Ankle arthritis affects approximately 1% of the adult population worldwide and represents a serious global disease burden. However, compared with hip arthritis and knee arthritis, the clinical understanding and treatment of ankle arthritis are still in their infancy. For end-stage ankle arthritis, ankle arthrodesis was considered as the “gold standard” in the past. However, ankle arthrodesis will result in loss of joint mobility, altered gait, limited daily activities, and accelerated degeneration of adjacent joints. Therefore, how to preserve the range of motion of the ankle joint while relieving pain is the key to the treatment of ankle arthritis. Currently, the surgical treatment of ankle arthritis includes arthroscopic debridement, periarticular osteotomies, osteochondral transplantation, ankle distraction arthroplasty, ankle arthrodesis, and total ankle arthroplasty. The choice of treatment should be individualized and based on various factors such as the patient’s symptoms, signs, imaging performance, complaints, and financial situation. However, there are no guidelines that give clear treatment recommendations. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct extensive and in-depth discussions on the diagnosis and treatment of ankle arthritis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the Ilizarov technique for the treatment of traumatic talipes equinovarus so as to provide the evidence for the clinical practice. MethodsBetween February 2011 and April 2012,42 patients with traumatic talipes equinovarus received treatment by Ilizarov technique,including 29 males and 13 females aged 17-55 years (mean,34.3 years).The left side was involved in 24 cases,and the right side in 18 cases.The disease duration was 6 months to 6 years (mean,2.7 years).According to the principles of Ilizarov,a ring external fixator was applied on the affected foot and lower leg.The threaded rods and screw nuts were revolved according to the tolerance of patients at 3-7 days after fixation.At first,forefoot varus or foot inversion was corrected,and then drooping feet deformity was corrected.The patients were encouraged to begin weight-bearing walking after correction.X-ray films were taken regularly to observe the ankle joint and avoid its dislocation.The external fixator was maintained in neutral position for 8-12 weeks after achieving satisfactory correction.An walking ankle-foot orthosis and a sleeping ankle-foot orthosis were used for more than 16 weeks after removal of the fixator.The outcome was assessed with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) comprehensive scoring system and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. ResultsForty-two patients were followed up 14.3 months on average (range,10-24 months).All the patients achieved 0° dorsiflexion at 4-13 weeks (mean,6.8 weeks) after treatment with Ilizarov apparatus.The fixator was maintained for 10.7 weeks on average (range,10-16 weeks) after correction.No dislocation of the ankle joint and no damage to nerves and blood vessels occurred.The deformity of plantar flexion (10°) was found in 3 patients.At last follow-up,the patients could walk normally.AOFAS score was significantly increased to 93.4±8.0 from 52.7±10.1 at preoperation (t=-7.035,P=0.008);according to AOFAS scoring system,24 cases were grades as excellent,14 as good,2 as moderate,and 2 as poor,and the excellent and good rate was 90.5%.The VAS score of the foot significantly decreased to 3.51±1.44 from 7.55±1.39 at preoperation (t=-0.564,P=0.025). ConclusionIlizarov technique combined with non-fusion has satisfactory effectiveness in correction of traumatic talipes equinovarus.It is a safe,effective,and minimally invasive method.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of ankle arthrodesis by ankle osteotomy-tool. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the data of 38 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis undergoing ankle arthrodesis between February 2009 and March 2012. There were 24 males and 14 females, with an average age of 67 years (range, 40-85 years). The left ankle was involved in 18 cases and the right ankle in 20 cases. There were 20 cases of post-traumatic arthritis, 7 cases of avascular necrosis of talus, 5 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 5 cases of primary osteoarthritis, and 1 case of post infective arthritis. The disease duration ranged 3.2-6.1 years (mean, 4.7 years). The ankle osteotomy-tool was used to remove the joint surfaces, and proximal humeral locking plate combined with compression screws were used for internal fixation. ResultsThe operation time was 40-90 minutes (mean, 60 minutes). The healing of incisions by first intention was obtained in the other cases except 1 case of superficial infection, which was cured after dressing change. Thirty-eight patients were followed up 10 to 36 months (mean, 23 months). The ankles in 4 patients started to swell repeatedly when they walked early after operation and the swelling subsided at 1 year after rehabilitation therapy. The X-ray films showed that bone fusion was obtained at 12 weeks after operation on average (range, 10-19 weeks). No internal fixation failure or malunion occurred. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was improved significantly from 43.11±17.49 at preoperation to 85.03±13.17 at last follow-up (t=14.412, P=0.000). The short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) showed that physical component summary score was increased significantly from preoperative 54.30±12.32 to postoperative 77.95±8.21 (t=7.723, P=0.000), and mental component summary score was significantly increased from preoperative 63.16±8.30 to postoperative 77.05±10.12 (t=2.523, P=0.021). According to the patients' satisfaction, 32 patients were very satisfied, 5 patients were satisfied, and 1 patient was not satisfied. The subjective satisfaction of patients was 97.37%. ConclusionAnkle arthrodesis by lateral malleolus osteotomy with ankle osteotomy-tool and internal fixation using proximal humeral locking plate and compression screws has the advantages of simple operation, less complications, rigid fixation, and high fusion rate. It may obtain a good short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of full repair strategy under small incision in the treatment of closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of 57 patients with closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture treated by full repair strategy (fracture, ligament, and cartilage repair) under small incision between January 2012 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 26 females, with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 21-65 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 33 cases and falling injury in 24 cases. All of them were closed fractures, including 20 cases of medial malleolus fracture, 37 cases of complete medial malleolus but deep and shallow rupture of deltoid ligament. The average time from injury to admission was 9.6 hours (range, 3-34 hours). The quality of reduction of distal tibial articular surface (based on Ketz-Sanders standard), the reduction of tibiofibular syndesmosis (the anterior and posterior distances of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the lateral ankle twist angle measured by CT scan at 10 mm above the ankle joint line), and the fracture healing were evaluated. The medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL) were measured on the X-ray films of ankle points. Before and after operation, the pain and functional improvement of ankle joint were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score, and the activities of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were measured.ResultsThree cases with osteochondral lesions of the talus were found during operation and all were treated with microfracture techniques. Tournament paralysis occurred in 2 cases after anesthesia. The surgical incisions healed by first intention in all patients. All the 57 patients were followed up 24-84 months, with an average of 38.6 months. All patients achieved bone healing without bone nonunion and malunion at 12 months after operation. The reduction quality of distal tibial articular surface was excellent in 56 cases and good in 1 case at 3 months after operation, the excellent and good rate was 100%. There was no significant difference in the MCS, TFCS, DFTL, anterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, posterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, and lateral ankle twist angle between the affected and healthy sides at 12 months after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS score, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities of the affected side were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy side, there was no significant difference in ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities (P>0.05).ConclusionFull-repair strategy under small incisions for the treatment of Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture is effective and safe. It can not only reduce wound complications, but also improve the quality of joint reduction of the ankle joint and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Full repair of ligaments and cartilage can improve the internal fixation strength and joint stability of the ankle joint.
Objective To summarize the role of Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels in the osteoarticular system, in order to provide reference for subsequent research. Methods Extensive literature review was conducted to summarize the structural characteristics, gating mechanisms, activators and blockers of Piezo ion channels, as well as their roles in the osteoarticular systems. Results The osteoarticular system is the main load-bearing and motor tissue of the body, and its ability to perceive and respond to mechanical stimuli is one of the guarantees for maintaining normal physiological functions of bones and joints. The occurrence and development of many osteoarticular diseases are closely related to abnormal mechanical loads. At present, research shows that Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels differentiate towards osteogenesis by responding to stretching stimuli and regulating cellular Ca2+ influx signals; and it affects the proliferation and migration of osteoblasts, maintaining bone homeostasis through cellular communication between osteoblasts-osteoclasts. Meanwhile, Piezo1 protein can indirectly participate in regulating the formation and activity of osteoclasts through its host cells, thereby regulating the process of bone remodeling. During mechanical stimulation, the Piezo1 ion channel maintains bone homeostasis by regulating the expressions of Akt and Wnt1 signaling pathways. The sensitivity of Piezo1/2 ion channels to high strain mechanical signals, as well as the increased sensitivity of Piezo1 ion channels to mechanical transduction mediated by Ca2+ influx and inflammatory signals in chondrocytes, is expected to become a new entry point for targeted prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. But the specific way mechanical stimuli regulate the physiological/pathological processes of bones and joints still needs to be clarified. Conclusion Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels give the osteoarticular system with important abilities to perceive and respond to mechanical stress, playing a crucial mechanical sensing role in its cellular fate, bone development, and maintenance of bone and cartilage homeostasis.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-term effectiveness of Hyprocure subtalar stabilization for adolescent flexible flatfoot. MethodsBetween December 2013 and September 2015, 14 cases (26 feet) of adolescent flexible flatfoot were treated with Hyprocure subtalar stabilization. There were 10 males (18 feet) and 4 females (8 feet) with the average age of 14.5 years (range, 12-18 years). There were 12 cases (24 feet) of congenital flatfoot and 2 cases (2 feet) of flatfoot caused by neurological diseases. The preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was 4.2±0.4; the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and foot function score was 72.2±12.3. Simple Hyprocure subtalar stabilization was used in 8 feet, and a combination of minimally invasive percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening or gastrocnemius lysis, preposing of posterior tibial tendon and spring ligament tightening surgery, or open dorsal medial cuneiform osteotomy and bone graft in 18 feet. The VAS score and AOFAS ankle and foot function score were used to evaluate the effectiveness. The talus-the first metatarsal angle (T1MT), the talus-the second metatarsal angle (T2MT), and talonavicular coverage angle (TCA) were measured on the anteroposterior X-ray film; the Meary's angle, calcaneal inclination angle (CI), and the talar declination (TD) were measured on the lateral X-ray film. ResultsAll incisions healed well. Two cases (2 feet) had tarsal sinus pain, which was cured after symptomatic treatment. All patients were followed up 5-24 months (mean, 14.5 months). Pain was obviously relieved. At last follow-up, VAS score was significantly decreased to 1.4±0.3 (t=27.676, P=0.000). AOFAS ankle and foot function score was significantly increased to 94.5±10.8 (t=7.765, P=0.000). The postoperative X-ray film showed that medial arch was elevated after the Hyprocure subtalar stabilization was placed in tarsal sinus. At last follow-up, the T1MT, T2MT, TCA, Meary's angle, and TD were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P < 0.05); CI has no significant improvement (t=0.109, P=0.598). ConclusionHyprocure subtalar stabilization is simple, effective for adolescent flexible flatfoot, the short-term effectiveness is good. But the indications should be strictly controlled, treatment should be individualized, corresponding auxiliary soft tissue and bone surgery is needed. The long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treatment of acute and delayed occult Lisfranc injuries.MethodsA retrospective review of 26 patients with occult Lisfranc injuries who were treated with ORIF between July 2010 and July 2015 was applied. Fourteen patients were treated within 6 weeks after injury (acute group) and 12 patients were treated after 6 weeks of injury (delayed group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, affected sides, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and physical and mental scores of Study Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) (P<0.05). The joint reduction, internal fixator, and traumatic osteoarthritis were observed by X-ray films. The pain degree, midfoot function, and quality of life were evaluated with VAS score, AOFAS score, and physical and mental scores of SF-12.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention with no complications. All patients were followed up with the mean follow-up time of 15 months (range, 12-24 months) in acute group and 15 months (range, 12-23 months) in delayed group. At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS score, and physical and mental scores of SF-12 were superior to those before operation in the two groups (P<0.05). And there was no significant difference in all indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). The satisfaction rates were 100% and 83.3% (10/12) in acute group and delayed group, respectively. The internal fixators were removed in 20 patients (11 cases in acute group and 9 cases in delayed group) at 9-24 months after operation (mean, 14.5 months). The results of X-ray films showed no traumatic osteoarthritis, midfoot collapse, internal fixation failure, or reduction loss during follow-up period.ConclusionORIF is an ideal method for both acute and delayed occult Lisfranc injuries and can obtain the similar effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of lesion clearance combined with Ilizarov technique for the treatment of tophi in first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with bone defect.MethodsBetween July 2016 and June 2018, 14 cases of tophi in the first MTP joint with bone defect were treated by lesion clearance combined with Ilizarov technique. There were 12 males and 2 females. The average age was 39.3 years (range, 22-60 years). The disease duration ranged from 5 to 15 years, with an average of 11.2 years. The tophi volume ranged from 2.5 cm×2.7 cm×2.2 cm to 5.2 cm×2.9 cm×2.4 cm. The X-ray films showed that the length of the bone defect ranged from 2.0 to 4.6 cm, with an average of 3.4 cm. Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.6±0.9; American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 47.5±4.3; short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) score was 79.7±4.7.ResultsThe incision primarily healed in 13 patients after operation. The skin necrosis at the edge of the incision occurred in 1 patient and recovered after symptomatic treatment. All 14 patients were followed up 12-16 months, with an average of 13.6 months. X-ray films showed that the first metatarsal column defects were repaired. The time of bone extension ranged from 2 to 6 weeks, with an average of 3.6 weeks. The time of bone healing ranged from 9 to 16 weeks, with an average of 11.2 weeks. During follow-up, no complication such as nerve, blood vessel, or tendon injury, needle tract infection, or stress fracture occurred. At last follow-up, VAS score was 1.4±0.5, AOFAS score was 86.6±4.8, and SF-36 score was 89.1±3.3, all of which were superior to preoperative scores, with significant differences (t=22.532, P=0.000; t=22.702, P=0.000; t=6.124, P=0.000).ConclusionLesion clearance combined with Ilizarov technique is a safe and effective method for the treatment of tophi in the first MTP joint with bone defect.