Scott T. Bleazey

Perioperative Complications of a Modular Stem Fixed-bearing Total Ankle Replacement with Intramedullary Guidance

Despite improved total ankle replacement outcomes, investigators have demonstrated that the incidence of complications after total ankle replacement is a function of the surgeons experience with the technique. We hypothesized that the use of an intramedullary guide during a modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement would decrease the incidence of perioperative complications and produce a similar incidence of complications across time. Because all patients were mobilized early, we also evaluated the influence of early mobilization on wound development. The medical records were reviewed to identify complications, and the radiographs were evaluated to determine the component alignment of the initial 58 consecutive ankles. Major wound complications were defined as complications requiring soft tissue coverage by a plastic surgeon. Minor wound complications were defined as those that could be treated without a return to the operating room. The procedures were separated into 2 groups: the initial 29 procedures (group A) and latter 29 procedures (group B). Eight ankles (14%) had wound complications. The incidence of complications was similar across time [r(s) (56) = -0.06, p = .64]. The incidence of complications and component misalignment was similar for groups A and B (p ≥ .19). All wounds were diagnosed within 15 days of surgery. None of the ankles developed wounds after physical therapy began. These results have demonstrated that the modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement with intramedullary guidance can produce a similar incidence of complications over time, regardless of surgeon experience. Additionally, early mobilization did not appear to influence the incidence of wound complications and should be advocated, when appropriate.

A retrospective analysis evaluating allogeneic cancellous bone sponge for foot and ankle arthrodesis.

The present retrospective case crossover study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety data associated with the use of an allogeneic, cancellous bone sponge in an orthopedic foot and ankle population. We reviewed the medical records of 47 subjects (80 joints) who had undergone foot and/or ankle fusion with the cancellous bone sponge. The records were reviewed up to 12 months postoperatively. The joints included in the present study were 12 ankles, 3 ankle syndesmotic fusions (with concurrent total ankle arthroplasty), 17 subtalar joints, 17 talonavicular joints, 9 calcaneocubiod joints, 1 naviculocuneiform joint, 13 first tarsometatarsal joints, 6 lesser tarsometatarsal joints, and 2 first metatarsophalangeal joints. The endpoints of the present study were solid, sustained foot and ankle fusion, as demonstrated radiographically, and the occurrence of unexpected adverse effects related to the graft. The fusion rates were compared with those reported in other studies. The patient-reported outcome variables for the present study included the visual analog pain scale and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score. The use of a cancellous sponge showed statistically significant improvements in pain and function and comparable or better fusion rates compared with outcomes reported in other published reports.

Evaluating Component Migration After Modular Stem Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement

To date, no studies have evaluated implant migration after implantation of a modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement. The purpose of the present report was to determine the inter-rater and intrarater reliability of our proposed measurement technique and to assess implant migration over time. Twenty consecutive patients (aged 59.3 ± 12.2 years) who had undergone implantation with this modern, third-generation prosthetic were included. To assess implant migration, measurements were made from non-weightbearing, postoperative radiographs immediately after surgery and again at 1 year and 2 years. Implant migration was defined as a change in implant location from the immediate postoperative radiograph. The proposed measurement technique appears to be a reliable method of assessing implant migration, evidenced by the high inter-rater reliability and intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation [2,1] 0.993 and intraclass correlation [1,1] 0.997, respectively). The mean implant migration was 0.7 mm at 1 year and 1.0 mm at 2 years. Time (r = 0.42) and gender (r = 0.31) were significant predictors of implant migration (R(2) = 0.27, p = .008). Therefore, we confirmed our hypothesis that implant migration would significantly increase over time and discovered that implant migration was greater in males (1.2 ± 1.1 mm) than females (0.1 ± 0.8 mm). Given the gross stability of the implant and lack of revision within the follow-up period, the measurements obtained could serve as clinical guidelines for acceptable implant migration in the short term. To determine the thresholds correlated with implant failure, future studies with long-term follow-up are warranted.

Modular Stem Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement: Prospective Results of 23 Consecutive Cases with 3-Year Follow-up

In the present report, the 3-year outcomes of 23 consecutive patients treated with a modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement are described. Pain, functional impairment, and disability were assessed annually using a visual analog scale. Complications and additional procedures also were recorded. Compared with preoperative pain (8.4 ± 1.4), functional impairment (8.7 ± 2.3), and disability (3.0 ± 2.5), there were statistically significant postoperative improvements at 1 year (pain, 2.6 ± 1.6; functional impairment, 3.1 ± 2.1; disability, 0.9 ± 1.2), 2 years (pain, 1.5 ± 1.3; functional impairment, 1.9 ± 1.4; disability, 0.6 ± 1.4), and 3 years (pain, 1.3 ± 1.3; functional impairment, 1.9 ± 1.9; disability, 0.4 ± 0.9; p ≤ .001). Pain, function, and disability significantly improved postoperatively from 1 to 2 years (p ≤ .008) and from 1 to 3 years (p ≤ .008). The reductions in pain, functional impairment, and disability were maintained from 2 to 3 years (p ≥ .08). Nine complications (39.1%) were encountered: 1 deep infection, 2 pulmonary embolisms, 3 wounds, 1 ectopic bone formation, 1 stiff joint, and 1 talar subsidence. In the 3-year follow-up period, 3 patients (13.0%) required additional procedures after the immediate postoperative phase. Our results have demonstrated that modular stem fixed-bearing prostheses can be implanted in a predictable and consistent fashion with resultant improvements in pain, function, and disability. Future studies evaluating the clinical outcomes after modular stem fixed-bearing total ankle replacement are warranted.

Pseudoaneurysm of the Posterior Tibial Artery after Manipulation under Anesthesia of a Total Ankle Replacement

Although pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery has been reported, no investigators have discussed the development of a pseudoaneurysm after manipulation under anesthesia of a total ankle replacement. We present the case of a 59-year-old female with end-stage post-traumatic tibiotalar joint disease who underwent an uneventful INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement. She experienced continued postoperative pain and impingement after physical therapy. Consequently, she underwent manipulation under anesthesia. The manipulation provided complete and immediate pain relief. However, she developed a pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery that required vascular repair. She recovered uneventfully and was ambulating free of pain with improved functionality. Although manipulation under anesthesia of a total ankle replacement is a valuable, noninvasive tool that can provide near-immediate pain relief, it is important to realize that this distal arterial injury, although uncommon, is a possibility.

Role of Demineralized Allograft Subchondral Bone in the Treatment of Shoulder Lesions of the Talus: Clinical Results With Two-Year Follow-Up

Cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus present a considerable challenge for foot and ankle surgeons. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a medial malleolar osteotomy and implantation of demineralized allograft subchondral bone on pain and function 2 years after surgery. For inclusion, patients demonstrated radiographic evidence of a medial cystic full-thickness osteochondral defect of the talus and previously failed microfracture (N = 12). We hypothesized that improvements in pain and disability would be maintained across time. Compared with the preoperative values, 2 years after surgery, pain and disability had significantly reduced (p < .001). Significant reductions had occurred in postoperative pain from 6 months to 1 year (p = .001) and from 6 months to 2 years (p = .005). Similarly, significant reductions had occurred in postoperative disability from 6 months to 1 year (p = .008) and from 6 months to 2 years (p = .03). The reductions in postoperative pain and disability were maintained from 1 year to 2 years (p ≥ .79). Multiple regression analyses identified depression as a predictor of 2-year postoperative pain (R(2) = 0.36, p = .04). No variables were identified as significant predictors of postoperative disability at 2 years. Other than 1 previously reported peroneal deep venous thrombosis, no additional complications occurred. With successful graft incorporation, no inflammatory response, and no additional complications, the allograft subchondral plug appears to successfully treat osteochondral lesions of the talus and maintain improvements in pain and disability at intermediate follow-up.

Technique Tip Percutaneous Fixation of Partial Incongruous Lisfranc Injuries in Athletes

Open reduction with screw fixation is considered the standard surgical approach for injuries of the Lisfranc complex in athletes. However, multiple incisions are required, which increase the risk for postoperative complications. We present a novel percutaneous reduction and solid screw fixation technique that may be a viable option to address partial incongruous injuries of the Lisfranc complex in athletes. At our institution, no intraoperative or postoperative complications have been encountered. Screw breakage did not occur. Reduction of the second metatarsal was considered anatomic across all patients. All patients have returned to their respective sport without limitation. The percutaneous approach appears to decrease complications while the targeting-reduction guide appears to precisely reduce the injury. Consequently, outcomes have been more consistent and predictable. The authors note that this percutaneous approach is specific to partial incongruous injuries of the Lisfranc complex. When presented with more extensive injuries, the authors advocate an open approach. Levels of Evidence: Expert Opinion, Level V

Biologic Augmentation of Foot and Ankle Arthrodeses With an Allogeneic Cancellous Sponge

This case series was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of using an allogeneic cancellous bone sponge for augmentation of foot and ankle arthrodeses. Twenty-five patients were prospectively enrolled in the study prior to undergoing fusion and were then followed for 12 months postoperatively. There were 45 joints: 7 ankles, 12 subtalars, 12 talonaviculars, 6 calcaneocuboids, 1 naviculocuneiform, 6 first tarsometatarsals, and 1 second tarsometatarsal. Patient-reported outcomes of pain (visual analog scale) and function (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score) were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 and 12 months. No complications were noted intraoperatively or during the follow-up period. Three months postoperatively, radiographic osseous union was noted in 52% (13/25) of patients, which further increased to 96% (24/25) of patients at 6 and 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference in union time between joints [H(6)=11.5; P=.08]. Statistically significant improvements in pain (P≤.002) and function (P<.001) were observed across assessments. This study demonstrated that the cancellous bone sponge appears to be a safe and efficacious product. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine if the allogeneic cancellous sponge improves fusion rate, pain, and function.

The Role of Demineralized Allograft Subchondral Bone in the Treatment of Talar Cystic OCD Lesions That Have Failed Microfracture

Cystic talar shoulder defects are particularly challenging osteochondral lesions. A retrospective chart review was performed on 13 adults that previously failed microfracture, presented with medial cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus, and were treated with malleolar osteotomy and subchondral allograft reconstruction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a medial malleolar osteotomy and allograft subchondral bone plug on pain and function. We hypothesized that following surgery, pain and function would significantly improve. Compared with preoperative measures, pain (first step in the morning, during walking, at the end of the day) and function (descending the stairs, ascending the stairs, and ambulating up to 4 blocks) improved postoperatively at 6 and 12 months (P ≤ .001). During each activity, pain improved postoperatively from 6 to 12 months (P ≤ .006). Postoperatively, from 6 to 12 months, the level of disability improved while descending the stairs (P = .004), and the level of disability experienced while ascending the stairs and ambulating up to 4 blocks was maintained (P ≥ .02). Multiple regression analyses identified body mass index as a predictor of preoperative function (R2 = .34, P = .04). No variables were identified as significant predictors of postoperative pain or function. With all osteotomies healing, no graft rejection, and a single deep venous thrombosis, allograft subchondral plugs appear to successfully treat osteochondral lesions of the talus with improvements in pain and function as well as an acceptable complication rate. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective Case Series.