Distraction subtalar arthrodesis for calcaneal malunion

Aims

We hypothesized that there is no difference in the clinical and radiological outcomes using local bone graft versus iliac graft for subtalar distraction arthrodesis in patients with calcaneal malunion. In addition, using local bone graft negates the donor site morbidity.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively studied 28 calcaneal malunion patients (the study group) who were managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using local calcaneal bone graft. The study group included 16 male and 12 female patients. The median age was 37.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 43). The outcome of the study group was compared with a control group of ten patients previously managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using iliac bone graft. The control group included six male and four female patients. The median age was 41.5 years (IQR 36 to 44).

Results

The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score improved significantly in the study and the control groups (p < 0.001). Fusion was achieved in 27 patients in the study group at a median time of 13 weeks (IQR 12 to 14), while all the patients in the control group achieved fusion at a mean time of 13.2 weeks (11 to 15). The mean talocalcaneal height and talar declination angle improved significantly in both the study and the control groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both groups concerning the preoperative or the postoperative clinical and radiological measurements. Donor site morbidity was reported in four out of ten patients in the control group.

Conclusion

Local calcaneal bone graft can successfully be used to achieve subtalar distraction arthrodesis with appropriate correction of alignment and calcaneal malunion. We recommend using local instead of iliac bone graft as it gave comparable results and avoids the possibility of donor site morbidity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:596–602.

Fibular strut graft for nonunited femoral neck fractures in children

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of using fibular strut grafts as a fixation device for non-united femoral neck fractures in children with or without subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy.

METHODS

A total of 12 children with non-united femoral neck fractures (nine males and three females) with an average age of 8.2 years (5 to 12) were managed, and functional results evaluated, between July 2013 and July 2015. The mechanisms of injury were fall from a height in ten patients and road traffic accident in two cases. Nine cases of femoral neck nonunion followed failed internal fixation and three cases were neglected fractures. Six cases were treated by fibular strut graft and subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy with contoured plate and six cases were treated by fibular strut graft and hip spica.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 20.4 months (12 to 36). Union was achieved in all 12 cases by a mean of 3.5 months (2.5 to 6). All patients were satisfied at five months. For final analysis of clinical and radiographic results, the Ratliff's classification was used. We classed 11 cases as good results and one case as fair.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibular strut grafts are a reliable option for treatment of pseudo-arthrosis in femoral neck fracture nonunion in children. It is successful in restoration of femoral neck length in children with non-united femoral neck fractures.