Laser-Guided Intraoperative Navigation in Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser-guided intraoperative navigation compared with the conventional method in determining the accuracy of coronal alignment setting in total ankle replacement (TAR).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen cadaveric ankles were randomly divided into two groups: laser-guided and conventional. Measurements were performed following coronal alignment setting in each ankle. All parameters were collected and compared between the two groups to determine the accuracy of coronal alignment setting regarding localization of possible mechanical axis (PMA) from each method. These parameters included the distance from the most medial point of tibial surface (TS) (intra-articular part) to the marked point that was possibly close to MA (MM-PMA).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups; however, there was a trend toward more neutralization of PMA in the laser-guided group in terms of MM-PMA distance (P = 0.19). In addition, the ratio of MM-PMA to TS demonstrated that the axis closer to the actual mechanical axis (AMA) with medial deviation was only 0.6% in laser group, whereas the axis caused increased lateralization from AMA in the conventional group, which was as high as 4.4% (P = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

Despite the limited sample size and insignificant differences of outcomes between the two groups, laser-guided intraoperative navigation provided higher accuracy of coronal alignment setting than the conventional method in TAR.

Closed atraumatic complete rupture of the flexor halluces longus tendon during forward lunge exercise: A case report

RATIONALE

Acute rupture of the flexor halluces longus (FHL) tendon due to trauma or laceration is a well-known phenomenon. Partial rupture of the FHL tendon caused by tendinitis or stenosing tenosynovitis is common in ballet dancers and athletes. However, atraumatic complete rupture of the FHL is rare: as of 2018, only 7 cases of closed atraumatic complete rupture of the FHL tendon have been reported in the literature. Here, we report on a patient who presented with a closed atraumatic complete rupture of the FHL tendon during a forward lunge exercise.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 35-year-old female visited the clinic with pain in the plantar medial aspect of the left foot, along with weakness and loss of great toe flexion. The patient had a normal foot structure and no history of trauma or systemic disease. She performed a forward lunge exercise more than 50 times on 1 leg per day, more than once a week to strengthen her leg muscles. She reported that she felt a slight pain in her left, great toe while exercising for 3 weeks prior to her visit. One week prior to presentation, severe pain occurred suddenly when her left hallux dorsiflexed strongly during an anterior lunge exercise motion.

DIAGNOSIS

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete rupture of the FHL tendon near the level of the metatarsal head and neck junction. The lesion was prolonged, with the proximal end displaced to the metatarsal shaft region.

INTERVENTIONS

Complete rupture of the FHL tendon was treated with a primary suture.

OUTCOMES

At the 1-year follow-up, active plantar flexion of the interphalangeal joint was possible but joint function had a range of 0° to 25°. Flexion strength was reduced slightly, measuring about 70% when compared to the contralateral side, but flexion strength of the metatarsophalangeal joint was normal.

LESSONS

We describe an extremely rare case of complete rupture of the FHL tendon at the level of metatarsal head and neck junction. It should be understood that this injury can occur not only in professional athletes but also in the general public, and we recommend educating personal trainers on how to prevent it.

The deformity correction and fixator-assisted treatment using Ilizarov versus Taylor spatial frame in the foot and ankle

This study was to report the comparison of outcomes between Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) and Taylor Spatial Frame^® (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn.; TSF) in terms of the effectiveness of ankle-foot deformities correction, follow-up results, and complications. Fourteen patients with ankle-foot deformities were corrected using circular external fixation (IRF group = 7 patients; TSF group = 7 patients) and related procedures. Baseline data and treatment variables were recorded. The patients’ mean age was 42.9 years. Mean follow-up time was 6.5 months. Most common cause of deformity/traumatic condition was posttraumatic equinus. There were successful results in 8 patients (57.1%), partial successful results in 5 patients (35.7%), and revision-needed in 1 patient (7.1%). TSF group demonstrated significantly higher rate of successful results than IRF group (P=0.033). A trend of lower complication rate was found in TSF group (P=0.286). Deformity corrections using TSF provided significantly better clinical scores and higher rate of successful outcome than conventional IRF.