Ronny Lopes

High Rate of Ceramic Sandwich Liner Fracture

BackgroundCeramic bearing surfaces for THA were introduced to reduce the risk of wear. However, owing to liner fracture in some of the early series and presumption that the fractures were the result of the modulus mismatch of the implant and the bone, a ceramic sandwich liner with lower structural rigidity was introduced. Fractures of these devices also were reported subsequently, although the incidence is unclear and it is unknown whether there are any risk factors associated with the fractures.Questions/purposesWe therefore determined the incidence of these fractures.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 298 active patients in whom we implanted 353 ceramic-polyethylene sandwich liner acetabular components between November 1999 and February 2008. The mean age of the patients was 53.6 years (range, 17–84 years). The minimum followup was 6 months (mean, 41 months; range, 6–106 months). All patients were assessed clinically and radiographically.ResultsSeven of the 353 (2%) ceramic sandwich liners fractured at a mean of 4.3 years (range, 1.3–7.6 years) after surgery without trauma. Neither patient-related factors nor radiographic position of the implants were risk factors for fracture.ConclusionsOwing to the high rate of fractures of the sandwich ceramic polyethylene liners in our patients, we have discontinued use of this device.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis

Arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis is gaining in popularity based on evidence of bone fusion in over 90% of cases, with a shorter time to healing, a simpler postoperative course, and fewer complication compared to open surgery. Two arthroscopic techniques have been reported: one with the patient in lateral decubitus and lateral portals and the other with the patient prone and posterior portals. The objective of this technical note is to describe these two techniques, with emphasis on the specific characteristics of each.

Arthroscopic classification of chronic anterior talo-fibular ligament lesions in chronic ankle instability

BACKGROUND The surgical treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI) relies chiefly on anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) repair (with or without augmentation) or anatomical reconstruction with a tendon graft. Arthroscopy enables not only a complete assessment and the same-stage treatment of concomitant articular lesions, but also an accurate assessment of ligament lesions. Pre-operative imaging studies (MRI, CT, US) may fail to provide sufficient detail about chronic ATFL lesions to guide the decision between repair and reconstruction. The aim of this study was to develop an arthroscopic classification of chronic ATFL lesions designed to assist in selecting the optimal surgical technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-nine anterior ankle arthroscopy videos recorded before surgery for CAI were studied retrospectively. ATFL dissection was performed in all patients. Based on the video analysis, five ATFL grades were identified: 0, normal ATFL thickness and tension; 1, ATFL distension with normal thickness; 2, ATFL avulsion with normal thickness; 3, thin ATFL with no resistance during the hook test; and 4, no ATFL, with a bald malleolus. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the arthroscopic classification of chronic ATFL lesions was evaluated by computing the kappa coefficients (κ) after assessment by two independent observers. RESULTS All 69 ATFLs were classified as abnormal (none was grade 0). Each ATFL could be matched to a grade. Intra-observer agreement was good for both observers: κ was 0.67 with 75% of agreement for one observer and 0.68 with 76% of agreement for the other observer. Inter-observer agreement was fair to good, with κ values ranging from 0.59 to 0.88 and agreement from 70% to 91%. DISCUSSION Arthroscopic ATFL dissection is a simple procedure that provides a highly accurate assessment of ATFL lesions and mechanical resistance, focussing chiefly on the superior ATFL. Grade 1 and 2 lesions can be repaired using the Broström-Gould procedure, whereas grade 3 and 4 lesions require anatomic reconstruction with grafting. CONCLUSION This arthroscopic classification of chronic ATFL lesions confirms the diagnostic role for arthroscopy in assessing the ligaments in patients with CAI. It is helpful for determining the best surgical technique for stabilising the ankle. These results must be confirmed in a larger study.

Agreement between arthroscopic and imaging study findings in chronic anterior talo-fibular ligament injuries

BACKGROUND Imaging studies done to evaluate chronic ankle instability (CAI) often fail to accurately detail injuries to the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) and may, therefore, also fail to provide guidance for selecting the most appropriate surgical procedure. Arthroscopy is now an indispensable tool for accurately diagnosing ATFL injuries. This study looked at agreement between arthroscopy and imaging study assessments of ATFL injuries. The primary objective was to adapt an arthroscopic classification of chronic ATFL lesions to the pre-operative imaging study findings in order to estimate the performance of computed tomography (CT)-arthrography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing ATFL lesions, using arthroscopy as the reference standard. HYPOTHESIS Agreement between arthroscopic and imaging findings of chronic ATFL injuries can be assessed by using a shared classification developed from the arthroscopic evaluation, used as the reference standard. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective multicentre study was conducted in 286 patients with arthroscopically-treated CAI. In each patient, the arthroscopic assessment of the ATFL was compared to the pre-operative findings by CT-arthrography, ultrasonography, and MRI. A classification of ATFL lesions based on the arthroscopic assessment was used to analyse the imaging studies. Using this classification, two independent observers compared the findings and evaluated the agreement between arthroscopy and imaging studies. RESULTS Of the 286 patients, 157 had complete information on the arthroscopic assessment and on pre-operative imaging studies and were included in the analysis. Imaging studies were CT-arthrography in 49 patients, ultrasonography in 63 patients, and MRI in 45 patients; both ultrasonography and MRI were performed in 3 patients. Agreement with arthroscopy was 82% and 88.5% for CT-arthrography, 66.7% and 76.2% for ultrasonography, 70.5% and 79.5% for MRI, and 73.4% and 81.2% for all imaging studies pooled. DISCUSSION Arthroscopy plays a crucial role in the definitive assessment of ligament lesions in patients with CAI, as it supplies far more accurate information than any of the current imaging studies and, in addition, provides a dynamic evaluation of the ligaments and assesses mechanical strength. In the study population, a simple arthroscopic evaluation consistently visualised ATFL lesions, thereby either correcting or confirming the pre-operative imaging study findings. Importantly, the arthroscopic assessment provided more accurate information on the lesions and quality of the ATFL compared to the imaging studies. Arthroscopy has improved our knowledge of chronic ATFL lesions and allowed the development of a simple but accurate four-grade classification of direct relevance to choosing the optimal therapeutic procedure. This classification must be disseminated among radiologists to improve the diagnostic performance of pre-operative imaging studies, assist surgeons in selecting the most appropriate ankle-stabilising procedure, and improve patient information. Further studies are needed to confirm the promising results reported here and the usefulness of this common arthroscopy and imaging-study classification for chronic ATFL lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.

Arthroscopic treatment of chronic ankle instability: Prospective study of outcomes in 286 patients

BACKGROUND Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is the main complication of ankle sprains and requires surgery if non-operative treatment fails. Surgical ankle stabilisation techniques can be roughly classified into two groups, namely, repair involving retensioning and suturing of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and reconstruction using a tendon graft. Arthroscopic repair and reconstruction techniques for CAI have been introduced recently. The objective of this prospective multicentre study was to assess the feasibility, morbidity, and short-term outcomes of these arthroscopic ankle-stabilisation techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS Consecutive patients scheduled for arthroscopic treatment of CAI were included prospectively. Of the 286 included patients, 115 underwent ligament repair and 171 ligament reconstruction. Mean follow-up was 9.6 months (range, 6-43 months). We recorded the AOFAS and Karlsson scores, patient satisfaction, complications, and time to return to sports. RESULTS The overall patient satisfaction score was 8.5/10. The AOFAS and Karlsson scores improved significantly between the pre- and postoperative assessments, from 62.1 to 89.2 and from 55 to 87.1, respectively. These scores were not significantly different between the groups treated by repair and by reconstruction. Neurological complications occurred in 10% of patients and consisted chiefly in transient dysesthesia (with neuroma in 3.5% of patients). Cutaneous or infectious complications requiring surgical revision developed in 4.2% of patients. DISCUSSION Arthroscopic treatment is becoming a method of choice for patients with CAI, as it allows a comprehensive assessment of the ligament lesions, the detection and treatment of associated lesions, and repair or reconstruction of the damaged ligaments. These simple, reliable, and reproducible arthroscopic techniques seem as effective as conventional surgical techniques. The rate of cutaneous complications is at least halved compared to open surgery. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic ankle stabilisation repair and reconstruction techniques hold considerable promise but require further evaluation to better determine the indications of repair versus reconstruction and to obtain information on long-term outcomes.

Non-anatomical or direct anatomical repair of chronic lateral instability of the ankle: A systematic review of the literature after at least 10 years of follow-up

INTRODUCTION A lateral ankle sprain is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation at the emergency trauma unit. Numerous surgical procedures have been described with long-term outcomes that differ. HYPOTHESIS The long-term results of anatomical repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular (CFL) ligament are better, with less secondary radiological osteoarthritis than non-anatomical repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS A review of the literature after a minimum follow-up of 10 years was performed to analyze the clinical and radiological results of direct anatomical repair (Broström, Duquennoy) and non-anatomical repair (Watson Jones, Evans, Castaing). Thirteen articles were selected. RESULTS Eight hundred and one ankles were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 15.3 years. The functional outcome was better after anatomical repair but with recurrent instability. Loss of range of motion and secondary osteoarthritis was more frequent after non-anatomical repair. CONCLUSION Anatomical repair of the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle resulted in a better functional outcome and less secondary osteoarthritis than non-anatomical repair. STUDY DESIGN Review of the literature; level of proof IV.