Pressure change at ankle joint in supramalleolar osteotomy with or without fibular osteotomy according to different types of varus ankle

The need for additional fibular osteotomy (FO) when performing supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) in the varus ankle arthritis (VAA) is controversial. Some cadaveric studies have been performed to prove this; however, it is difficult to implement deformities including talar tilting and translation in cadavers. In this study, we created a model of VAA with the tilting and translation using three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) analysis and analyzed the results of SMO with or without FO depending on the types of VAA. The validated normal foot and ankle 3-D FE model was constructed including the ankle cartilages of the talar dome and tibia plafond. The VAA models were determined and reconstructed by following the classification of VAA, VAA with medial translation for stage 3a, VAA with varus tilting (7.5°) for stage 3b. The postoperative SMO models (SMO with and without FO) were reconstructed by corresponding to each VAA models. The FE analysis conditions were commonly applied. The boundary condition of ankle joint was defined as "sliding condition" and applied 0.002 friction coefficient to realize lubricative property. Loading condition was assumed as a two-leg standing position and half of the subject body weight (325 N) was loaded on center of ground to vertical direction. Contact pressure changes were predicted at the medial ankle cartilage. As a result, in VAA with medial translation, isolated SMO may provide sufficient pressure reduction at the medial ankle joint. However, in VAA with varus tilting, SMO combined with FO could appropriately relieve concentrated pressure at the medial ankle joint.

Stress Effect in the Knee Joint Based on the Fibular Osteotomy Level and Varus Deformity: A Finite Element Analysis Study

Proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO) was found to relieve pain and improve knee function in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therapy redistributes the load applied from the inside to the outside and alleviates the load applied on the inside through fibula osteotomy. Therefore, the clinical effect of fibular osteotomy using the finite element (FE) method was evaluated to calculate the exact change in stress inside a knee joint with varus deformity. Using CT and MRI images of a patient's lower extremities, 3D models of the bone, cartilage, meniscus, and ligaments were constructed. The varus angle, representing the inward angulation of the knee, was increased by applying a force ratio in the medial and lateral directions. The results showed that performing proximal fibular osteotomy led to a significant reduction in stress in the medial direction of the meniscus and cartilage. The stress reduction in the lateral direction was relatively minor. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that proximal fibular osteotomy effectively relieves stress and redistributes the load in the knee joints of patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. The findings emphasize the importance of considering force distribution and the position of fibular osteotomy to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.

Biomechanical effect of fibular osteotomy on the knee joint in high tibial osteotomy: A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

Closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO) with a fibular osteotomy (FO) causes medial joint space widening in the knee. However, the effect of FO on the joint space width remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effect of FO on the knee in HTO.

METHODS

A compression load test was performed on two amputated human limbs under four conditions: (1) normal (without any osteotomy), (2) open-wedge HTO (OWHTO), (3) OWHTO with FO, and (4) CWHTO. The contact area of the femoral and tibial cartilages and the medial and lateral joint space widths in each condition were evaluated using a motion capture system with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

RESULTS

The contact area increased on the lateral side after OWHTO, which increased more on the lateral side with a concomitant decrease on the medial side in both subjects when FO was added to OWHTO. An increase in the medial joint space width and a decrease on the lateral side were seen in both OWHTO with FO and CWHTO.

CONCLUSIONS

The contact area and joint space widths are affected by the FO, and the effect is more pronounced than the way of HTO (OWHTO or CWHTO).

High Rate of Radiographic Union at the Fibular Osteotomy Site With No Complications After an Acute Oblique Osteotomy and Ligation Procedure to Shorten the Fibula in High Tibial Osteotomy

Background:

A fibular shortening osteotomy is needed to perform lateral closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (LCW-HTO). To achieve this shortening, we have recently developed an acute oblique osteotomy and ligation (AO/L) procedure for the center of the fibular shaft, based on the AO procedure.

Purpose:

To compare the 2-year follow-up outcomes between the AO/L procedure and the AO procedure.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A prospective comparative cohort study was conducted involving 83 patients (83 knees) who underwent shortening osteotomy of the fibula in LCW-HTO between April 2017 and March 2019. The first consecutive 41 knees (AO group) underwent fibular osteotomy with the AO procedure. The remaining 42 knees (AO/L group) underwent fibular osteotomy with the AO/L procedure. All of the patients were evaluated for at least 2 years postoperatively via clinical and radiological assessments. To determine the time needed for complete union at the osteotomy site, we evaluated the radiographs using a radiographic union score for tibial fractures, which was modified for fibular osteotomy. Comparison of outcomes between the 2 groups was performed using the Student t test for continuous variables and the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test for discrete variables.

Results:

Around the fibular osteotomy site, no perioperative complications were found in either group. The radiographic union score was significantly higher in the AO/L group than in the AO group (P < .0001 at 2, 3, and 6 months; P = .0290 at 12 and 24 months). The union rate at the fibular osteotomy site was significantly higher in the AO/L group (97.6%) than in the AO group (82.9%) at 12 months (P = .0290).

Conclusion:

The AO/L procedure significantly accelerated the formation of bridging callus at the fibular osteotomy site and provided a significantly higher union rate compared with the AO procedure. Both AO/L and AO procedures were free from perioperative complications. These results suggest that the AO/L procedure is clinically useful as an osteotomy procedure to shorten the fibula in LCW-HTO.

Discrepancy in the Distribution Patterns of Subchondral Bone Density Across the Ankle Joint After Medial Opening-Wedge and Lateral Closing-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

BACKGROUND

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) changes the alignment and dynamics of the ankle joint; however, differences in the stress distribution of the ankle joint after opening-wedge HTO (OWHTO) and closing-wedge HTO (CWHTO) are not understood. It is believed that subchondral bone density of the articular surface reflects the pattern of cumulative stress distribution across the joint surface.

PURPOSE

To clarify the effects of OWHTO and CWHTO on the distribution patterns of subchondral bone density across the ankle joint using computed tomography (CT)-osteoabsorptiometry.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Radiographic and CT data of 18 cases who underwent OWHTO (OW group), 12 cases who underwent CWHTO (CW group), and 11 cases with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury serving as controls were retrospectively reviewed. The subchondral bone density of the distal tibia was assessed in the 3 groups using CT-osteoabsorptiometry. The distal tibial surface of the ankle joint was divided into 4 parts in the coronal direction, and the percentage of the high-density area (%HDA) to each subregion was compared before and after HTO.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, comparing %HDA among the 3 groups, there were no significant differences in any regions. In the OW group, postoperative %HDA in the most medial region was significantly increased compared with preoperative %HDA (49.3% to 53.0%; P = .011), and postoperative %HDA in the most lateral region was significantly decreased (21.4% to 17.2%; P = .003). On the other hand, in the CW group, postoperative %HDA in the most medial region was significantly decreased (55.7% to 35.7%; P = .001), and %HDA in the second lateral region was significantly increased (23.6% to 29.2%; P = .002).

CONCLUSION

The ankle distribution pattern of subchondral bone density shifted significantly medially after OWHTO without fibular osteotomy, whereas the distribution pattern shifted laterally after CWHTO with fibular osteotomy. When the OWHTO is performed for patients with medial ankle osteoarthritis, surgeons should pay attention to potential postoperative progression of ankle osteoarthritis due to medial shift of the stress distribution in the ankle joint.

Proximal Tibiofibular Dislocation in Closing-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Increases the Risk of Medium and Long-Term Total Knee Replacement

Proximal tibiofibular dislocation in closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy increases the risk of medium and long-term total knee replacement. Background: High tibial osteotomy is an effective treatment for medial osteoarthritis in young patients with varus knee. The lateral closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO) may be managed with tibiofibular dislocation (TFJD) or a fibular head osteotomy (FHO). TFJD may lead to lateral knee instability and thereby affect mid- and long-term outcomes. It also brings the osteotomy survival rate down. Objective: To compare the CWHTO survival rate in function of tibiofibular joint management with TFJD or FHO, and to determine whether medium and long-term clinical outcomes are different between the two procedures. Material & Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out that included CWHTO performed between January 2005 to December 2018. Those patients were placed in either group 1 (FHO) or Group 2 (TFJD). Full-leg weight-bearing radiographs were studied preoperatively, one year after surgery and at final follow-up to assess the femorotibial angle (FTA). The Rosenberg view was used to assess the Ahlbäck grade. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to assess clinical outcomes and a Likert scale for patient satisfaction. The total knee replacement (TKR) was considered the end of the follow-up and the point was to analyze the CWHTO survival rate. A sub-analysis of both cohorts was performed in patients who had not been FTA overcorrected after surgery (postoperative FTA ≤ 180°, continuous loading in varus). Results: A total of 230 knees were analyzed. The follow-up period ranged from 24-180 months. Group 1 (FHO) consisted of 105 knees and group 2 (TFJD) had 125. No preoperative differences were observed in terms of age, gender, the KSS, FTA or the Ahlbäck scale; neither were there any differences relative to postop complications. The final follow-up FTA was 178.7° (SD 4.9) in group 1 and 179.5° (SD 4.2) in group 2 (p = 0.11). The Ahlbäck was 2.21 (SD 0.5) in group 1 and 2.55 (SD 0.5) in group 2 (p = 0.02) at the final follow-up. The final KSS knee values were similar for group 1 (86.5 ± 15.9) and group 2 (84.3 ± 15.8). Although a non-significant trend of decreased HTO survival in the TFJD group was found (p = 0.06) in the sub-analysis of non-overcorrected knees, which consisted of 52 patients from group 1 (FHO) and 58 from group 2 (TFJD), 12.8% of the patients required TKR with a mean of 88.8 months in group 1 compared to 26.8% with a mean of 54.9 months in the case of group 2 (p = 0.005). However, there were no differences in clinical and radiological outcomes. Conclusion: TFJD associated with CWHTO shows an increase in the conversion to TKR at medium and long-term follow-up with lower osteotomy survival than the CWHTO associated with FHO, especially in patients with a postoperative FTA ≤ 180° (non-overcorrected). There were no differences in clinical, radiological or satisfaction results in patients who did not require TKR. Level of evidence III. Retrospective cohort study.

Operative Treatment of the Malunited Fibula Fracture

Failure to anatomically reduce and stabilize the fractured distal fibula can result in malunion of the fibula and malreduction of the ankle mortise. Fibular malunion results in altered ankle joint biomechanics which often leads to the development of pain, stiffness, and premature joint degeneration. Fortunately, many fibular malunions can be successfully salvaged using osteotomy techniques to restore anatomic fibular length and rotation. Different osteotomy techniques are indicated depending on the location and characteristics of the malunion. In this review, the oblique fibular osteotomy is described for the reconstruction of SER-type fibular fractures. For more proximal fibular malunion, the transverse osteotomy technique with lengthening and structural bone graft is reviewed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, expert opinion.

Comparison of Posterior Approach With Intramedullary Nailing Versus Lateral Transfibular Approach With Fixed-Angle Plating for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

BACKGROUND

A variety of operative approaches and fixation techniques have been described for tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis. The intramedullary (IM) nail and lateral, fixed-angle plating are commonly used because of ease of use and favorable biomechanical properties. A lateral, transfibular (LTF) approach allows for direct access to the tibiotalar and subtalar joints, but the posterior, Achilles tendon-splitting (PATS) approach offers a robust soft tissue envelope. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of TTC arthrodesis with either a PATS approach with IM nailing or LTF approach with fixed-angle plating.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent simultaneous TTC arthrodesis with minimum 1 year clinical and radiographic follow up. Patients were excluded if they underwent TTC arthrodesis through an approach other than PATS or LTF, and received fixation without an IM nail or fixed-angle plate. Primary outcomes examined were union rate, revisions, and complications. Thirty-eight patients underwent TTC arthrodesis with a PATS approach and IM nailing, and 28 with a LTF approach and lateral plating.

RESULTS

The overall union rate was 71%; 76% (29 of 38 patients) for the PATS/IM nail group, and 64% (18 of 28) for LTF/plating group ( P = .41). Symptomatic nonunion requiring revision arthrodesis occurred in 16% (6 of 38) of the PATS/IM nail group versus 7% (2 of 28) in the LTF/lateral plating group ( P = .45). There were no significant differences in individual tibiotalar or subtalar union rates, superficial wound problems, infection, symptomatic hardware, stress fractures, or nerve irritations.

CONCLUSION

Union, revision, and complication rates were similar for TTC arthrodesis performed with a PATS approach and IM nail compared with an LTF approach and fixed-angle plate in a complex patient population. Both techniques were adequate, especially when prior incisions, preexisting hardware, or deformity preclude options.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

[Supramalleolar osteotomy treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis with or without fibular osteotomy]

Objective

To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) between with and without fibular osteotomy for varus ankle osteoarthritis.

Methods

Between April 2009 and April 2014, 41 patients (41 feet) with mid-staged varus ankle osteoarthritis were treated with SMOT. Fibular osteotomy was not performed in 19 cases (group A), and fibular osteotomy was performed in 22 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, body mass index, osteoarthritis stage, pathogeny, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind score, ankle osteoarthritis scale (AOS) pain and function scores, range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, tibial articular surface angle (TAS), talar tilt angle (TT), tibiocrural angle (TC), and tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The bone union was observed after operation, and functional and radiological outcomes were compared between 2 groups at last follow-up.

Results

All incisions healed by stage I, and no surgery related complications occurred. The mean follow-up time was 36.6 months (range, 16-55 months). Pain and limited activity were observed in 1 case of groups A and B respectively, and ankle arthrodesis was performed. All cases achieved bony union; the bone union time was (3.6±0.4) months in group A and (3.9±0.7) months in group B, showing no significant difference ( t=1.61, P=0.12). At last follow-up, no significant difference was found in TAS, TLS, TT, and TC between groups ( P>0.05). However, group B was significantly better than group A in improvement of TT and TC ( P<0.05). The AOFAS ankle-hind score, AOS pain and function scores, ROM of the ankle joint showed no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05). According to the modified Takakura stage, the improvement rates of groups A and B were 55.6% and 57.1%, respectively; no significant difference was found between 2 groups ( χ²=0.01, P=0.92).

Conclusion

SMOT with fibular osteotomy is helpful in correction of TT and TC in patients with relative longer fibula.

Biomechanical analysis of the impact of fibular osteotomies at tibiotalar joint: A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

Osteotomy of the fibula is a common orthopedic procedure performed for various indications, including harvesting fibula for grafting purposes. The effect of fibular osteotomy and need for tibiofibular syndesmotic fixation fusion at different levels on tibiotalar joint is matter of debate. We performed a biomechanical analysis of the impact of fibular osteotomies at different levels and whether the fixation of distal tibiofibular joint mitigates instability caused by the osteotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six lower limb specimens from fresh adult cadavers were used to prepare leg-foot models. The specimens were assigned to six status according to the level of osteotomy and whether fixation of distal tibiofibular joint was performed or not. Each specimen was then loaded axially to 700 N by the material testing machine, and the tibiotalar joint contact area and peak pressure were measured using an electronic pressure sensor.

RESULTS

The contact area and the pressure of tibiotalar joint showed significant changes when compared to the normal specimen. All osteotomy specimens had a decreased tibiotalar contact area and an increased peak pressure. This positively correlated with proximity of level of osteotomy to the lateral malleolus.

CONCLUSIONS

Through this study, we found that fibular osteotomy had an adverse effect in terms of decreasing the contact surface of tibiotalar joint that led to increased peak pressure in the joint. However, bone fusion and screw fixation of the distal tibiofibular joint reduced these adverse effects.

The use of the Taylor spatial frame in adolescent Blount's disease: is fibular osteotomy necessary?

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment of adolescent Blount disease includes proximal tibial osteotomy and osteotomy of the fibula. Some believe that the fibula should also be fixed to prevent migration and subluxation. The purpose of the current study was to examine the results of treatment of patients with adolescent tibia vara treated by tibial osteotomy and Taylor spatial frame (TSF) without fibular osteotomy.

METHODS

Correction of deformities was performed on eight patients (ten tibias) with adolescent Blount disease using TSF. The fibula was not osteotomized in any patient and was not fixed in the last five patients.

RESULTS

All patients had precise anatomical correction of deformities and no problems related to the fibula occurred during or after correction.

CONCLUSION

Based on our experience we believe that placement of the origin at the level of the proximal tibial fibular joint in conjunction with external fixation eliminates the need for fibular osteotomy and the potential morbidity of this procedure in patients with mild to moderate tibia vara.