methods of external fixation appropriate for podiatric surgical reconstruction in patients with these conditions.

Arthodesis of the infected ankle and subtalar joint

Arthrodesis of the ankle or subtalar joint for limb salvage in joint sepsis is extremely complicated, and produces a protracted course of management. A successful outcome is founded on the diligence of the surgeon in the preoperative evaluation, intraoperative technique, and postoperative care of the patient. Liberal consultation with infectious disease specialists, vascular, and plastic surgeons is recommended. Recognition of patient-specific comorbidities is essential to the selection of appropriate limb salvage candidates.

Foot and ankle infections after surgery

Infection after foot and ankle surgery or trauma can range from the common superficial cellulitis to the less common deep soft tissue or bone infections that can have disastrous consequences. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms has made treatment of infection more difficult, even though promising new antibiotics are being developed. Prevention of infection, through proper patient selection and meticulous surgical technique, is essential to satisfactory outcomes.

Arthrodesis after osteosynthesis and infection of the ankle joint

Nineteen patients with a severely infected ankle joint after previous osteosynthesis were treated with arthrodesis in our institution. Their notes and X-rays were reviewed. Goals of treatment were eradication of infection by aggressive débridement of infected tissues, obtaining adequate soft-tissue coverage, preservation/restoration of bonelength, and finally consolidation of the arthrodesis. Thirteen men and six women were treated, with a median age of 46 (17-69) years. Arthrodesis took place after a median of 6 months (0.5-40) post-accident, and after one to six earlier operative procedures. Primarily there had been four bimalleolar, five trimalleolar and ten pilon tibial fractures. Fifteen fractures were open with severe soft tissue damage. Seven free muscle transfers were performed, and ten cancellous bone graftings. Finally 29 attempts at arthrodesis were performed. Ultimately we had to perform two amputations. After a mean follow up of 3.5 years, one patient has an aseptic but asymptomatic pseudarthrosis, for which no further surgery is scheduled. Sixteen extremities are free from infection while full weightbearing is possible. The limb-threatening problem of deep infection after osteosynthesis of an ankle fracture can be resolved by consistent but prolonged treatment. After successful arthrodesis a weightbearing extremity without infection remains in the majority of cases.

Complications after treatment of tibial pilon fractures: prevention and management strategies

Complications after treatment of tibial pilon fractures can occur intraoperatively or in the early or late postoperative period. Perioperative complications include malreduction, inadequate fixation, and intra-articular penetration of hardware, all of which may be minimized by preoperative planning and meticulous operative technique. Wound complications can lead to deep infection, with potentially catastrophic consequences. The incidence of wound complications may be lessened by delaying surgery 5 to 14 days, until the posttraumatic swelling has subsided. Temporary fixation with a medial spanning external fixator is recommended if definitive internal fixation is delayed. Fracture blisters should be left undisturbed until the time of surgery. Incisions through blood-filled blisters should be avoided whenever possible. Limited incisions to achieve reduction and fixation should be made directly over fracture sites, to minimize soft-tissue stripping. An indirect reduction technique involving the use of ligamentotaxis and low-profile small-fragment implants that minimize tension on the incision should be used. Late complications, such as stiffness and posttraumatic arthritis, correlate with the severity of the initial injury and the accuracy of reduction. Loss of ankle motion can be minimized by early range-of-motion exercise after stable fixation has been achieved. Posttraumatic ankle arthrosis should be initially treated with anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification, and walking aids. Symptomatic patients often require an ankle arthrodesis.