Raju Ahluwalia

Management of Posterior Malleolar Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Posterior malleolar fractures are relatively common and usually result from rotational ankle injuries. Although treatment of associated lateral and medial structures is well established, several controversies exist in the management of posterior malleolus fractures. We performed a systematic review of the current published data with regard to the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of posterior malleolus fractures. A total of 33 studies (8 biomechanical and 25 clinical) with >950 patients were reviewed. The outcome of ankle fractures with posterior malleolar involvement was poor; however, the evidence was not enough to prove that the size of the posterior malleolus affects the outcome. Significant heterogeneity was noted in the cutoff size of the posterior malleolar fragment in determining management. The outcome was related to other factors, such as fracture displacement, congruency of the articular surface, and residual tibiotalar subluxation. Indirect evidence showed that large fracture fragments were associated with fracture dislocations and ankle instability and, thus, might require surgical fixation. We have concluded that the evidence to prove that the size of the posterior malleolar affects the outcome of ankle fractures is not enough, and the decision to treat these fractures should be determined by other factors, as stated previously.

Arthroscopic Evaluation of Impingement and Osteochondral Lesions in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Background: Anterolateral impingement associated with intra-articular synovitis, scarring, and fibrosis is a less recognized feature in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. The aim of our study was to ascertain the incidence of intra-articular synovitis, osteochondral lesions (OCLs), impingement lesions (both intra- and extra-articular), and other associated pathologies in patients undergoing modified Broström-Gould ankle ligament reconstruction. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted modified Broström-Gould ankle ligament reconstruction for symptomatic recurrent ankle instability. Patients who had previous ankle surgery or inflammatory arthropathy were excluded. Ankle arthroscopy was performed prior to reconstruction in all patients. Data were obtained from clinical and radiological records including magnetic resonance imaging scans. Arthroscopic findings were recorded in detail intraoperatively. A total of 100 patients (53 females and 47 males) with an average age of 37 years (range, 15-65 years) were reviewed over a 10-year period. Results: Sixty-three patients (63%) had intra-articular synovitis mostly in the anterior and/or anterolateral compartment, which required arthroscopic debridement. Seventeen patients (17%) were found to have OCLs, and 12 (12%) patients had anterior bony impingement lesions. Conclusion: This study found a high incidence of anterior/anterolateral synovitis in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. However, there was a relatively low incidence of anterior bony impingement lesions or OCLs in our series. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Chronic sinus formation using non absorbable braided suture following open repair of Achilles tendon

This study reports a case of a 34 year old man who sustained an Achilles tendon rupture which was surgically repaired using a non-absorbable suture that was complicated by a deep sinus and chronic infection. Despite antibiotics, surgical debridement and skin grafting, his condition did not resolve. Further imaging revealed a sinus leading to the core suture knot that was eccentrically placed but not buried within the healed tendon repair, and the offending suture was subsequently removed. This case highlights the importance of meticulous surgical technique when performing Achilles tendon repair and a high index of suspicion for early imaging when patients present with chronic wound infection post-operatively. The authors urge surgeons to use routinely use an absorbable non-braided suture, which remains buried within the core when performing Achilles tendon repair.

Undiagnosed severe sleep apnoea and diabetic foot ulceration – a case series based hypothesis: a hitherto under emphasized factor in failure to heal

Although great progress has been made in managing diabetic foot disease, it continues to carry significant morbidity and mortality. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and diabetes frequently coexist and recent studies suggest significant under‐recognition of OSA in those with diabetes. There are no current reports on the direct clinical impact of OSA on acute or chronic diabetic foot ulcer healing.

The Medial Column Fusion Bolt Meta-Analysis of Its Medium Term Results

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot can cause severe bone and joint destruction. The aim of reconstruction is to correct the deformity and achieve bone fusion, in order to provide a plantigrade foot to ambulate with using accommodative footwear. Column beaming using the Medial Column Fusion Bolt (MCB) is a new technique described to stabilize - medial and/or lateral columns. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the outcome of the use of column beaming in treatment of CN. Methods: We performed a search of the English literature for the following search terms: ‘Charcot’, ‘arthropathy’, ‘column bolt’, ‘superconstruct’, ‘intramedullary’, ‘beaming’, ‘rodding’, ‘midfoot fusion’, ‘midfoot arthrodesis and ‘fusion bolt’. We included all the studies published until 2015. Only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, and were identified for evaluation. Results: There were a total of 197 feet in 191 patients 47; average age 58.1 years (29-81 years). Diabetes mellitus was the most common cause of CN (81.8%). The average follow-up duration post-operatively was approximately 30 months (range 3-137 months). Several classification systems were used to grade deformity, implants were commonly combined with other fixation based on the location and severity of the deformity, presence or absence of ulcers and surgeon’s preference. All studies reported improvement in correction of deformities both clinically & radiologically with an associated-loss of correction over the follow-up period. Overall, we observed 49.8% of patients experienced a complication, including screw breakage or migration (33), infection (42), wound dehiscence (20) and peri-prosthetic fractures (4). Resulting in revision and lower than expected fusion rates and recurrent ulceration. Conclusion: The MCB provides excellent correction of deformity, with high-failure-rate. This is especially true if a single-rod is used, as it may not provide enough stability to achieve osseous-fusion, due its inability to provide enough compression, reduce shear stress at bone interfaces when used in isolation. Thus additional-implants in neutralising rotational-instability to achieve a stable ‘‘superconstruct’’ may-avoid implant-failure, recurrent-deformity & high-complication-rates. Further assessment & stratification of CN deformity and implant use must be ascertained prior to definitive conclusions being reached regarding the use of the MCB. Whilst there is significant heterogeneity, current evidence suggests surgeons should use this device with caution.

Creative cutting to contour and correct Hallux bone graft for three planes of correction

Revision surgery for failed hallux rigidus or valgus is fraught because of bone loss at the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. This may be related to infection or rheumatoid arthritis-related destruction, however in most cases this is iatrogenic, as a direct result of previous hallux valgus or hallux rigidus surgery. A first MTP joint arthrodesis is often the method of choice to salvage this situation and improve a patient’s symptoms. If there is minimal bone loss a standard first MTP joint fusion can be undertaken, as slight shortening creates only minimal cosmetic concerns and functional loss. Significant bone loss and shortening however, will lead to a cosmetic deformity and also defunction the first ray. Interpositional bone grafts are used to fill the defect and maintain length. The use of single conical reaming of structural allografts has been shown to permit more degrees of freedom for toe positioning, it is reproducible, with high rates of fusion [1–3]. Interpositional tricortical iliac crest grafts have also been shown to effective in subtalar arthrodesis for the management of late pain and deformity after calcaneal fractures [4]. We outline a novel and simple method of double conical reaming of bone autograft to allow for greater flexibility in positioning of the toe which provides an increased surface area, leading to better apposition compared with previously described methods.

Correction of ankle and hind foot deformity in Charcot neuroarthropathy using a retrograde hind foot nail—The Kings’ Experience

BACKGROUND Corrective fusion for the unstable deformed hind foot and mid foot in Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) is quite challenging and is best done in tertiary centres under the supervision of multidisciplinary teams. METHODS We present a follow up to our initial report with a series of 42 hind foot corrections in 40 patients from a tertiary level teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. The mean patient age was 59 (33-82). 17 patients had type1diabetes mellitus, 23 had type 2. 23 feet in 22 patients had chronic ulceration despite offloading. 17 patients were ASA 2 and 23 were ASA grade 3. All patients had hind foot nail fusion performed through a standard technique by the senior author and managed perioperatively by the multidisciplinary team. RESULTS At a mean follow up of 42 months (12-99) we achieved 100% limb salvage initially and a 97% fusion rate. One patient with persisting non-union of ankle and subtalar joint with difficulty in bracing has been offered below-knee amputation. We achieved deformity correction in 100% and ulcer healing in 83%. 83% patients are able to mobilize and manage independent activities of daily living. There were 11 patients with one or more complications including metal work failure, infection and ulcer reactivation. There have been nine repeat procedures including one revision fixation and one vascular procedure. CONCLUSION Single stage corrective fusion for hind foot deformity in CN is an effective procedure when delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team.

Primary Results of Bone Biopsies in Outpatients with Neuropathic Ulcers: Comparison with Wound Swabs and Superficial Tissue Samples

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Patients with Charcot foot disease often develop ulcers that probe to bone due to progressive deformity and loss of protective sensation. Infection of the ulcers and the underlying bone is common. In order to diagnose and treat osteomyelitis, especially in cases where reconstruction is planned, the pathogen must be isolated. The need for bone debridement and the duration of antibiotic treatment depends on the presence of bone infection. Percutaneous bone biopsies through intact skin is the gold standard for acquisition of samples for cultures. The presence of neuropathy negates the need for anaesthesia and renders biopsies possible in the outpatient setting. In our study we compare the results of bone biopsies with wound swabs and document the safety of the technique in clinic. Methods: Thirty five patients were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were the presence of neuropathy and foot ulcers with exposed bone (Grade 3 University of Texas wound classification). Samples were obtained by three different doctors with aseptic technique through intact skin and sent for cultures. The area of the bone where the sample was taken from was defined by the location of the ulcer, the available imaging and anatomical landmarks. Complications such as bleeding and entry point infection and delayed healing were documented. Superficial ulcer swabs were also obtained for comparison. Results: In 37 patients 2 procedures were abandoned due to pain; otherwise no complications during or after the biopsy were recorded and the procedure duration was 4 minutes at most. There was bacterial growth in 40% of bone biopsy samples, compared to 65.7% of superficial swabs. Cultures were polymicrobial in 35.7% of positive biopsies and 82.6% of positive ulcer swabs. Concordance between bone biopsy and swab results was seen in 16/35 (45.7%) of samples. In 7 patients both tests were negative and in 9 both positive. 7/9 of samples that were positive with both methods grew the same organism. Conclusion: Our study showed that there is poor concordance of the results of the two tests. Wound swabs have high rates of polymicrobial cultures; in comparision bone biopsies are more reliable in confirming a specific microbial organism and dictating the need for and type of antibiotic. Targeted antibiotics can thus be safely used, potentially reducing the complications and the cost of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. The technique of needle bone biopsy is easy, safe and reproducible, and pain is not a limiting factor for in outpatients with neuropathy.

Enhanced Treatment: Examining the clinical and cost implication of combined home care and day-case ankle fracture fixation

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fracture fixation has commonly been undertaken with an inpatient process due to swelling and surgery may not always be conducted on the next available operating list. In the UK there has been a move over the last 5 years to manage many trauma cases semi-electively and within the day case departments, to give patients more choice in their treatment. We conducted a study looking at the impact of a home therapy ankle pathway combined with day case- surgery on the length of stay and safety of patients with ankle fractures requiring surgical fixation conducted by group consultant trauma surgeons and their teams. Methods: Patients were assessed in two periods from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016; all patients were placed in a plaster of paris back slab in casualty with the ankle reduced, limb care advice given – elevation, cooling and DVT thromboprophylaxis. A group of patients were assessed for home therapy and day case surgery and were then discharged home on crutches after a slot was determined on a rapid access trauma list typically six days later. Patients who were not suitable for home therapy were excluded from review. We compared two cohorts of patients with weber B fractures whom choose surgical fixation, which would have been suitable for both day case and in-patient care over a 12-month period. We performed a prospective audit of the cases undertaken and analysis of the number of cases, complications and the cost benefits Results: 143-patients identified; 21 patients identified for home-therapy & day-case, and 32 patients for inpatient management. Within home-care & day case group: 1-tri-malleolar-fracture, 11-bi-malleolar fractures and 9-uni-malleolar and within inpatient group there were a similar mixture of fracture patterns. Time-to-surgery for inpatient management was 2.38 (1-16d) days; length of stay was 4.94 days (2-31d). Home-care & day-case time to surgery was 5.8 days (2-7). No patient admitted following surgery. All patients followed to pre-morbid ambulation levels. One DVT confirmed in the inpatient group no-wound-complications or failures of fixation reported. A mean 1.5 hrs operating time was required (59.3 min tourniquet time); day-case-surgery is £228 per patient cheaper than in- patient surgery. Cost efficiency based on 4.94 bed-day-improvement is 158 bed-days a cost-saving of £1,235 per patient. Conclusion: We believe home-care and day-case ankle fracture surgery is both valid and cost effective in optimizing the management of the appropriate ankle fractures without any significant rise in co-morbidity. For the patient there is little difference in waiting times and a pre planned surgical episode can give them flexibility to plan their treatment. The total potential saving per patient to the health care provider could be approx. £1,486 per patient. Furthermore, in our healthcare system it reduces demand for inpatient beds, provides significant cost savings for the provider and improves patient satisfaction due to choice and reduction wasted bed days

The Evaluation of SPECT-CT in the Early Management of Acute Charcot Osteoarthropathy (CN)

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Charcot osteooarthropathy (CN) is a debilitating condition afflicting the bone, soft tissue and joints of foot and ankle and is related to pain insensitivity. Its pathogenesis and natural progression is poorly understood. In patients with high clinical suspicion, treatment with immediate off-loading and immobilisation may halt and (help to) reverse or prevent deformity. We aim to establish the role of SPECT CT in the diagnosis of acute charcot osteoarthropathy of the red swollen foot prior to radiographic changes and assess its reliability in diagnostic accuracy and guiding treatment. Methods: A prospective, observational review of all patients presenting to the multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic from 1st Jan 2009 to 1st Jan 2013 with clinically suspected acute active charcot arthropathy was performed. All patients with a high clinical suspicion of acute CN and normal radiographs, underwent SPECT-CT within 10 days of the assessment after emergency off-loading in a TCC. A positive SPECT CT scan for new onset acute CN was diagnosed if radioisotope uptake was seen in all 3 phases of scanning. Further CT fusion images provided localization of ongoing activity. All patients were followed up for 1-year or until treatment ceased and treated in concordance with clinical symptoms and SPECT CT imaging. Results: In total 137 patients were referred or self referred with a high suspicion of new onset acute CN. The majority being diabetic (98%), including 116 unilaterally symptomatic feet with normal radiographs; 86 were consequently positively confirmed on SPECT-CT CN; 15 new ‘diabetic’ fractures were diagnosed on the CT component. At 1 year – only 5 patients went on to develop radiological changes consistent with charcot arthropathy even with accepted off loading in TCC. Thirty negative scans were recorded where no triple phase trace response & localisation was uni-focal or not associated with skeletal structures. Differential diagnosis included cellulitis, degenerative changes, old fractures, and planter fasciitis were made. At 1-year none of the patients were found to have developed CN in neither in the form of foot deformity nor radiological evidence of fragmentation or loss of normal bone anatomy. Conclusion: A combination of symptoms including swelling, pain and/or heat, positive three phase tracer uptake and localisation on SPECT CT can identify and aid the management of acute active CN in radiographically normal feet. Positive scans seem to identify an intermediate grade of charcot arthropathy where cortical fractures have occurred with significant subchondral bone turnover. A negative scan excludes high-risk feet for CN confidently and thus can direct treatment. We find SPECT CT a valuable addition to the armamentarium of the treating physician in instituting off loading to prevent the possible progression and onset of deformity and avoiding unnecessary treatment.